If your heater runs on propane, the tank might be empty. If it runs on natural gas, check to make sure the gas is turned on by checking the valve handle on the gas line. If it’s turned parallel to the pipe, it should be flowing. If the gas is flowing but the pilot still won’t light, the pilot tube might be blocked.

Why is my furnace running but not igniting?

If your gas furnace initiates the start cycle but does not fire up, it’s likely because of a faulty, damaged, or dirty ignitor/sensor. This is a very common furnace problem—you can try to clean the sensor and replace the ignitor.

Why is my propane furnace not turning on?

Check to make sure power to the furnace is on.



There’s a power disconnect switch by the furnace, even gas systems use electricity. Check the fuse/circuit breaker at the electrical panel for the furnace to make sure the breaker has not tripped. Make sure the power switch next to the furnace is in the “On” “position.

How do you reset a propane furnace?

An Alternative Way For Restarting The Furnace

  1. Turn off the gas valves of the furnace to prevent the flow of propane.
  2. Turn on the burner now.
  3. Let the burner burn for a couple of minutes to let the residual gas from the valves and airflow out.
  4. Now open the gas valves of the furnace slowly and restart the furnace again.

Where is the reset button on a wall furnace?

Locate the reset button on the furnace and press it to reset the furnace. It is usually located inside the blower compartment on the side of the blower motor. Be cautious as the housing may be hot. If the button is popped up, press it down.

How do you know if furnace ignitor is bad?

If you have a faulty furnace ignitor, it won’t produce that tiny spark to heat the air coming from your Furnace. Your heater blows air at the same temperature as the cold outside air without it. Cold air blowing through your vents is a good sign that you have a heating problem within the Furnace.

How do I clean my furnace ignitor sensor?


Quote from Youtube video: So if you have a situation like this what you have 90% of the time is just a dirty flame sensor. So we'll go through the steps on how to clean it. So the right side of the furnace.

How do you light a pilot light on a propane furnace?

Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: First set the gas valve to the pilot. Position hold down the bypass button to let gas into the pilot. Keep holding the button and use a barbecue lighter to insert a flame over the pilot.

Why is my furnace not responding to thermostat?

When a furnace is not responding to a thermostat, there is either a problem with the heating unit or the actual thermostat. Lack of power to the thermostat, wrong settings, and outdated software might be to blame, as well as faulty wiring, a tripped breaker, and a dirty furnace filter.

What causes a furnace to need to be reset?

The basic purpose of a reset button is to serve as a safety feature. It helps shut down the furnace when the furnace is too hot. This essentially prevents the overheated furnace from triggering the circuit breaker. As noted above, a furnace may need to be reset sometimes, such as when it is too hot.

How many times can I hit the reset button on my furnace?

Don’t hit “reset” more than twice. The process pumps oil into the burner chamber, where it can accumulate if you have no ignition. Then when the furnace finally does start, it can do so explosively. So if the button won’t reset, or quickly pops up again, it’s time to call a professional repair service.

Where is the flame sensor in my furnace?

A furnace flame sensor is a very basic part of your furnace. It’s located on the burner assembly and is just a thin metallic rod. It’s usually bent, and it sits just in front of the pilot flame inside the furnace.

How do you reset the flame sensor on a furnace?

Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: Off wait for about five seconds and flip it back on and your furnace will resume and start trying all over again. And just so you know sometimes cleaning the flame sensor is not. Enough.

What does a flame sensor in a furnace look like?

It will look like a thin metallic rod and is set in front of the pilot flame on the interior of your furnace. Both of these parts can be located inside of the burner assembly of your furnace which is typically in the bottom of your furnace. Having a dirty flame sensor can result in your furnace not starting.

How much does it cost to replace a furnace flame sensor?

Flame Sensor



It stops your furnace from letting off large amounts of natural gas if it’s not working properly. If the sensor is bad, it won’t be able to sense heat and will turn the furnace off. The average cost to repair or replace a flame sensor is between $75–$200.

How long do furnace flame sensors last?

about five years

Flame sensor lifespan



If you’ve just replaced the sensor or had a new furnace installed, you can expect the flame sensor to last for about five years. The average lifespan of a furnace is 15 to 30 years, so you can anticipate a flame sensor replacement once or twice over the course of your homeownership.

How do you test a flame sensor?

Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: Then set your meter to measure. Microamps. As soon as the flame is established. You should see a microamp reading on your meter. My manual actually says i'm looking for between one and four microamps.

How much does it cost to clean furnace flame sensor?

If they are part of a routine maintenance service, they will cost about $200. Similarly, flame sensors often become too dirty and malfunction, but these sensors can be fixed with a thorough cleaning. However, if it’s too far gone and you must replace the flame sensor, it will cost you anywhere from $80 – $250.

How often should a propane furnace be serviced?

once a year

A gas furnace should be serviced at least once a year, preferably, though, in both the spring and the fall. Annual maintenance, including a thorough examination and cleaning of the parts that commonly malfunction, like the air filter, the fan, the pilot light, and the heat exchanger, can usually prevent these problems.

Can you clean your own furnace?

Wipe exterior surfaces with a damp rag. Remove the furnace access door by lifting it up and out. Loosen screws, removing the burner cover (if you have one). Vacuum the burners and furnace base using a shop vac or household vacuum with wand/upholstery attachment.