Is your house feeling a bit more like an igloo than a cozy home? A furnace with a pilot light that's gone out is a common culprit, and it always seems to happen at the worst possible time. While it might seem daunting, relighting a pilot light is often a simple task that can save you the cost of a service call and get your heat back on quickly. However, knowing the right steps and safety precautions is crucial to avoid potential hazards.
A functioning furnace is essential for maintaining a comfortable and safe living environment, especially during the colder months. Without it, you risk frozen pipes, uncomfortable temperatures, and even health risks for vulnerable individuals. Learning how to safely relight your pilot light empowers you to address a common furnace issue promptly, keeping your home warm and your family comfortable. Don't let a little extinguished flame leave you in the cold!
What do I need to know before relighting my pilot light?
How do I know if my furnace pilot light is out?
The most common sign is a cold house despite your thermostat being set to "heat." You might also hear clicking sounds as the furnace attempts to ignite, or smell unburnt gas near the unit. A visual inspection through the pilot light access panel will confirm the absence of a flame.
A furnace relies on a consistently burning pilot light to ignite the main burners and produce heat. When the pilot light goes out, the furnace's safety mechanisms prevent gas from flowing to the main burners, preventing a potentially dangerous gas buildup. This results in the furnace failing to start, leaving your home without heat. Furthermore, some newer furnaces utilize an electronic ignition system instead of a standing pilot light; if your furnace has this system, it will likely display an error code or fault light indicating an ignition failure. Refer to your furnace's manual for specific error code information if applicable. Besides the obvious lack of heat, pay attention to unusual smells. While a faint whiff of gas when the furnace initially kicks on is normal, a persistent or strong gas odor suggests a problem, potentially related to the pilot light being out and unburnt gas accumulating. In this scenario, it's crucial to shut off the gas supply to the furnace and contact a qualified HVAC technician immediately.Where exactly is the pilot light located on my furnace model?
The pilot light location varies by furnace model, but it's generally found inside the main burner compartment, near the gas valve and burner assembly. Look for a small metal tube that leads to a tiny opening where the flame should be. Older furnaces often have a more exposed pilot light assembly, while newer models might have a small viewing window or access panel to see the pilot.
Finding the pilot light requires locating the main burner compartment. Usually, this is behind a removable panel on the front of the furnace. This panel is often secured with screws or clips. Once you remove the panel (and always remember to turn off the gas supply before doing so), look for the gas valve. The pilot light assembly will be in close proximity to this valve, as it's what ignites the main burners when they receive a call for heat. It might be partially obscured by other components, so use a flashlight to get a better view.
If you're still struggling to locate it, consult your furnace's owner's manual. The manual will contain specific diagrams and instructions tailored to your exact model, pinpointing the pilot light location. Alternatively, search online for your furnace model number, followed by "pilot light location," to find images or videos that demonstrate where it is. The model number is usually found on a sticker inside the furnace cabinet or on the exterior casing. This sticker often contains the serial number as well.
Keep in mind that some newer furnaces have electronic ignition systems instead of a traditional pilot light. These systems use a spark or hot surface igniter to light the burners directly, eliminating the need for a constantly burning pilot. If you can't find a pilot light assembly, your furnace might be one of these models. Again, your owner’s manual or a quick online search of your specific furnace model will give you the definitive answer.
How long should I hold the reset button while relighting?
Hold the reset button (or pilot button, depending on your furnace) for approximately 30-60 seconds after lighting the pilot flame. This allows the thermocouple (or thermopile) to heat up sufficiently and signal to the gas valve that the pilot flame is present and that it's safe to keep the gas flowing. Releasing the button too early will cause the pilot light to go out, and you'll have to repeat the process.
Holding the button for the correct duration is crucial for a successful relighting. The thermocouple is a safety device that generates a small electrical current when heated by the pilot flame. This current tells the gas valve to stay open. If the thermocouple doesn't get hot enough, the gas valve will shut off the gas supply to the pilot light, extinguishing the flame. The exact amount of time needed can vary slightly depending on the furnace model and the age of the thermocouple. If you hold the button for a full minute and the pilot light still goes out when you release it, there may be a problem with the thermocouple itself or the gas valve. It's also possible there is insufficient gas pressure, or the pilot light assembly may be dirty. In such cases, it's best to consult a qualified HVAC technician for diagnosis and repair. Continuing to attempt relighting with a faulty system can be potentially hazardous.Is there a specific type of lighter I should use?
Yes, a long-reach butane lighter, often called a BBQ lighter or grill lighter, is generally the safest and most effective type of lighter to use when relighting a pilot light on a furnace. These lighters feature an extended nozzle, which keeps your hand safely away from the burner area and reduces the risk of burns.
While a standard disposable lighter *can* be used in a pinch, it's not recommended due to the increased proximity of your hand to the gas and potentially hot components. Matches are also a possibility, but can be awkward to handle in the confined space of a furnace and may burn down before you successfully ignite the pilot light. The longer reach of a butane lighter provides greater control and reduces the risk of injury. It's crucial to ensure the lighter you choose is functioning correctly and producing a consistent flame. A sputtering or weak flame can make it difficult to light the pilot and increase the risk of gas buildup. Before using any lighter, test it briefly away from the furnace to confirm it's working as expected. Also, be certain that your lighter is specifically designed for lighting flames, and not some other type of device. Safety should be your top priority when working with gas appliances.When should I call a professional instead of trying to relight it myself?
You should call a qualified HVAC technician immediately if you smell a strong odor of gas, if you are uncomfortable or unfamiliar with the relighting procedure, if the pilot light repeatedly fails to stay lit after multiple attempts, or if you notice any signs of damage to the furnace components like cracked heat exchangers or corroded wiring.
Relighting a pilot light can seem simple, but it involves working with a flammable gas, so safety is paramount. If you suspect a gas leak, even a faint one, do not attempt to relight the pilot. Evacuate the premises and call your gas company or fire department from a safe location. A persistent gas odor indicates a problem that requires professional diagnosis and repair. Furthermore, repeated failure of the pilot light to stay lit suggests a more complex issue, such as a faulty thermocouple, a dirty pilot orifice, or a problem with the gas valve. Attempting to repeatedly relight the pilot without addressing the underlying cause can flood the combustion chamber with gas and create a dangerous situation. Additionally, it is advisable to call a professional if your furnace is older or has not been serviced recently. Older furnaces may have deteriorated components that increase the risk of malfunction or gas leaks. Similarly, if you are unsure about any step of the relighting procedure, or if you are at all uncomfortable working with gas appliances, it is best to err on the side of caution and contact a qualified technician. Their expertise can ensure the furnace is operating safely and efficiently, preventing potential hazards and costly repairs down the road.And there you have it! Hopefully, your furnace is now humming away, keeping you cozy and warm. Thanks for sticking with me, and if you ever run into other home maintenance hiccups, don't hesitate to pop back and see if I can lend a hand. Stay warm!