Every time your thermostat calls for heat, the furnace runs a fixed checklist. The inducer motor starts and proves draft by closing a pressure switch, the hot surface igniter heats up, the gas valve opens, the burners light, and the flame sensor confirms there is fire. Only after all of that does the blower begin sending warm air into the house. Finding the step that fails is most of the job. Around Sarasota, FL, the usual failure points are a flame sensor fouled with oxide, an igniter cracked by years of heating and cooling, a pressure switch that stays open because of a weak inducer or a clogged condensate trap on a high-efficiency unit, and control boards with burned relays. Any one of them halts the startup, and from the hallway they all look alike.
For air conditioning breakdowns, see AC Repair.
Warning Signs for Furnace Repair
Recognizing the warning signs early can save you time and money. These are the signals our technicians see most often:
- Grinding or high-pitched squeals from the blower
- Short cycling every few minutes without reaching the setpoint
- Booming or banging at light-off from delayed ignition
- Burners light, run a few seconds, then shut down repeatedly
- Air moving through the vents that never gets warm
- Soot, rust, or moisture near the furnace cabinet or vent pipe
- Clicking and a glowing igniter with no burner flame
- A pilot or burner flame that is lazy yellow instead of crisp blue
Early Action Saves Money
A failing capacitor, clogged condensate drain, or dirty flame sensor rarely fixes itself and usually gets more expensive to address the longer it runs. If you notice any of these signs, call (941) 203-3680 for a prompt inspection.
