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Delayed ignition is one of the most serious issues in furnaces. It not only deprives your family members of comfort, but it can lead to a fire in your home. That’s what makes it essential to resolve this issue promptly. While working in Pennsylvania on various commercial HVAC services, we frequently encounter such issues. Our technicians keep a record of what is creating more issues in this region and what costly mistakes are creating those bigger problems.
For the furnace delayed ignition problem, here are some common causes that we have detected.
When the furnace stays idle for a long period, moisture is built up in it. This moisture promotes corrosion in various metallic parts. Many times, this moisture and corrosion close the ports that feed gas fuel to the burners. As the fuel pathway is blocked, the burners cannot get enough fuel to light up the furnace and generate warmth. Beyond this, corrosion is also associated with numerous other issues.
Though moisture buildup and rust are the likely causes of delayed ignition, it can also be caused by a few other changes, including dirt, dust, grime, and even soot. These particles accumulate on the furnace surface and prevent the furnace from igniting the fuel. The solution to this problem lies in completely cleaning the burner and the gas lines. Once the buildup is removed, the furnace ignition starts happening normally again.
While traditional furnaces largely relied on the pilot light for flame ignition, modern furnaces use an electrical ignition system to burn the fuel. If there is a glitch in this electrical system, the ignition can be delayed. This usually happens when fuel accumulates in the ignition chamber. To fix this issue, make sure there is no excessive buildup of fuel in the chamber and that the electrical ignition system is working correctly.
If too much primary air is mixed with the gas, the air-to-gas ratio increases and the chances of prompt ignition are reduced. This happens because every furnace model has strict fuel quality requirements, and excessive primary air mixed in the fuel reduces the fuel quality. The result is that burners can’t light up the fuel and generate heat to keep the commercial space at a comfortable temperature.
Just like any other electronic appliance, a furnace needs regular maintenance and servicing to keep it working properly. Here are the tips Lehigh HVAC recommends to prevent delayed ignition.
Schedule annual inspections to clean burners, gas lines, and ignition systems before heating season.
Clear away dust, dirt, grime, and soot around burners and pathways regularly.
Replace air filters regularly to maintain proper airflow and air-to-gas ratios.
Control humidity and moisture around the furnace to prevent rust and blocked ports.
Replace faulty electronic igniters or worn pilot lights promptly.
You should never ignore delayed ignition, as it is a direct warning sign that your furnace is having bigger issues. Whether it is due to moisture buildup, electrical malfunctions, or a faulty burner, it needs professional furnace repair service to get things back to normal. Pennsylvania homeowners and facility managers get a fantastic opportunity to fix their furnace issues on the same day and pay over a period with financing options. The financing applies to various major repairs. Contact us at 484-961-7044 for further discussion.
