Furnace Blog
Gas Furnace Pilot Light vs. Electronic Ignitor
Older furnaces use a standing pilot and thermocouple; modern furnaces use a hot-surface ignitor or intermittent pilot. A pilot that will not stay lit is usually a thermocouple or dirty orifice. An ignitor fault shows as clicking and inducer noise with no flame. The fix, and the safety checks, are different for each, so tell us which system you have when you call.
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Older furnaces use a standing pilot and thermocouple; modern furnaces use a hot-surface ignitor or intermittent pilot. A pilot that will not stay lit is usually a thermocouple or dirty orifice. An ignitor fault shows as clicking and inducer noise with no flame. The fix, and the safety checks, are different for each, so tell us which system you have when you call.
Not sure what your furnace is doing? Note the symptom, any error code, and when it started, then call (615) 436-9171 and we will narrow it down.
Related Reading
- Common furnace problems in Goodlettsville
- Emergency furnace repair in Goodlettsville
- Furnace maintenance and tune-up
Further Reading
Learn more from Furnace (heating) on Wikipedia and Goodlettsville on Wikipedia.
Need Furnace Help in Goodlettsville?
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Frequently Asked Questions
What should I check first for this furnace problem?
Start with thermostat batteries and setpoint, the furnace switch, the breaker, and the filter. Note any error code and when the problem started, then call us with those details.
Can I fix this furnace problem myself?
A filter change and thermostat batteries are safe homeowner jobs. Gas, ignition, heat exchanger, venting, and electrical work should be left to a technician, and safety switches should never be bypassed.
When should I call for emergency furnace help?
No heat in cold weather, a gas smell, a burning smell, or a carbon monoxide alarm all count as emergencies. If you smell gas, leave and call from outside.
How do I prevent this problem next winter?
Book a fall tune-up, change the filter on schedule, clear vents and the outdoor vent termination, and test carbon monoxide alarms before the first hard freeze.