Gas Furnace Clicking But Not Starting
A gas furnace that clicks but does not start is due to a damaged igniter, dirty flame sensor or a problem with the gas valve. Check to make sure the gas valve is open, the flame sensor is clean and if needed replace the igniter.
Severity
Moderate
What It Means
The furnace is not able to ignite the burners and turn on.
Safe To Use
The furnace failing to ignite could be due to a problem with the gas supply. This could be dangerous if there is a gas leak.
Estimated Repair Costs (including service fees)
- $80 – $240
- $150 – $300
Causes
Causes include a dirty flame sensor, broken igniter, gas valve being blocked or turned off, or a failing control board.
Repair vs Replace
You should repair your furnace for this problem as you may just need to clean the flame sensor, replace the igniter or open the gas valve.
Prevention
Make sure your gas lines are open and schedule annual maintenance to clean the sensors.
This site is a structured reference describing common residential system failures, typical repair ranges, and replacement thresholds based on typical service conditions.
