If you find yourself shivering in the cold and your furnace is not providing any heat, it might be because the pilot light has gone out. A pilot light is a small flame that continuously burns to ignite the gas in the furnace when heat is needed. Relighting the pilot light is a relatively simple task that you can do yourself, but it is important to follow the instructions carefully to avoid any potential hazards.
Before you begin, make sure that the gas supply to the furnace is turned on. You can usually find the gas valve near the bottom of the furnace. Once you have confirmed that the gas is on, you can proceed to relight the pilot light. Most furnaces have a small access panel on the front or side of the unit that provides access to the pilot light. Remove the access panel and locate the pilot light assembly. The pilot light is usually a small metal tube with a flame burning at the end.
To relight the pilot light, you will need a long lighter or a match. Hold the lighter or match near the pilot light and turn on the gas valve. The pilot light should ignite immediately. If it does not, turn off the gas valve and wait a few minutes before trying again. Once the pilot light is lit, hold it down for about 30 seconds to ensure that it stays lit. Then, release the button and replace the access panel.
Determining if the Furnace is Pilot-Ignited
Before embarking on the task of lighting a furnace pilot, it is essential to ascertain whether your furnace requires pilot ignition. Here are some indicators that suggest your furnace is pilot-ignited:
Age of the Furnace
Generally, furnaces manufactured before the mid-1990s utilize pilot lights for ignition. If your furnace is older than 25 years, it is likely to have a pilot ignition system.
Presence of a Standing Pilot Light
Observe the furnace visually. If you notice a small blue or yellow flame burning continuously near the burner assembly, you have a pilot-ignited furnace.
Location of the Thermostat
In older furnaces, the thermostat is typically connected to a millivolt signal. This low-voltage signal activates the pilot light and gas valve. If your thermostat has thick wires instead of thin ones, it is likely that your furnace is pilot-ignited.
Types of Pilot Lights
There are two main types of pilot lights:
| Standing Pilot Light | Intermittent Pilot Light |
|---|---|
| Burns continuously | Ignites only when the furnace is in use |
Gathering Necessary Materials
To successfully light your furnace pilot, you will need to gather a few essential materials:
1. **Butane lighter or long-neck lighter:** A butane lighter is the preferred option as it provides a controlled flame and is less likely to cause damage to the pilot assembly. A long-neck lighter can also be used if you have limited access to the pilot.
2. **Screwdriver (usually provided with the furnace):** A small screwdriver is necessary to access and adjust the pilot assembly. Some furnaces come with a dedicated screwdriver for this purpose.
3. **Flashlight (optional):** A flashlight can be helpful for illuminating the pilot assembly and making it easier to see what you are doing, especially in dimly lit areas.
4. **Matches (optional):** Matches can be used to light the pilot if a lighter is not available. However, it is important to use caution and follow the instructions below carefully to avoid accidents.
| Item | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Butane lighter or long-neck lighter | To ignite the pilot |
| Screwdriver | To adjust the pilot assembly |
| Flashlight | To illuminate the pilot assembly (optional) |
| Matches | To ignite the pilot if a lighter is not available (optional) |
Shutting Off Gas Supply
Before commencing any work on your furnace, it’s crucial to ensure the safety of your workspace. This includes shutting off the gas supply to prevent any accidents or hazards during the process. Follow these steps to safely turn off the gas:
Step 1: Locate the Gas Shutoff Valve
Identify the location of the gas shutoff valve, which is typically located near your furnace. It’s usually a yellow or red-handled valve.
Step 2: Close the Valve Completely
Turn the gas shutoff valve clockwise until it’s fully closed. This will stop the flow of gas to the furnace.
Step 3: Double-Check the Valve Position
Once you’ve closed the valve, double-check its position by trying to turn it further clockwise. If you experience any resistance, it means the valve is completely closed.
Step 4: Test for Gas Leakage
After closing the shutoff valve, apply a small amount of soapy water to the valve’s connection point. Observe for any bubbles forming. If bubbles appear, it indicates a possible gas leak, and you should contact a qualified gas technician immediately.
Step 5: Open Windows or Doors
If you detect any gas leaks, ventilate the area by opening windows or doors to allow fresh air to circulate. Do not attempt to light the furnace or perform any other gas-related work in this situation.
Additional Tips:
| Tip |
|---|
| Wait at least 5 minutes after closing the valve before lighting any appliances or performing any electrical work. |
| If you’re unfamiliar with gas supply systems, do not attempt to adjust or repair the valve yourself. Contact a qualified gas technician for assistance. |
| Regularly inspect the gas shutoff valve for any signs of damage or corrosion. |
Locating the Furnace Pilot
A furnace pilot is a small flame that ignites the main gas burner in a furnace. It’s usually located inside the furnace cabinet, near the bottom of the unit. To locate the pilot, follow these steps:
- Turn off the power to the furnace. This is usually done by flipping the breaker or switch that controls the furnace.
- Remove the access panel to the furnace cabinet. The access panel is typically located on the front or side of the furnace.
- Locate the pilot assembly. The pilot assembly is a small, metal tube with a small flame burning at the end. It’s usually located near the bottom of the furnace, close to the gas valve.
Tips for Finding the Pilot:
- If you can’t find the pilot assembly, consult your furnace’s user manual. The manual will provide specific instructions on how to locate the pilot.
- If the pilot is not lit, you may need to relight it. Instructions on how to relight the pilot are usually found on a label near the pilot assembly.
- If you’re still having trouble finding the pilot, call a qualified HVAC technician for assistance.
Turning Off the Electric Supply
Before proceeding with any maintenance or repairs, it’s imperative to ensure the safety of your working environment. To this end, the first step involves turning off the electric supply to the furnace. This measure eliminates any potential electrical hazards, minimizing the risk of accidents or injuries during subsequent operations.
Verifying the Power Supply
To confirm that the electric supply has been effectively disconnected, utilize a non-contact voltage tester. This device can be employed to verify whether electricity is present in the wiring, providing a definitive indication of the power status.
Locating the Electrical Panel
The electrical panel, often referred to as the breaker box, usually houses the circuit breakers or fuses that control the power supply to various appliances and systems within your home, including the furnace. It’s typically situated in a readily accessible location, such as the basement, garage, or utility room.
Identifying the Furnace Circuit Breaker
Within the electrical panel, locate the circuit breaker labeled “furnace” or “heating system.” This breaker is responsible for supplying electricity to the furnace.
Disengaging the Circuit Breaker
To turn off the electric supply to the furnace, locate the designated circuit breaker and switch it to the “OFF” position. This action will effectively interrupt the flow of electricity to the furnace, rendering it electrically inactive.
| BEFORE | AFTER |
|---|---|
| Circuit breaker in the “ON” position | Circuit breaker in the “OFF” position |
Cleaning the Pilot Assembly
Cleaning the pilot assembly is an important part of maintaining your furnace. A dirty pilot assembly can cause the furnace to malfunction or even start a fire. To clean the pilot assembly, you will need a few tools, including a small brush, a vacuum cleaner, and a can of compressed air.
First, turn off the gas supply to the furnace. Then, remove the front panel of the furnace and locate the pilot assembly. The pilot assembly is typically located near the bottom of the furnace, and it consists of a small metal tube with a flame burning inside. Carefully remove the small metal tube or pilot assembly and use the brush to clean any dirt or debris from the inside. Be sure to also clean the area around the pilot assembly.
Once you have cleaned the pilot assembly, vacuum up any remaining dirt or debris. Finally, use the compressed air to blow out any remaining dust or dirt. Reinstall the pilot assembly and turn on the gas supply to the furnace. Light the pilot light and make sure that it is burning properly.
This thorough cleaning process helps ensure the safe and efficient operation of your furnace.
Pilot assembly cleaning requires the completion of the following steps:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Turning off the furnace |
| 2 | Locating the pilot assembly |
| 3 | Removing the pilot assembly |
| 4 | Cleaning the pilot assembly using the brush |
| 5 | Vacuuming the remaining dirt |
| 6 | Blowing out any remaining dust using compressed air |
| 7 | Reinstalling the pilot assembly |
| 8 | Turning on the gas supply and lighting the pilot light |
Replacing the Pilot Burner
If the pilot burner is clogged or damaged, it will need to be replaced. To do this, follow these steps:
- Turn off the gas supply to the furnace.
- Remove the front panel of the furnace.
- Locate the pilot burner assembly.
- Disconnect the gas line from the pilot burner.
- Remove the pilot burner from the furnace.
- Install the new pilot burner into the furnace.
- Reconnect the gas line to the pilot burner.
- Turn on the gas supply to the furnace.
- Reinstall the front panel of the furnace.
- Light the pilot burner according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Turn off the gas supply to the furnace.
- Wait five minutes for the gas to dissipate.
- Locate the pilot light assembly. It is usually a small, round opening on the side of the furnace.
- Use a long match or lighter to light the pilot light. Hold the flame near the opening and press the igniter button.
- Once the pilot light is lit, hold the button down for 30 seconds to allow the flame to stabilize.
- Turn on the gas supply to the furnace.
- Set the thermostat to the desired temperature.
- A draft of air
- A dirty pilot light assembly
- A faulty thermocouple
- A problem with the gas supply
- Check the gas supply to the furnace.
- Clean the pilot light assembly.
- Replace the thermocouple.
- Call a qualified HVAC technician for assistance.
Once the pilot burner is lit, check for gas leaks. If you smell gas, turn off the gas supply to the furnace and call a qualified technician.
How to Light a Furnace Pilot
A furnace pilot light is a small flame that keeps your furnace running. If the pilot light goes out, your furnace will not be able to heat your home. You can light the pilot light yourself using the following steps:
If you are unable to light the pilot light yourself, call a qualified HVAC technician for assistance.
People Also Ask About How to Light a Furnace Pilot
How do I know if my furnace pilot light is out?
If your furnace is not heating your home, the pilot light may be out. You can check the pilot light by looking through the small, round opening on the side of the furnace. If the flame is not lit, the pilot light is out.
Why did my furnace pilot light go out?
There are several reasons why a furnace pilot light may go out, including:
How do I troubleshoot a furnace pilot light that won’t light?
If your furnace pilot light will not light, you can try the following troubleshooting tips:
