By Peter, Master Electrician | PRO Electric plus HVAC | Heating Systems
Great Falls Furnace Ignition Maintenance | Pilot Light and Safety Checks
Hi, I’m Peter, an HVAC Technician with PRO Electric plus HVAC.
Many homes in Great Falls use natural gas furnaces.
Your furnace lights the gas with a pilot light or an electronic ignition.
If that small flame or ignitor fails, your furnace will not heat.
Worse, a faulty ignition system can create safety risks.
Regular checks keep your home warm and safe.
Why Your Ignition System Matters
Ignition is the start button for your furnace.
It has to light cleanly and reliably every time.
When ignition is weak or delayed, gas can build up, parts overheat, and your system wastes energy.
A healthy ignition system means steady heat, lower bills, and peace of mind.
Common Problems I See in Great Falls
- Dirty or weak pilot flame that flickers or goes out
- Clogged pilot orifice from dust or rust
- Faulty thermocouple or flame sensor that cannot prove the flame and shuts the furnace down
- Cracked hot surface ignitor on newer furnaces
- Loose wiring or bad connections that cause intermittent starts
- Poor ventilation around the furnace that affects combustion
What I Check During a Service Visit
When I service a furnace in Great Falls, I go step by step:
- Pilot or Ignitor Condition
Clean the pilot assembly, clear the orifice, or test the hot surface ignitor for proper resistance. - Flame Sensor or Thermocouple
Clean or replace if it cannot read the flame correctly. - Burner Operation
Verify the flame is stable, blue, and even across all burners. - Gas Pressure and Safety Controls
Confirm safe pressure, check the shut-off valve, and test limit switches. - Vent and Combustion Air
Make sure exhaust vents are clear and the furnace has enough fresh air to burn safely. - Electrical Connections and Control Board
Tighten connections and check for error codes or short cycling.
Signs You Should Call Right Away
- The pilot light will not stay lit
- You smell gas near the furnace
- The furnace clicks repeatedly but never lights
- The furnace starts and stops within a minute
- You see orange or yellow, lazy flames instead of steady blue
If you smell gas, turn the system off and call a professional.
What You Can Do Between Visits
- Keep the area around the furnace clear so it can get fresh air
- Change the air filter every 1 to 3 months to protect burners and sensors
- Check that the vent cap outside is clear of leaves or snow
- Test carbon monoxide detectors monthly and replace batteries as needed
A Local Note for Great Falls Homes
Many houses here have larger floor plans and sometimes older mechanical rooms.
I often find dust, storage boxes, or paint cans crowding the furnace.
Clearing that space improves airflow and safety.
If you own an older furnace with a standing pilot, yearly checks are even more critical.
Final Thought
Your furnace ignition system may be small, but it does big work every time your heat turns on.
A quick maintenance visit prevents no-heat emergencies, protects your family, and keeps your bills in check.
If you live in Great Falls and want a thorough pilot and ignition check, call PRO Electric plus HVAC at 703-225-8222 and ask for Peter.
I will make sure your furnace lights safely and runs the way it should.
📞 Call 703-225-822 now or book online while you’re thinking about it.
