Your Goodman furnace depends on a constant gas supply to keep your house warm. When there is no call to gas, something is wrong with the furnace or gas supply. So, what could possibly cause this issue?
Your Goodman furnace isn’t calling for gas because of a faulty ignition sensor, a closed or broken gas valve, or an empty gas tank. You can fix the problem by cleaning or replacing the ignition sensor, ensuring the gas valve is open and undamaged, and your gas tank is full.
This article will go over common reasons a Goodman furnace isn’t calling for gas. You’ll learn to determine why this is happening, understand what to look at, and the steps to fix it.
Faulty Ignition Sensor
The ignition sensor assists in opening and closing the gas valve. The sensor is responsible for detecting the presence of a flame. When it detects a flame, the sensor keeps the gas valve open. This ensures gas continues flowing into the furnace to sustain the flames.
When there’s a problem with the ignition sensor, the gas supply may become faulty. A dirty ignition sensor is a good example. When dirt accumulates on the sensor, it has trouble detecting the flame. The sensor will tell the gas valve to shut close in this situation.
The same happens when there’s a mechanical issue with the ignition sensor. For example, a crack in the sensor can stop it from detecting flames effectively.
How To Fix
The fix depends on what’s causing the ignition sensor to fail. Many people think that the sensor is broken when it’s actually just dirty. So, start with a thorough clean. This also gives you a chance to inspect it to see if it’s damaged.
Here’s how to get to the ignition sensor:
- Turn off the furnace
- Open the main compartment.
- Remove the sensor. It’s attached to a rod in the combustion chamber.
- Use a cotton bud to remove surface-level dust.
- While cleaning, look for cracks and marks. If the sensor is damaged, replace it.
Here’s a video showing you how to clean the flame sensor:
Closed or Broken Gas Valve
Another reason your Goodman furnace isn’t calling for gas could be the gas valve. The valve has a switch that controls the gas flow to your furnace. If the gas valve is open, it can release gas on command. However, when the gas valve is set closed, your furnace can’t produce any heat.
This usually happens when a new gas valve is installed but not opened. It can also happen after maintenance.
However, the gas valve could be faulty. If this is the issue, it won’t respond to signals from the flame sensor.
How To Fix
Consider whether you have recently installed the furnace, had the gas valve replaced, or got someone to do some maintenance on your HVAC system. If the answer is “yes,” here’s what you need to do:
- Remove the panel on the furnace.
- Locate the gas valve.
- Check the switch on the gas valve. If it’s closed, open it. If the valve is already open, it may be broken.
- Test the furnace to see if the issue is gone.
If the gas valve is broken and has visible damage, have an HVAC expert replace the valve.
If you need some help, check the video below:
Empty Gas Tank
Depending on the type of gas you use, there’s a possibility that you’ve run out of gas. Most households use gas for more than just heating, but it’s still a good idea to check your tank.
Note that this generally applies to furnaces that use a gas tank. If you have a main gas pipe in your home, it’s still worth calling the gas company to check.
How To Fix
Does your gas tank have a pressure monitor?
If it does, check the dial to see if the gas supply is empty. If not, use a gas pressure tester to determine if there’s any gas left in the tank. If the gas tank is empty, get it refilled.
Summary
Your Goodman furnace isn’t calling for gas due to a faulty ignition sensor in most cases. If the ignition sensor seems to be working, you probably have an issue with the gas supply.
Surprisingly, you can fix some gas-related problems yourself. For everything else, call the gas company or an HVAC expert.
Steve Rajeckas is an HVAC hobbyist with an avid interest in learning innovative ways to keep rooms, buildings, and everything else at the optimal temperature. When he’s not working on new posts for Temperature Master, he can be found reading books or exploring the outdoors.