Your furnace’s pilot light is a critical component that helps ignite the burners to heat your home. However, when the pilot light goes out, it can leave you in the cold, especially during the winter months. Understanding how to safely relight your furnace’s pilot light and prevent future issues is essential for maintaining warmth and comfort in your home.
In this blog post, we’ll walk you through the steps to relight a furnace pilot light and offer tips to prevent common problems.
Why Does the Furnace Pilot Light Go Out?
Before jumping into the relighting process, it’s important to understand why the pilot light goes out. Here are some common reasons:
- Drafts: Sudden drafts can extinguish the pilot light.
- Dirty Pilot Light: A buildup of dirt or soot can block the flow of gas, causing the flame to go out.
- Faulty Thermocouple: The thermocouple detects whether the pilot light is lit. If it’s malfunctioning, it may shut off the gas supply even if the light is on.
- Gas Supply Issues: If there’s a problem with your gas supply, the pilot light may not stay lit.
- Wear and Tear: Over time, components can wear out, causing intermittent pilot light issues.
How to Relight Your Furnace Pilot Light
Before starting, it’s crucial to follow safety guidelines. Ensure that your furnace’s gas supply is off, and allow any accumulated gas to disperse before attempting to relight the pilot light.
Step 1: Turn Off the Furnace
First, locate the furnace control knob and switch it to the “OFF” position. Wait at least five minutes to allow any residual gas to clear. This is an important safety measure to prevent gas buildup.
Step 2: Locate the Pilot Light Assembly
Find the pilot light assembly, typically near the bottom of the furnace. You’ll see a small valve labeled “Pilot” and a reset button near it.
Step 3: Turn the Control Knob to “Pilot”
Turn the control knob from “OFF” to “PILOT.” You may need to press the knob down to engage it, allowing gas to flow to the pilot light area.
Step 4: Light the Pilot
While holding the reset button, use a long lighter or match to ignite the pilot light. Keep holding the reset button for 30-60 seconds to ensure the pilot light stays lit.
Step 5: Turn the Furnace Back On
Once the pilot light is stable, turn the control knob to the “ON” position. Your furnace should now be functioning normally.
Preventing Furnace Pilot Light Issues
To avoid dealing with a constantly extinguishing pilot light, here are some tips to prevent problems:
- Regular Maintenance: Schedule routine maintenance for your furnace to ensure all components, including the pilot light, are clean and functioning properly.
- Check for Drafts: Identify any sources of drafts near your furnace that may blow out the pilot light. Ensure your furnace is in a sheltered location if possible.
- Keep the Pilot Light Clean: Dirt and grime can accumulate on the pilot light, affecting the flame. Regular cleaning by a professional can prevent this buildup.
- Inspect the Thermocouple: A worn-out thermocouple may cause your pilot light to go out frequently. Have it inspected during maintenance to ensure it’s working properly.
- Check the Gas Pressure: If your gas supply is inconsistent or the pressure is too low, it can lead to pilot light issues. A professional heating company in Surrey can help check and adjust gas pressure.
- Upgrade to an Electric Ignition Furnace: Newer furnaces use electric ignitions instead of pilot lights, eliminating the risk of pilot light problems. If your furnace is old, consider upgrading for better efficiency and fewer issues.
When to Call a Professional
While relighting a pilot light can often be done safely by homeowners, some situations require professional help. If your pilot light continues to go out or if you smell gas during the process, turn off the gas supply immediately and contact a licensed technician.
At Guru Plumbing and Heating, we specialize in furnace repair and maintenance. If you’re experiencing ongoing pilot light issues or need assistance with any furnace-related problem, give us a call. Our certified technicians are ready to ensure your home stays warm and safe.
