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A Simple Guide to Furnace Ignition Failure

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A Simple Guide to Furnace Ignition Failure

Posted On: November 4, 2024

A Simple Guide to Furnace Ignition Failure

Here’s a straightforward guide to help you troubleshoot furnace ignition failure, a common issue that can lead to a cold house in the winter. Furnace ignition failure can have multiple causes, and identifying them early can save time, energy, and repair costs.


1. Check the Thermostat

  • Ensure it’s set to “Heat”: The thermostat should be set to “heat” and at a temperature higher than the current room temperature.
  • Inspect the Batteries: Some thermostats use batteries, so replace them if necessary. This could resolve the issue without further troubleshooting.

2. Inspect the Air Filter

  • Replace Dirty Filters: A dirty air filter can restrict airflow, causing the furnace to overheat and shut down as a safety precaution. A fresh filter can allow your furnace to work efficiently and prevent ignition issues.

3. Look for Power Issues

  • Circuit Breaker: Check the furnace’s circuit breaker in your electrical panel. If it’s tripped, reset it once. If it trips again, you may have a larger electrical issue that requires a professional.
  • Furnace Switch: Make sure the power switch, which usually looks like a light switch near the furnace, is in the “on” position.

4. Verify Gas Supply

  • Gas Valve: If you have a gas furnace, check that the gas valve near the furnace is open. The lever should be parallel to the gas line when it’s open.
  • Gas Line and Supply: Sometimes, the gas company may have shut off the supply for maintenance. If you suspect an issue with gas flow, contact your gas provider.

5. Inspect the Igniter

  • Hot Surface Igniter: Many modern furnaces use an electric igniter, which can fail over time. A visible crack or wear on the igniter usually indicates it needs replacement. This repair often requires professional assistance.
  • Pilot Light: For furnaces with a pilot light, check that it’s lit. If not, relight it if you feel comfortable, or call a technician if you have trouble with it.

6. Examine the Flame Sensor

  • Clean the Flame Sensor: Over time, the flame sensor can become dirty, which prevents it from sensing the flame. Use a fine-grit sandpaper or a cloth to gently clean the sensor. This can often restore normal furnace function.

7. Check for Error Codes

  • Error Lights: Most modern furnaces have a diagnostic light that flashes in a particular pattern if there’s an issue. Refer to the furnace manual to interpret these error codes, which can help pinpoint the problem.

8. Assess the Blower Motor and Vents

  • Vent Blockages: Ensure nothing blocks air vents and ducts. Restricted airflow can also cause safety switches to trigger.
  • Blower Motor Reset: Some furnaces have a reset button on the blower motor. Press this if your furnace isn’t responding.

When to Call a Professional

If these steps don’t resolve the issue, it’s best to contact a licensed HVAC technician. Attempting to fix more complex problems on your own can be unsafe and may lead to further damage.


Following these steps can often solve simple ignition issues and get your furnace running smoothly again!



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by Tracy, Pickering on Twintech Heating and Cooling

We couldn’t have been more impressed with Twintech - from our first service call with Mitch who took the time to thoroughly diagnose the issue with our furnace, to Dave who proposed a well thought out solution to meet our needs and finally Greg and team who acted quickly to install given we had no heat.


We did our due diligence by soliciting quotes from alternate providers and were shocked and disappointed by the aggressive and manipulative tactics used.


Twintech was honest in their approach, detailed in their product knowledge, reasonably priced, diligent in their follow-up and valued our business.


Well done Twintech! You made this a positive experience for us and our new furnace works beautifully!

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We recently purchased an Amana high efficiency furnace and humdifier through Twintech. The work was completed very professionally and the quality of the workmanship was high. There was some additional sheet metal work required to complete the installation, which they were able to complete themselves. Overall I am very pleased with the work and would highly recommend Twintech for a furnace replacement.

by Steve, Oshawa on Twintech Heating and Cooling

We were very pleased with every aspect of the work that was done. They were very professional and polite. They arrived when they said they would and job was completed on estimated time


We would highly recommend them to whoever needed a recommendation


We have a very large dog and they were very understanding and respectful of him being around

by Patrick, Toronto on Twintech Heating and Cooling

The blower on our furnace stopped working leaving us with a cold house. Dave from TwinTech responded immediately to our HomeStars service request. From beginning to end Dave was nothing but helpful, friendly and professional, he did a great job of walking us through the quote and scope of work.


The replacement of the furnace went smoothly. The Guys did a great job, everyone was very friendly and polite. There were no hiccups, or unexpected costs. The only surprise was they left the work area cleaner than it was before they started.


Was a great experience with the whole TwinTech team. Its been a couple of months since the new furnace has been installed and its working great!

by Ed, Whitby on Twintech Heating and Cooling

I heard about TwinTech when researching new furnaces at furnaceprices.ca. After contacting them about my broken down furnace, Dave came to my house the next day to assess my situation and requirements for a new furnace. He recommended one that had stainless steel heat exchangers which sold me since my previous furnace had issues with a rusted secondary heat exchanger that had to be replaced. Dave also set me up with an appointment with an energy audit company so that I could take advantage of a rebate to help improve the energy efficiency of my home and get some money back. A few days later, Greg, Grant, and Mitch came to install the new furnace and remove the old one. When delivering and removing the furnaces, they were very careful not to damage my floors and walls, and even laid out red carpeting to protect the floors. They were very friendly and professional. The installation was completed in the time they said it would take and they cleaned up their work areas. Within a week, Dave called to follow-up to see how everything was going. I have already recommended them to several friends and family members who may need new furnaces soon.

by Fred, Toronto on Twintech Heating and Cooling

Twintech did a great job, from Dave the Sales Rep to the Office staff and The Professional Technicians who did the installation. They were professional, courteous, knowledgable and informative. From beginning to follow up we were completely satisfied with everything. Thanks Again. Sincerely The Laytons

by Elle, Oshawa on Twintech Heating and Cooling

Great product, great service, great follow-up. The Twintech Heating and Cooling arranged removal of my existing oil tank and they installed the new gas furnace Amana (made in USA). I am very happy with the final result and support I received throughout the process. My thanks go to the entire Twintech team for their professionalism, great communication and follow-up.

by John & Linda, Ajax on Twintech Heating and Cooling

We've had Twintech provide us with work in the past, for an inground pool heater and required rough-in for a new gas stove. More recently they provided the same friendly, professional, timely and clean installation of our new furnace.

by Bill, Whitby on Twintech Heating and Cooling

Reasonable price and the workmanship was prompt and timely and the employees were great to deal with.

by Nadia, Toronto on Twintech Heating and Cooling

The sales process was friendly, informative, and very consultative. They worked hard to earn our business by taking a careful look around our home to assess our needs, providing a lot of information about the product, and answering all our questions and finding the right solution for our home at a competitive price. They prepared us very well for what to expect on installation day, and the installation went very smoothly - no surprises, all very professional! They gave us a call after installation to ensure we were happy with the work. We're very happy that we chose to work with TwinTech to get our new furnace.

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by Robert Rogers on Twintech Heating and Cooling

Very pleased with the professional service that TwinTech Heating and Cooling provided in replacing my furnace. I got several quotes from different service providers. Their price was excellent and they explained the features very well. We are very glad we went with TwinTech and highly recommend their services.

by Robert Mizuno on Twintech Heating and Cooling

We were new homeowners in need of a second opinion. TwinTech Heating & Cooling were Amazing and professional. Very knowledgeable and great service all around. Recommend to anyone looking for honest and reliable services. Treated with respect and care. Thank you Greg, Mitch and Bob!

by Ruth on Twintech Heating and Cooling

TwinTech is an excellent and honest company! I called them for a second opinion after being told by another company that I needed to replace my furnace. Turns out this was not the case at all! I did not need a new furnace. TwinTech did not push to make an unnecessary sale and saved me from a huge expense. Bob and Mitch were extremely professional and above all honest! I definitely recommend TwinTech!

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Amazing experience with TwinTech Heating & Cooling! Their team was professional, knowledgeable, and efficient from start to finish. They installed my new furnace quickly and left everything spotless. The technicians took the time to explain everything and made sure I was comfortable with the system before they left. Great customer service and fair pricing. I highly recommend them for anyone needing HVAC services!

by Connor Agnew on Twintech Heating and Cooling

Great experience all around. Bob was sharp and easy to talk to, and Greg handled the installation perfectly. Would hire them again in a heartbeat.

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