Furnace Won't Ignite — Pilot Light, Electronic Ignition and Flame Sensor Repair
Pilot light repair, electronic ignition repair and failing flame sensor repair — same visit
When a furnace won't ignite, the problem is almost always in the ignition sequence: a cracked hot-surface igniter, a failing flame sensor, a pressure switch that cannot prove draft, a pilot light that will not stay lit on older furnaces, or a gas valve or control board fault. Modern electronic ignition furnaces (hot-surface or intermittent spark) flash an error code on the control board that narrows the cause. DC Air and Heating stocks igniters, flame sensors and pressure switches on every truck, so most broken furnace fixes finish in one visit. Typical pricing: flame sensor $140–$240, igniter $220–$420, control board $450–$900. Call (661) 310-3340 for same-day no-heat service.
Key Facts
- Hot-surface and spark electronic ignition repair on all brands
- Standing pilot and thermocouple repair for older furnaces and wall heaters
- Failing flame sensor cleaned or replaced, microamp signal verified
- Pressure switch, inducer and flue draft testing
- Control board error codes read and documented
- No-heat calls prioritized when overnight lows drop below 45°F
| Ignition symptom | Likely part | Typical repair |
|---|---|---|
| Clicks, glows, no flame | Gas valve or low gas pressure | Quoted on inspection |
| No glow at all | Hot-surface igniter | $220 – $420 |
| Lights, then shuts off in seconds | Failing flame sensor | $140 – $240 |
| Inducer runs, nothing else | Pressure switch or blocked flue | $180 – $520 |
| Pilot will not stay lit | Thermocouple / pilot assembly | Quoted on inspection |
| Nothing happens, no lights | Board, fuse, or thermostat wiring | $120 – $900 |
Estimated range only — get an exact written price with a free in-home consultation or use our Instant Quote tool. Get an Instant Quote or call (661) 310-3340.
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Related heating help
- Furnace blowing cold air
- No heat emergency service
- Furnace not igniting troubleshooting guide
- Furnace tune-up
Areas we serve
Dispatched from our Quartz Hill shop to the Antelope Valley, Santa Clarita Valley, north San Fernando Valley and Kern high desert.
- Lancaster
- Palmdale
- Quartz Hill
- Santa Clarita
- Valencia
- Canyon Country
- Newhall
- Saugus
- Stevenson Ranch
- Castaic
- Acton
- Agua Dulce
- Littlerock
- Pearblossom
- Lake Los Angeles
- Sun Village
- Leona Valley
- Lake Hughes
- Green Valley
- Antelope Acres
- Rosamond
- Willow Springs
- Mojave
- California City
- Edwards AFB
- Tehachapi
- Sylmar
- San Fernando
- Granada Hills
- Porter Ranch
- Northridge
- Chatsworth
- Van Nuys
- Phelan
- Pinon Hills
- Wrightwood
Frequently Asked Questions
Why won't my furnace ignite?
The four most common causes are a cracked hot-surface igniter, a dirty or failing flame sensor, a pressure switch that cannot confirm the vent is clear, and a tripped high-limit switch from a clogged filter. A technician confirms which by reading the control board error code and testing each part.
Do you do pilot light repair?
Yes. Older standing-pilot furnaces and many wall and floor heaters in Lancaster, Palmdale and Lake Los Angeles still use a pilot and thermocouple. We clean the pilot assembly, replace the thermocouple or pilot generator, and check the gas valve — and we'll tell you honestly when the furnace is old enough that replacement makes more sense.
What is electronic ignition repair?
Most furnaces built after the late 1990s light with a hot-surface igniter or an intermittent spark instead of a standing pilot. Electronic ignition repair means diagnosing that sequence — igniter, flame sensor, control board and gas valve — and replacing the failed part.
How do I know if my flame sensor is failing?
The burners light for 3–10 seconds and then shut off, the furnace retries a few times, then locks out. A technician measures the flame signal in microamps; a weak reading means the sensor needs cleaning or replacement.
Is a broken furnace an emergency?
It is when there is no heat and the overnight low is near freezing, when you smell gas, or when a CO alarm sounds. For gas odor or a CO alarm, get everyone outside first. Otherwise call (661) 310-3340 — no-heat emergency service is available.
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