Location Spotlight: Hoffman Estates, IL

We recently took a call from a local landlord in Hoffman Estates. Their gas range wasn’t working properly—the burners wouldn’t light at all. In another case we see often, the burners will only light with a match, not automatically with the igniter. Sound familiar?

Here’s a quick guide to troubleshoot gas burner issues, along with important safety tips every homeowner and landlord should know.

Why Won’t My Gas Burner Light?

There are a few common reasons your gas burners might not ignite:

1. Dirty or Clogged Burner Heads

Grease, food debris, or spills can block gas flow to the igniter. If you hear clicking but no flame, this could be the issue.

DIY Tip: Turn off the range and let it cool. Remove the burner caps and gently clean the ports with a toothbrush or a safety pin. Be careful not to bend or damage any metal components.

2. Misaligned Burner Cap

Even a slightly off-center cap can stop ignition.

DIY Tip: Re-seat the burner cap so it sits flat and centered on the burner base.

3. Faulty Igniter

If you don’t hear the “click” when turning the knob, your igniter might be faulty. If it clicks but never sparks, or you need a match to light it, it’s probably time for repair or replacement.

Time to Call Us: Igniters are sensitive components, and working around gas connections isn’t something we recommend doing yourself.

4. Gas Supply Issue

If none of your burners are lighting—and your oven isn’t working either—you may have a bigger issue with the gas line itself.

Safety First: If you smell gas or suspect a leak, do not try to troubleshoot further. Leave the home immediately and call your local gas company. They will come out and turn off the gas at no cost to you.

Gas Appliance Safety Tips

Working with gas always requires caution.

  • Never ignore the smell of gas (often described as rotten eggs or sulfur).
  • Don’t light a match or turn on appliances if you smell gas.
  • Keep a carbon monoxide detector near your kitchen and furnace areas.
  • If unsure, always call a professional.

When to Contact Us

If you’ve tried cleaning and re-seating the burners but your range still won’t light—or you’re relying on matches every time—it’s time to bring in the pros. We’re happy to help landlords, homeowners, and property managers get their appliances working safely again.

We proudly serve Hoffman Estates and the greater Chicagoland area.
 Schedule your in-home or virtual service call today. We’ll diagnose the issue, explain your options clearly, and get you back to cooking safely.