The lighting furnace pilot light occasionally fails, which is nothing to worry about. However, if your pilot light keeps going out or won’t relight, it can be a signal that something is wrong. This article will discuss the causes of your pilot light going out, potential implications, and solutions. But whenever you can’t find the solutions alone, you may immediately turn to HVAC Alliance Expert for fast and highly-effective furnace repair. Not everyone is a trained furnace repair expert, and that’s okay.
Being able to relight your pilot light is a useful skill to have if you own a home. It’s not difficult, and your furnace might even have instructions for you to follow (usually printed on the access panel). However, we advise leaving it to experts for furnace repair, installation, and maintenance difficulties. You could injure yourself, your furnace, or your house without the correct instruction.
What is the Pilot Light For?
Natural gas-powered older furnaces frequently have a pilot light. A tiny, blue flame known as the pilot light starts the main burner’s natural gas supply. When your furnace kicks on to heat your house, gas is released through a valve and lit when it comes in touch with the pilot light, which is how heat is created.
Natural gas is used to fuel the furnace pilot light, which it receives via a little tube in your gas pipe. A safety valve (the thermocouple) is installed in this tube to stop the gas flow in the event the pilot light goes out. This stops gas from accumulating in your furnace and provides a safety hazard.
Why Would My Pilot Light Go Out?
Several things can cause your pilot light to burn out. While some problems are simple to fix, others need a little more effort.
- Air Flow Issues
Your pilot light is susceptible to being extinguished by a little air current, just like a candle. If this is the case, you can either call a professional for help or relight your pilot light. Strong winds or an air leak in your furnace’s ductwork can cause this.
- Your Gas Has Been Shut Off
Because your pilot light depends on natural gas to keep lit, it will go out if the gas is turned off. Restart your gas and either do it yourself or leave it to a professional to relight your pilot light.
- Your Furnace Needs a Cleaning
Your pilot light’s ability to burn properly may be compromised if the pilot orifice, a tiny aperture in your gas pipe that supplies the pilot light with fuel, is unclean. If the pilot light on your stove keeps going out, it might not get enough fuel to stay lit. Bright blue, not red or yellow, should be the color of your pilot light. Your pilot light needs more fuel if it has a red or yellow flame.
Regular furnace cleaning can even help you lower your heating costs by reducing the wear and tear on your furnace’s parts. You should hire a professional for a maintenance visit and duct cleaning at least once a year to maintain your furnace operating at maximum efficiency.
- Your Thermocouple is Loose or Faulty
If your pilot light keeps going out, it can signify that your thermocouple is damaged or loose. Your thermocouple has to be tightened if this is the case, or it needs to be changed.
- A Temporary Gas Shortage
Your furnace may not even be the problem. A bit less natural gas may be available due to the supply being stressed by high demand. Your pilot light may go out if your furnace cannot obtain enough natural gas. If the technician you hired cannot identify a problem with your furnace, get in touch with your utility provider to determine whether the issue is on their end.
Now that you already know the possible causes, the next discussion will be about the solutions.
However, we always advise using experts for furnace repair, installation, and maintenance services. Without following the correct instruction or having difficulties to follow, you could injure yourself or damage your furnace and, even your home.
How Can I Restart My Pilot Light?
- Turn off your furnace.
Never make any adjustments to your furnace while it is still running.
- Locate your gas valve.
Gas valves typically have three settings: on, off, and pilot. Set the “pilot” setting on the knob.
- Hold down the red button.
Your gas valve should be close to the red button. Your pilot light is pushed with gas by the red button. Depending on the model, your furnace’s pilot light will either be automated or manual.
Use a set of pliers to hold the match and keep your hands away from the flame if you don’t have a long-handled match, or get a pro to relight your pilot light for you if you don’t have one.
- Light the pilot light.
Use a manual pilot light for furnace ignition. Carefully ignite the pilot aperture while holding the red button. Hold the red button down for a further 60 seconds.
- Let go of the button.
Release the button slowly. Your pilot light must continue to burn. If not, you might need to hire a pro to evaluate the matter and determine why it won’t stay lit.
- Turn your gas back on.
Reset the gas valve so that it is in the on position. The pilot light won’t stay lit if you forget to do this.
- Turn your furnace back on. Remember to close any access if you have to remove or open an access panel to get to your pilot light.
So there you have it! A brief overview of how to relight your pilot light and the most common reasons why your pilot light goes out. We know that a home with no heat is the worst! If you are having trouble keeping your pilot light lit or are still unsure about the process, it’s always best to call a professional for help.
Do not be hesitant to call us if you are having any pilot light issues. The experienced team at HVAC Alliance Expert is here to help you.
