Most people probably don’t think about their furnaces all that much, but it can be downright frustrating if your furnace has problems. One of the most common problems with furnaces is delayed ignition. There are several reasons why your furnace might be experiencing delayed ignition.
1. Dirty Flame Sensor
One common cause of delayed ignition is a dirty flame sensor. The flame sensor is responsible for detecting whether or not the furnace’s burner is lit. If the sensor is dirty, it can take longer for the furnace to detect that the burner is lit. This can cause an ignition delay. It is always better to have a professional replace your flame sensor than try cleaning it yourself because a faulty sensor can cause a safety issue.
2. Clogged Burner
Another common cause of delayed ignition is a clogged burner. The burner is responsible for providing the fuel that ignites the furnace. If the burner is clogged, there may not be enough fuel reaching the igniter to start the furnace. Clogged burners may also cause unburned gas to build up in the chamber and, when ignited, result in a small explosion. You should immediately contact a professional to clean your burners to prevent damage to your furnace.
3. Prolonged Inactivity
If it has been a long time since you used your furnace, you are bound to encounter a delayed ignition. The delayed ignition is most likely caused by the accumulation of moisture in the furnace. The moisture causes corrosion of the firebox, which builds up to the point that it blocks the ports that feed gas to the burners. A technician can clean the ports to restore your furnace to regular operation.
In summary, look for these three causes of delayed furnace ignition:
- Dirty Flame Sensor: The flame sensor detects whether the furnace’s burner is lit. A dirty sensor can delay this detection, causing ignition delays. It’s advisable to have a professional replace the flame sensor to avoid safety issues.
- Clogged Burner: The burner supplies fuel for ignition. If clogged, insufficient fuel reaches the igniter, leading to delayed ignition. Additionally, unburned gas may accumulate, potentially causing a small explosion upon ignition. Immediate professional cleaning is recommended to prevent furnace damage.
- Prolonged Inactivity: Extended periods of non-use can lead to moisture accumulation in the furnace, causing corrosion in the firebox. This corrosion can block gas ports to the burners, resulting in delayed ignition. A technician can clean these ports to restore normal operation.
Rely on the Professionals
All the delayed ignition problems outlined above can be solved by having your furnace maintained by an HVAC technician before you turn it on every fall. As part of a tune-up, our professionals at Brian's Heating & Cooling, Inc. will clean your furnace and ensure that there are no delayed ignition issues. For a furnace tune-up or other service, contact us today.
