If you have an ignition problem with your HVAC system, it can be frustrating not knowing the root cause. Is it a faulty part? Or perhaps you need a whole new system. Before you start panicking, know that there are a few issues that commonly cause ignition problems. This article explains four of them so you can better understand what's causing the issue—and, more importantly, how the heating contractor can help fix it.

1. Faulty Flame Sensor 

If you've ever had your furnace fail to ignite, you know how frustrating it can be. Fortunately, most ignition problems are caused by a simple flame sensor malfunction. The flame sensor is a small component that monitors the burner to ensure a flame is present. If the sensor is dirty or damaged, it may fail to detect the flame, causing the furnace to shut down. In most cases, cleaning or replacing the sensor will resolve the problem. However, if the Ignition board itself is damaged, a heating contractor may recommend an upgrade.

2. Furnace Lockout

Now that winter is settling in, and temperatures are dropping, you're probably relying on your furnace to keep your home warm and comfortable. But what happens if your furnace suddenly won't start? One possible cause of furnace ignition problems is something called furnace lockout. This is when the furnace turns itself off due to a safety issue, such as overheating or excessive pressure. If your furnace is experiencing a lockout, your heating contractor will need to reset the system and ensure the safety issue has been resolved.

3. Cracked Heat Exchanger 

A cracked heat exchanger is another possible cause of ignition problems. The work of the heat exchanger is to transfer heat from the burning gases to the air passing through the furnace. If it's cracked, those gases can escape and contaminate your home's air supply - which poses a serious health risk to you and your family. If your heat exchanger is cracked, you'll need to have it replaced by a professional heating contractor. 

4. Pilot Light Issues 

If your furnace has electronic ignition, chances are you won't have to deal with pilot light issues very often. But if you have an older furnace with a standing pilot light, then pilot light issues are one of the most common causes of ignition problems. A strong draft can easily blow out a Pilot light, making it hard for the furnace to be ignited. Your heating contractor will likely recommend upgrading to electronic ignition to put an end to this problem.  

The next time you experience an ignition problem with your HVAC system, be sure to contact a heating contractor. They will be able to resolve the issue and get your system up and running again in no time.

Reach out to an HVAC contractor for more information.