How to Safely Light the Pilot Light of Your Gas Furnace: A Step-by-Step Guide
If your home feels colder than usual and your gas furnace isn’t producing heat, a blown-out pilot light could be the problem. Knowing how to safely relight the pilot light can save you time and money—especially during colder months. But even more importantly, knowing when to call a professional ensures the safety and longevity of your system. Here's how to relight your furnace pilot light, why it might go out, and why you should contact Budget Heating & Plumbing Services for all your furnace needs.
What Is a Furnace Pilot Light?
The pilot light is a small, continuous flame that ignites the gas burners in your furnace whenever your thermostat signals a need for heat. Without this flame, the furnace won't heat your home, leaving you in the cold.
Why Does the Pilot Light Go Out?
Several reasons can cause your furnace pilot light to go out:
Drafts or Airflow: A sudden gust of air can extinguish the flame.
Dirt and Debris: Dust can clog the pilot orifice, reducing its ability to stay lit.
Faulty Thermocouple: The thermocouple is a safety device that shuts off the gas if it doesn't detect the pilot flame. If it’s malfunctioning, it might cause the pilot light to go out.
Gas Supply Issues: If there's a problem with the gas supply to your home or furnace, the pilot light won't stay lit.
How to Relight the Pilot Light of Your Gas Furnace
Before relighting your pilot light, always refer to your furnace's manual for specific instructions.
Here’s a general guide on how to do it:
Switch your thermostat to "off" and wait a few minutes to allow any gas to dissipate from the area.
Locate the Pilot Light Assembly
Open the furnace access panel and locate the pilot light assembly, usually found near the bottom of the unit along with the gas control valve.
Set the Gas Control Knob to "Pilot"
Turn the gas control knob to the "Pilot" setting, which allows gas to flow to the pilot without igniting the main burners.
Light the Pilot
Using a long lighter or match, light the pilot light while holding down the reset button on the gas control valve. Keep holding the reset button for 30-60 seconds after lighting to allow the thermocouple to heat up and detect the flame.
Turn the Gas Control Knob to "On"
Once the pilot light is lit and steady, turn the gas control knob back to the "On" position. Replace the furnace access panel and set your thermostat to the desired temperature.
Monitor the Pilot Light
Ensure the pilot light stays lit for a few minutes. If it goes out again, you may have a larger issue that needs professional attention.
Why You Should Call Budget Heating & Plumbing Services
If your pilot light won’t stay lit or if you’re experiencing frequent outages, it’s not just an inconvenience—it could indicate a deeper issue within your furnace. Attempting to fix this on your own could result in more costly repairs down the road, or even create a dangerous situation with gas leaks.
Here’s why Budget Heating & Plumbing Services should be your first call:
Expert TechniciansOur team has the expertise to handle pilot light issues quickly and safely, ensuring your furnace is up and running smoothly again.
Fast, Reliable ServiceWe understand that furnace issues can’t wait, especially in cold weather. That’s why we’re committed to providing fast, efficient service to get your home warm again as soon as possible.
Safety FirstDealing with gas furnaces requires professional knowledge to avoid dangerous mistakes. Our technicians prioritize your safety and ensure every component of your furnace is functioning properly.
Prevent Costly Future RepairsBy calling Budget Heating & Plumbing Services at the first sign of a pilot light issue, you can avoid more serious problems like gas leaks, inefficient heating, or total system breakdowns.
One-Stop HVAC SolutionWe don’t just relight pilot lights—we provide comprehensive furnace maintenance and repair services. Whether you need a quick fix or a full HVAC system inspection, we've got you covered.
Safety Tips for Relighting Your Furnace Pilot Light
Ventilate the Area: Always make sure the area is well-ventilated before relighting the pilot light to prevent gas buildup.
Avoid Overusing the Reset Button: Continuously pressing the reset button can flood your furnace with gas, which is dangerous.
Turn Off the Gas If You Smell It: If you smell gas at any point during the process, stop immediately, turn off the gas supply, leave your home, and call us.
When Should You Call Budget Heating & Plumbing Services?
If you’ve followed the steps to relight your pilot light and it still won’t stay lit, or if it keeps going out frequently, it’s time to contact a professional. There could be underlying issues with your furnace that require expert attention, such as a faulty thermocouple, a gas valve problem, or even a cracked heat exchanger.
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