Your furnace has a limit switch that keeps it from running if the heat exchanger is too hot. Dirty filters, closed or blocked vents and other blockages in airflow are common causes of an overheated furnace. A bad limit switch. The limit switch may be bad and need to be replaced.
Why does the flame on my gas heater keep going out?
If your pilot light won’t stay alight, it might be the thermocouple. Sometimes dust buildup collects on the thermocouple and blocks the sensor. Try cleaning the thermocouple and then relighting the pilot light. If it continues to go out, the thermocouple might need to be replaced.
Why does my furnace light and then go out?
Flame Sensor
This key component senses when the flame is on. It then alerts the control board to begin blowing warm air. Often, dust or dirt covers the sensor. If this happens, the sensor won’t detect the flame, and the result is the furnace shuts down.
Why does my heater turn off after a few seconds?
A common reason a furnace short cycles is because the heat exchanger, the part that heats your air, is getting too hot due to a lack of airflow. Once the heat exchanger overheats, it trips the high limit switch, which shuts the furnace down to protect it.
Will gas leak if pilot light is off?
Although this is an area of concern for many people, the reality is that boilers are built so that the gas supply to the pilot light is shut off if the flame goes out. Whilst the cause of pilot light failure needs to be investigated, extinguished pilot lights aren’t going to cause a gas leak.
Can a pilot light cause carbon monoxide?
A yellow or orange pilot light will produce carbon monoxide – an odourless, colourless gas that can fill your home and cause carbon monoxide poisoning. Symptoms of this condition include dizziness, headache, fatigue, nausea, unconsciousness, brain damage and death.
Why is my furnace short cycling?
A dirty air filter is the most common cause of short-cycling. If your air filter is clogged with dirt, it won’t allow proper air flow to the heat exchanger. That can cause the furnace to overheat and forces the high limit switch to ride to the rescue by shutting the furnace off.
Why would pilot light go out?
Some of the possible serious reasons for pilot lights to go out include loose or broken gas valves, thermocouples or heat exchangers, faulty venting, low gas pressure, or high winds. If you believe there is a serious problem, don’t hesitate to contact a professional.
How much carbon monoxide does a pilot light produce?
Also, a typical pilot light can generate 450 pounds of carbon dioxide – a greenhouse gas — over a six-month period. If an appliance isn’t needed for a long period of time, its pilot light may be extinguished to save energy, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and reduce the risk of fire or explosion.
Can a pilot light cause a fire?
If this leak continues, its concentration may reach a point where a spark – such as that from a cigarette lighter, static electricity, or even the pilot light itself as it is re-lit – will cause a fire or even an explosion.
Is it safe to relight a pilot light?
Safety First
You should always proceed with care when relighting a pilot light, since the gas used to power your hot water heater is flammable and potentially dangerous. If at any time you smell gas, you should shut off the gas valve right away, open windows, and avoid turning on any lights.
Should the pilot light always be on in a gas furnace?
Should The Pilot Light Always Be On In A Gas Furnace? Yes, if the furnace is in operation, the pilot light will need to be on for it to be functional. However, some homeowners turn off their furnace’s pilot light in the warmer seasons when the gas furnaces aren’t in use.
Is it safe to leave a pilot light on?
Generally speaking, it is safe to leave your continuous pilot light on at all times, assuming it stays lit (more on this in a moment). While it does cost more to keep your pilot light on in between uses, it can actually have some benefits to your system.
How much does it cost to leave pilot light on?
A pilot light is a small flame that is kept lit to provide a catalyst for the main burner to be turned on when needed. The average fuel consumption of your standing Pilot light is: Natural gas is $0.60 a day = $219 a year. Liquid Propane is $1.80 a day = $657 a year.
Will the gas company light My pilot?
PG&E is encouraging customers to call 1-800-PGE-5000 now to schedule an appointment to turn on furnace pilot lights for winter and check natural gas appliances for safety and efficiency. PG&E gas service professionals relight appliance pilots at no extra cost.
