Even the most high-quality and well-maintained furnaces encounter occasional problems. One of the most typical issues occurs when there are furnace ignition problems. In some cases, homeowners can re-light a pilot on their own without any trouble. Other times, you may need the assistance of a licensed HVAC technician.

The following are steps you can take to troubleshoot furnace ignition problems in your Blue Ash home.

Check the thermostat. Sometimes, clients assume the pilot is out when, in fact, there is trouble right at the thermostat. Verify your thermostat is set in the "auto" position, and hasn't been bumped to the "off" or "on" position, the latter of which will cause the fan to run continuously, blowing cool air when the furnace is cycled off. Also, make sure the temperature settings are accurate.

Inspect the pilot light. Next, determine whether or not the pilot light is on. This should be evident when you remove the combustion chamber door. If the pilot light is out, you can follow the manufacturer's instructions for relighting the pilot. Please do not hesitate to call your local utility company or a licensed HVAC contractor if you are uncomfortable lighting it on your own. The instructions must be followed precisely to prevent the risk of fire or a slow gas leak that can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning.

If the pilot won't ignite: Make sure the pilot light button is depressed all the way down and that the gas valve is in the open position. If you cannot get it to ignite after a couple of tries, close the gas valve completely and call alicensed HVAC technician.

If the pilot won't stay lit: Sometimes, a pilot light refuses to stay lit. Check to see if there is a strong draft in the room. If not, the issue may be dirty ignition parts or flame sensors, issues with the thermocouple or air in the gas line. In this case, it's best to call a professional.

Is your Blue Ash home experiencing furnace ignition trouble? Contact Tri-County Heating & Cooling and we'll take care of it.

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