Is your house feeling a little too much like an icebox these days? A furnace with a pilot light that’s gone out is a common problem, and it always seems to happen at the worst possible time. But don’t panic! Before you call a costly technician, there’s a good chance you can relight that pilot light yourself and get the heat flowing again.
A functioning furnace is crucial for comfort and safety during cold weather. Without it, pipes can freeze and burst, and living conditions become unbearable quickly. Knowing how to relight a pilot light is a valuable skill that can save you time, money, and a lot of discomfort. We’ll walk you through the process step-by-step, ensuring you understand the safety precautions and potential troubleshooting issues.
What do I need to know before I start, and what could go wrong?
Is it safe to relight my furnace pilot light myself?
Generally, yes, it’s safe to relight your furnace pilot light yourself if you carefully follow the manufacturer’s instructions. However, it’s crucial to understand the potential risks and take all necessary precautions. If you are uncomfortable with any part of the process, or if you smell a strong gas odor, it is always best to call a qualified HVAC technician.
Relighting a pilot light involves working with natural gas, which is flammable and potentially explosive if not handled properly. Before you even consider attempting to relight the pilot, make sure you can clearly locate the gas shut-off valve near the furnace. Also, ensure you have the manufacturer’s instructions readily available – these instructions are usually printed on a sticker located on the furnace itself. Deviating from these instructions can be dangerous. The most important safety measure is to completely shut off the gas supply to the furnace for several minutes to allow any accumulated gas to dissipate. Only then should you follow the lighting procedure, which typically involves turning the gas control knob to the “Pilot” position, pressing and holding it while simultaneously using a long lighter or match to ignite the pilot flame. Continue holding the knob for the recommended time (usually 30-60 seconds) before releasing it. If the pilot light doesn’t stay lit, repeat the process. If it *still* doesn’t light after several attempts, or if you detect any gas odor, immediately turn off the gas supply and contact a qualified HVAC technician for assistance. Do not continue to attempt lighting it if you suspect a gas leak.
What causes a furnace pilot light to go out?
A furnace pilot light typically goes out due to a disruption in the gas supply, a faulty thermocouple, or drafts extinguishing the flame. These issues prevent the pilot light from receiving the necessary gas to stay lit, or fail to sense the flame and keep the gas valve open.
The most common culprit is a lack of consistent gas flow. This could stem from a problem with the main gas line to your home, a closed gas valve somewhere along the supply line to the furnace, or even trapped air in the gas line. Debris or corrosion in the pilot light assembly itself can also restrict gas flow, causing the flame to sputter and eventually die. A professional gas technician can properly diagnose these issues. Another frequent cause is a malfunctioning thermocouple. The thermocouple is a safety device that sits in the pilot flame and generates a small electrical current. This current tells the gas valve to remain open, keeping the pilot light supplied with gas. If the thermocouple fails to produce sufficient current, the gas valve will shut off the gas supply to the pilot, extinguishing the flame. A simple test with a multimeter can usually determine if the thermocouple is defective. Finally, strong drafts can sometimes blow out a pilot light, especially if the furnace is located in a particularly windy area or near a frequently opened door or window. While less common with modern furnaces, this is still a possibility, particularly in older models with less shielded pilot light assemblies.
Where is the reset button on my furnace for relighting the pilot?
The “reset button” you’re likely thinking of when relighting a furnace pilot is usually the igniter button, often found on the gas valve. This is typically a red or black button located near the pilot light assembly within the furnace’s burner compartment. It might be labeled “Pilot,” “Reset,” or simply be the ignition button used to generate the spark needed to light the pilot flame.
When a furnace fails to light, a safety mechanism often shuts off the gas supply to prevent a dangerous buildup. Pressing and holding the igniter button (or “reset button”) overrides this safety feature temporarily, allowing gas to flow to the pilot light while you attempt to ignite it. Releasing the button typically requires the pilot flame to remain lit, proving to the system that a stable flame is present before the main burner is activated. If the pilot light fails to stay lit after releasing the button, it indicates an issue, such as a dirty pilot light orifice or a faulty thermocouple, which needs to be addressed before attempting to relight again. Keep in mind that forcing the system to relight repeatedly without addressing the underlying issue can be dangerous. If you are uncomfortable or unsure about relighting your pilot light, consult a qualified HVAC technician to diagnose and repair the problem safely.
How do I know if I have a gas leak before relighting the pilot?
Before attempting to relight any pilot light, the most important step is to ensure there is no gas leak. The primary way to detect a gas leak is by smell; natural gas companies add a distinctive rotten egg or sulfur-like odor specifically so leaks are easily identifiable. If you smell this odor, leave the area immediately and contact your gas company or the fire department from a safe location. Do not attempt to locate the leak yourself or use anything that could create a spark, such as light switches or cell phones.
If you suspect a gas leak based on smell, prioritize safety above all else. Even a small accumulation of gas can create a significant explosion hazard. Evacuate everyone from the building and ensure no one re-enters until the area has been deemed safe by qualified professionals. Don’t try to find the source of the smell, as this could put you in closer proximity to a higher concentration of gas. Another potential, though less reliable, sign of a gas leak is a hissing sound near gas lines or appliances. While this isn’t always audible, especially with smaller leaks, it can be an indicator of escaping gas. You can also use a soap-and-water solution to check for leaks. Mix a small amount of dish soap with water and apply it to gas pipe connections. If bubbles form, this suggests a leak. However, if you are unsure or uncomfortable performing this test, it’s always best to call a professional. Remember, if you suspect a leak at all, error on the side of caution and call for help. Never attempt to relight a pilot light if you even remotely suspect a gas leak.
What safety precautions should I take when relighting a pilot light?
Before attempting to relight a pilot light, the most crucial safety precaution is to ensure there’s no gas accumulation. Completely shut off the gas supply to the appliance, wait for several minutes (typically 5-10 minutes) to allow any accumulated gas to dissipate, and ensure adequate ventilation in the area before attempting ignition. This minimizes the risk of a dangerous explosion or flash fire.
When relighting a pilot light, always follow the manufacturer’s instructions meticulously. These instructions are typically found on a label near the pilot light assembly or in the appliance’s user manual. Using a long-handled lighter specifically designed for appliances, or a long match, is crucial to keep your hands and face safely away from the burner area. Avoid using standard cigarette lighters or short matches, as these increase the risk of burns. Beyond preventing explosions and burns, it’s also essential to have a working carbon monoxide detector in your home. Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless, and deadly gas that can be produced by malfunctioning or improperly lit gas appliances. If the pilot light continues to go out frequently after relighting, it could indicate a more significant problem with the appliance, such as a faulty thermocouple or gas valve. In such cases, it’s best to contact a qualified HVAC technician to diagnose and repair the underlying issue rather than repeatedly relighting the pilot light yourself. Repeatedly failing attempts to light a pilot light mean you should call a professional.
What if the pilot light won’t stay lit after I relight it?
If your furnace pilot light repeatedly fails to stay lit after you’ve successfully relit it, the most common culprits are a dirty or faulty thermocouple, a blocked pilot light orifice, or insufficient gas pressure. These issues prevent the flame sensor (thermocouple) from generating the necessary electrical current to keep the gas valve open, causing the pilot light to extinguish after you release the pilot button.
To further troubleshoot, first ensure the gas valve is fully open. A partially closed valve can restrict gas flow to the pilot. Next, inspect the thermocouple. It’s a small metal rod positioned directly in the pilot flame. If it’s visibly corroded, damaged, or sooty, it likely needs to be cleaned with fine steel wool or replaced. A multimeter can test its output; a reading below the manufacturer’s specified millivolts indicates a faulty thermocouple. Also, a partially clogged pilot orifice, the tiny opening that supplies gas to the pilot, can create a weak flame that doesn’t adequately heat the thermocouple. A qualified technician can clean the orifice, or if it’s severely blocked, replace it. If the thermocouple and pilot orifice appear clean and functional, the problem might stem from low gas pressure within your home’s gas line. Other gas appliances may also be experiencing issues. Contact your gas company to report the problem if you suspect pressure irregularities. Finally, although less common, a faulty gas valve, or a problem with the furnace’s control board could also be responsible and would require professional diagnosis and repair.
Do I need a professional to relight my furnace pilot light?
Generally, no, you don’t need a professional to relight your furnace pilot light. Most modern furnaces have clear instructions printed directly on the unit itself, making it a straightforward DIY task for many homeowners. However, if you are uncomfortable working with gas appliances, unsure about the steps, or suspect a gas leak, it’s always best to call a qualified HVAC technician.
Relighting a pilot light involves carefully following the manufacturer’s instructions, which typically require turning the gas control valve to the “Pilot” setting, pressing and holding a button to release gas, and using a lighter or match to ignite the pilot flame. Holding the button down for a specified period after ignition ensures the flame sensor engages and keeps the gas valve open. If the pilot light doesn’t stay lit after several attempts, there may be an underlying problem, such as a dirty flame sensor or a malfunctioning gas valve, which necessitates professional repair.
Before attempting to relight the pilot light, ensure you can clearly smell gas. If you smell a strong odor of gas, immediately evacuate the premises and contact your gas company or the fire department. Do not attempt to light anything. Even a small spark could ignite the gas. If there is no noticeable gas smell, carefully follow the instructions printed on your furnace. If you encounter any difficulties or feel uncertain at any point, err on the side of caution and call a professional HVAC technician for assistance. Safety is paramount when dealing with gas appliances.
And there you have it! Hopefully, your furnace is happily humming away now, bringing the warmth back to your home. Thanks so much for giving this a try. If you have any other home maintenance mysteries or just need some helpful tips, come on back anytime – we’re always happy to help!