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Your furnace generates heat with the help of a complex network of components that work together to safely initiate a combustion process. When one part, like a burner, fails, the entire system will struggle to do its job. So if the furnace main burner shuts off after ignition, what’s the problem?
We at Complete Comfort Heating, A/C & Plumbing Repair offer reliable furnace repair in Carmel, IN. Our experienced HVAC technicians often fix burner and ignition problems in furnaces. Here’s what our team says about why main burners suddenly shut down.
Reasons a Furnace's Burner Stops Working After Igniting
Some heating system problems can cause serious injuries and property damage, so paying attention to changes in your furnace’s performance is crucial. Despite having safety features to reduce the risk of severe hazards, problems can still arise.
When your gas heater turns on without issue but quickly shuts down before it can warm your house, you’ll know something is wrong. Still, several problems could cause furnace burners to malfunction including the ones below.
Flame Sensor Problems
A flame sensor is a safety feature in gas furnaces and boilers. It detects the warmth from the heating unit’s burners. If the heat is at the appropriate level, the sensor will trigger the furnace’s control board to blow warm air into the combustion chamber to complete the heating cycle.
If a furnace’s main burner shuts off after ignition, it could be due to dirt, dust, and other debris covering the flame sensor. Unless the component can sense the heat from the flame, it won’t complete the combustion process to avoid carbon monoxide leakage from incomplete combustion.
The heating system might start despite debris covering the flame sensor, but it won’t stay on. Cleaning the flame sensor could resolve this issue. However, damage to the sensor would require an immediate replacement from an HVAC technician.
Control Board Issues
If your system’s flame sensor works but the furnace still turns off after a few minutes of running, the control board could be the culprit. As the name suggests, the control board is the hub of the furnace that receives and sends information to various components to ensure everything works correctly.
If the board has natural wear or damage like frayed wires and loose connections, it’ll have problems sending and receiving signals. The best way to remedy this problem is to replace the control board.
Malfunctioning Draft Inducer Motor
Your gas furnace’s draft inducer motor sucks air through the furnace and over its main burner. The change in airflow alters the pressure inside the combustion chamber. The pressure change triggers the furnace’s pressure switch to turn on and alerts the control board that everything is operational for the current heating cycle.
The draft inducer motor can fail due to wear and tear or a lack of lubrication. When that happens, the component can’t draw air into the furnace, making the pressure switch inactive. The burners won’t have enough oxygen to keep burning without sufficient airflow.
An HVAC technician could repair or replace the draft inducer motor depending on the severity of its damage.
Faulty Flame Rollout Switch
Gas furnaces can develop a problem called a flame rollout. When inflammable combustion gases accumulate inside the combustion chamber, the compartment’s oxygen levels decline. The main burner’s flames get bigger to look for oxygen to burn, sometimes causing a flame rollout, in which the flames escape the combustion chamber.
A flame rollout switch is a safety feature that detects flames outside the confines of the furnace combustion chamber. To prevent a fire, the switch will shut off the heating system’s gas supply if it senses abnormal temperatures directly outside the combustion chamber.
This safety device can stop working for multiple reasons, including a flue malfunction and clogged air filters. You’ll need a professional to determine the best way to address a faulty flame rollout switch.
Turn to Carmel's Top HVAC Professionals for Furnace Repair
If a furnace’s main burner shuts off after ignition, the heating system will need immediate attention. Thankfully, our professionals at Complete Comfort Heating, A/C & Plumbing Repair are here to provide Carmel, Indiana residents with comprehensive heating and cooling services like furnace repair.
Our team knows what to check first if your heater is not working and how to address any problems we uncover during troubleshooting. Contact Complete Comfort Heating, A/C & Plumbing Repair today at (317) 868-7468 to schedule your furnace inspection.