Plenty of homes around the Lake, Eldon and the rural roads in between heat with propane. When a propane furnace lights for a few seconds and shuts off, or won't light at all, there are a few things you can safely check before you call anyone.
Safety first
If you smell gas, don't flip switches or try to relight anything. Leave the house, then call your propane supplier or 911 from outside. If the carbon monoxide alarm goes off, get everyone outside and call 911.
Check the tank
It sounds obvious, but a low or empty tank is one of the most common causes. Look at the gauge on the tank. If it's low, call your supplier. If the tank ran completely dry, your supplier may need to check the system for leaks before the gas goes back on, so plan for that.
Check the basics
The thermostat. Set to heat, a few degrees above room temperature, with fresh batteries if it uses them.
The furnace switch. There's usually a light switch style power switch on or near the furnace. Make sure nobody flipped it off.
The filter. A clogged filter can make a furnace overheat and shut itself down. Replace it if you can't see light through it.
The furnace door. The blower door has a safety switch. If the panel isn't seated all the way, the furnace won't run.
The vent pipes. On a high efficiency furnace, check that the pipes outside aren't blocked by snow, leaves or a nest.
It lights, then shuts off a few seconds later
That's the classic sign of a dirty flame sensor. The burners light, the furnace can't confirm the flame, and it shuts the gas off to be safe. It'll usually try a few times and then lock out. Cleaning the flame sensor is a quick job for a technician and part of every furnace tune up. A weak igniter, a pressure switch problem or a venting issue can look the same, and those need testing to sort out.
What not to do
- Don't keep resetting the furnace over and over.
- Don't bypass a safety switch to get it running.
- Don't use the oven or a grill indoors for heat.
Get it looked at
If the basics check out and it still won't stay lit, call 24 Hour Heating and Cooling at (573) 693-8863. A real person answers 24/7. We work on propane, gas and electric furnaces across Osage Beach, Eldon, Camdenton, Jefferson City and the towns around the Lake. More on our furnace repair page.
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