Is your house feeling a little too much like an icebox lately? A malfunctioning or extinguished furnace pilot light is a common culprit for a chilly home, especially during the colder months. The pilot light, a small but crucial flame, is responsible for igniting the main burner in your furnace, which in turn heats your house. When it goes out, your furnace won’t operate, leaving you shivering and potentially facing frozen pipes. While calling a professional is always an option, relighting the pilot light is often a simple task that you can safely accomplish yourself, saving time and money.
Understanding how to safely and effectively relight your furnace pilot is a vital skill for any homeowner. Not only does it keep your home warm and comfortable, but it also prevents potential damage from freezing temperatures. A pilot light that repeatedly goes out can also indicate a more serious problem with your furnace, so knowing how to troubleshoot the issue can help you identify when a professional is truly needed, ensuring the long-term health of your heating system.
What are the common causes of a pilot light going out, and what steps can I take to relight it safely?
Where is the pilot light located on my furnace?
The pilot light on your furnace is typically located inside the main burner compartment, near the burner assembly itself. You’ll need to remove the access panel or door to find it. Look for a small nozzle or opening with a small flame (if lit) or a spark igniter nearby.
The exact location can vary depending on the make and model of your furnace. Newer furnaces may have an electronic ignition system instead of a traditional pilot light. If you don’t see a clearly defined pilot light assembly, consult your furnace’s user manual or look for a label on the furnace itself that indicates the pilot light location. Some manufacturers provide diagrams or illustrations to assist in identifying this crucial component. Before attempting to locate or light the pilot light, always turn off the gas supply to the furnace. This is a critical safety precaution to prevent gas leaks or explosions. The gas valve is usually located near the furnace, often on the gas supply pipe. Once the gas is off and you’ve safely located the pilot light assembly, you can proceed to the next steps in lighting the pilot light, following the specific instructions for your furnace model. If you are uncomfortable with any of these steps, contact a qualified HVAC technician.
What safety precautions should I take before lighting the pilot?
Before attempting to light a furnace pilot light, the most critical safety precaution is to ensure there’s no gas accumulation. This means turning off the gas supply to the furnace, waiting for several minutes (typically 5-10), and ventilating the area thoroughly to dissipate any potentially leaked gas. This step minimizes the risk of a dangerous explosion.
Before you even think about striking a match or pressing the igniter button, your nose should be your first line of defense. If you smell any gas, even a faint odor, do not proceed. Immediately evacuate the area, turn off the gas supply at the main meter if it’s safe to do so, and call your gas company or a qualified HVAC technician from a safe location. Don’t use any electronics (including phones) in the vicinity of the suspected leak. Once the area is deemed safe, you can carefully proceed with further inspection.
Also, ensure you have adequate lighting and a clear, unobstructed view of the pilot light assembly. Remove any flammable materials or obstructions from the area around the furnace. Wear safety glasses to protect your eyes from potential debris or unexpected flames. Familiarize yourself with the location of the gas shut-off valve for the furnace and the main gas meter in case you need to shut off the gas supply quickly. Finally, review the furnace manufacturer’s instructions for lighting the pilot, as procedures can vary slightly between models. Adhering to these precautions can significantly reduce the risk of accidents during the pilot lighting process.
How long should I hold the reset button after lighting?
After successfully lighting the pilot light, continue holding the reset button (or pilot button, depending on your furnace model) for approximately 20-30 seconds. This allows the thermocouple or flame sensor to heat up sufficiently and begin generating a small electrical current that signals to the gas valve that the pilot light is indeed lit and to keep the gas flowing.
Holding the button for the correct duration is crucial. Releasing it too early will result in the pilot light going out as soon as you remove pressure. The thermocouple needs enough time to be heated by the pilot flame and establish a consistent electrical current. The exact time may vary slightly depending on the age and type of your furnace, but 20-30 seconds is a generally safe and effective guideline. If the pilot light consistently goes out after holding the button for this long, there may be an issue with the thermocouple itself, the gas valve, or the gas supply, and you should consult a qualified HVAC technician. If, after multiple attempts of holding the button for the appropriate amount of time, the pilot light still refuses to stay lit, it indicates a potential problem beyond a simple restart. Do not repeatedly hold the gas valve open as this can lead to a dangerous build-up of gas. Shut off the gas supply to the furnace and contact a qualified HVAC professional for diagnosis and repair. Continuing to force the system could result in a hazardous situation.
What if the pilot light won’t stay lit?
If your furnace pilot light ignites but immediately goes out when you release the pilot button, the most common culprit is a faulty thermocouple or flame sensor. This safety device is responsible for sensing the heat of the pilot flame and keeping the gas valve open, allowing gas to flow to the main burner. If the thermocouple isn’t functioning correctly, it will shut off the gas supply to prevent a dangerous buildup of unburned fuel.
A dirty or loose thermocouple connection is often the cause. Try gently cleaning the thermocouple with fine steel wool to remove any soot or corrosion. Ensure the thermocouple is properly positioned in the pilot flame, usually with the tip directly in the flame’s hottest point. Also, check the connection between the thermocouple and the gas valve; tighten any loose connections. If cleaning and tightening don’t work, the thermocouple itself may be defective and need replacement. Beyond the thermocouple, a weak pilot flame can also prevent it from generating enough electricity to keep the gas valve open. Check the pilot orifice for any obstructions. A clogged orifice can restrict gas flow, resulting in a small, unstable flame. Use a small wire or needle to carefully clean the orifice, being extremely cautious not to enlarge the opening. Finally, ensure the gas supply is adequate; low gas pressure can also lead to a weak pilot flame. If you suspect a gas pressure issue, contact a qualified HVAC technician or your gas company for assistance.
How do I know if my thermocouple is bad?
The most common sign of a bad thermocouple is a pilot light that won’t stay lit after you release the pilot button. A healthy thermocouple generates a small electrical current when heated by the pilot flame, which tells the gas valve to stay open. If the thermocouple is faulty, it won’t generate enough current, causing the gas valve to close and extinguish the pilot light.
Beyond a pilot light that won’t stay lit, there are a few other ways to troubleshoot a suspect thermocouple. First, visually inspect it for any signs of damage, such as cracks, kinks, or corrosion. While minor surface corrosion might be cleaned off with fine sandpaper, significant damage necessitates replacement. Second, you can use a multimeter to test the thermocouple’s output. With the pilot lit, a good thermocouple should typically produce between 20 and 30 millivolts DC. A reading significantly below this range indicates a failing thermocouple.
Keep in mind that other issues can mimic a bad thermocouple. A dirty pilot orifice, for example, might not produce a strong enough flame to properly heat the thermocouple. Similarly, a faulty gas valve could also prevent the pilot light from staying lit. Before replacing the thermocouple, it’s wise to clean the pilot orifice with a small wire or compressed air and ensure the gas supply is adequate. If the problem persists after these steps, replacing the thermocouple is the most likely solution.
Is there a way to light the pilot without a built-in igniter?
Yes, you can light a furnace pilot without a built-in igniter using a long lighter, a match held with pliers, or a lit piece of rolled-up paper or cardboard. Always exercise extreme caution when manually lighting a pilot light.
Manually lighting a pilot light involves carefully introducing a flame source near the pilot gas outlet while simultaneously depressing and holding the pilot button (if your furnace has one). The pilot button is typically located on the gas valve. You will need to hold the pilot button down for a short period (usually 20-60 seconds) to allow the thermocouple to heat up and keep the gas valve open. After this time, carefully release the pilot button, and the pilot light should remain lit. Before attempting to manually light the pilot, always turn off the gas supply to the furnace, wait several minutes to allow any accumulated gas to dissipate, and ventilate the area well. This helps prevent potential gas buildup and reduces the risk of a small explosion. If you smell gas after attempting to light the pilot, immediately turn off the gas supply and call a qualified HVAC technician or your gas company. Do not attempt to relight the pilot yourself.
Can I use a lighter instead of a match to light the pilot?
Yes, you can absolutely use a lighter instead of a match to light a furnace pilot light. In fact, many technicians prefer lighters, especially those with a long nozzle or wand, as they allow you to keep your hand further away from the gas source and any potential flare-ups, increasing safety and accessibility.
Using a lighter, particularly a long-handled butane lighter, offers several advantages. The extended reach is a key benefit, as it minimizes the risk of burns from a sudden burst of flame or from having to reach into a cramped space within the furnace. Standard matches can sometimes be difficult to maneuver in tight spaces, and they burn down quickly, potentially forcing you to get your fingers uncomfortably close to the pilot light area. However, it’s crucial to exercise caution regardless of whether you’re using a match or a lighter. Before attempting to light the pilot, ensure the gas valve is in the “off” position for the recommended waiting period (usually a few minutes) to allow any accumulated gas to dissipate. Have adequate ventilation, and always be prepared to quickly shut off the gas supply if you detect a strong gas odor or any unusual activity. If you are not comfortable lighting the pilot light yourself, it is always best to call a qualified HVAC technician.