When the weather in Tulare starts cooling down in the fall, you expect your home furnace to keep things warm and comfortable. But what happens when the system kicks on, the burners light for a moment, and then suddenly shut off? A furnace that won’t stay lit is more than just frustrating — it can leave your family feeling cold and uncomfortable through the evenings.
There are a few reasons why this might be happening, and figuring out what’s causing the issue can help you avoid bigger, more expensive problems down the road. From dirty components to minor electrical problems, understanding what’s behind the failure can save time and stress. Knowing the right moment to bring in our technicians for help is just as important.
Common Causes of Furnace Ignition Problems
A furnace that doesn’t stay lit is dealing with some type of disruption in its ignition or safety response system. This can be related to how the burners function, how the flame is detected, or even the planner of it all — the thermostat. Here’s a closer look at a few of the most common reasons a furnace may fail to stay lit.
1. Dirty or Clogged Burners
Over time, burners can collect dust, rust, or other debris, especially if the furnace has been off since last season. When that happens, they might not deliver a steady flame or ignite at all. The system usually detects the improper flame and shuts off for safety.
2. Faulty Pilot Light or Igniter
Older furnaces use a pilot light, while newer ones use electronic igniters. If the pilot light won’t stay lit or the igniter doesn’t spark properly, the main burners won’t engage or won’t stay on. This usually triggers a shutdown to prevent gas from building up inside the system.
3. Malfunctioning Flame Sensor
The flame sensor is a safety part that tells the system whether a flame is present. If it’s dirty or not reading correctly, it might signal that there’s no flame when there actually is — causing the system to shut off the gas supply.
4. Thermostat or Electrical Issues
Sometimes the issue lies in the communication between the thermostat and the furnace. A short circuit, loose connection, or incorrect setting can cause the system to misread temperatures or cycle improperly.
Each of these problems can cause the furnace to start up and then quickly shut back down. That quick on-off pattern can wear down internal components and make the situation worse if ignored.
DIY Checks and Simple Fixes
When your furnace won’t stay on, there are a few basic things you can check safely at home before calling our professionals. These steps don’t involve disassembling parts or messing with the gas line but can still help rule out minor issues.
Here are a few simple things to look at:
– Check your thermostat settings. Make sure it’s set to heat and the temperature is above the current room temperature. Replace the batteries if your thermostat uses them.
– Turn your furnace off and inspect the air filter. A clogged filter blocks airflow, which can cause the system to overheat and shut down. Replacing it regularly helps prevent this.
– Look at the furnace panel. If it has a small window and flashing light, count the number of flashes. This code can sometimes point to the issue and is listed on the inside of the access panel.
– Listen during startup. For example, if you hear the burner click on and ignite, then quickly turn off, that may suggest the flame sensor needs cleaning or replacing.
– Reset the furnace if there’s a reset switch or breaker that’s tripped. Just be careful not to keep resetting it without resolving the cause.
Try these steps only when you’re confident about safety and you’re not opening up sealed areas. If none of these actions get your furnace working properly, then it’s time to rely on our technicians to troubleshoot the system. Some issues, like faulty igniters or control boards, need professional tools and certified repair knowledge.
When to Call for Professional Help
If your furnace still won’t stay lit after basic checks, it’s time to bring in our professionals. Many deeper problems are simply not safe or practical to fix without the right training or tools. A lot of the system’s components are tied to gas, electricity, or both, and guessing through those repairs can lead to bigger malfunctions — or worse, create a hazard in your home.
Some of the most common signs that professional repair is necessary include:
– The furnace turns on and off frequently but won’t hold steady heat
– The igniter clicks without lighting the burners, or the burners light but shut off after a few seconds
– The pilot light won’t stay on, or the electronic ignition fails to cycle properly
– You notice odd smells, burning dust that lingers, or anything that seems unusual during startup
– The system doesn’t respond to correct thermostat input or can’t maintain the set temperature
These may point to issues like failing control boards, damaged wiring, or unsafe gas flow problems. None of these can be fixed reliably without the proper equipment and experience. What may seem like a simple part swap can often be tied to a larger underlying malfunction. Trusting our technicians ensures proper diagnostics and that the unit is restored to safe working order. Ignoring smaller problems can cause costly damage to the heat exchanger or motor down the line.
Maintaining Your Furnace for a Trouble-Free Fall
The best fix for an unreliable furnace is often prevention. Keeping your system in good shape throughout the year reduces the chance of facing those annoying start-and-stop frustrations when fall hits. Basic maintenance helps keep airflow steady, ignition parts clean, and sensors working as they should.
Solid furnace upkeep should include:
– Replacing or cleaning the air filter once every 1 to 3 months, depending on use
– Vacuuming dust and debris from around vents and return air ducts
– Making sure vents aren’t blocked by furniture or clutter
– Scheduling a full system inspection with our technicians every fall before the cold hits
– Keeping the area around your furnace clear of storage boxes or items that could restrict ventilation
Think of it like your car. Skipping oil changes doesn’t always cause an immediate issue, but the longer you go without maintenance, the more damage you build up over time. One Tulare homeowner, for example, found their furnace kept shutting off due to an overheating issue. They hadn’t replaced the air filter in over a year, and the blocked filter was triggering a high-limit safety switch. A quick filter swap made a big difference — but regular care would’ve stopped the problem from starting in the first place.
Staying on top of these small tasks makes the system more energy-efficient and catches worn-out parts long before they fail.
Ensuring Comfort in Tulare This Fall
A furnace that won’t stay lit is more than an inconvenience — it’s a warning sign you shouldn’t ignore. Whether it’s a dirty sensor or a wiring issue, getting ahead of heating problems early can prevent a full shutdown when you need heat the most. Even if your system eventually re-lights or restarts, constant short cycling puts extra wear on the internal components and increases the risk of complete failure.
Tulare homeowners should take ignition issues seriously. While some simple checks may help with minor problems, there’s a limit to what can be done without the right tools and HVAC experience. Waiting too long can turn a small part issue into a major service call — or worse, a full replacement. Getting your furnace checked and serviced while it’s still fall gives you more control and fewer surprises when temperatures drop further.
If your furnace poses ongoing issues that affect your home’s comfort, trust De Ochoa Heating and Air Conditioning to deliver reliable solutions. When you need expert furnace repair in Tulare, our technicians are ready to safely diagnose and fix the problem so you can enjoy consistent heat. For a quick estimate or to book a service visit, please contact us today.