A furnace pilot light is a small, constant flame that ignites the main burners when your thermostat calls for heat. In older furnaces, this pilot light is always burning. If it goes out, you’ll have no heat. While many modern furnaces use electronic ignition, some older models still rely on pilot lights.
This friendly guide will walk you through the steps to safely reignite your furnace pilot light.
Step-by-Step Process:
1. Gather Necessary Tools
- Long-reach lighter or matchstick (for manual ignition)
- Flashlight (to locate components)
- Owner’s manual (for furnace-specific instructions)
2. Turn Off the Furnace
- Set the thermostat to the “Off” position.
- Locate the furnace’s gas control knob or switch and turn it to the “Off” position.
- Wait 5–10 minutes to allow any residual gas to dissipate, ensuring safety.
3. Locate the Pilot Light Assembly
- Open the furnace access panel to find the pilot light assembly.
- Identify these components:
- Gas Control Knob: Typically labeled “Off,” “Pilot,” and “On.”
- Pilot Light Orifice: A small nozzle where the flame is ignited.
- Thermocouple: A small metal rod next to the pilot light that detects the flame.
4. Set the Gas Control to “Pilot”
- Turn the gas control knob to the “Pilot” position.
- Press and hold the knob down to release gas to the pilot light.
5. Ignite the Pilot Light
- While holding the gas control knob down, use a long-reach lighter or match to ignite the pilot light at the pilot orifice.
- Keep the knob pressed for 30–60 seconds after the pilot is lit to allow the thermocouple to heat up and detect the flame.
6. Release the Gas Control Knob
- Slowly release the knob and observe the pilot light:
- If the flame stays lit, proceed to the next step.
- If the flame goes out, repeat the process. If it doesn’t stay lit after several attempts, the thermocouple or gas valve may need repair.
7. Turn the Gas Control to “On”
- Once the pilot light is stable, turn the gas control knob to the “On” position.
8. Restart the Furnace
- Replace the access panel if removed.
- Set the thermostat to your desired temperature.
- Observe the furnace to ensure it starts heating properly.
Signs of a Problem with the Pilot Light
- The flame goes out repeatedly.
- The flame is yellow or weak instead of blue and steady.
- There’s a gas odor near the furnace (turn off the gas and contact a professional immediately).
When to Call a Professional
- If the pilot light doesn’t stay lit after multiple attempts.
- If the thermocouple or gas valve is damaged.
- If you detect a gas leak (leave the area immediately and call your gas provider).
Safety Tips
- Ventilation: Ensure the area around the furnace is well-ventilated when relighting the pilot light.
- Gas Smell: If you smell gas, do not attempt to light the pilot. Turn off the gas supply and call a professional.
- Regular Maintenance: Schedule annual furnace maintenance to ensure the pilot light assembly is clean and functioning.
By following these steps, you can safely reignite your furnace pilot light and restore heat to your home. If problems persist, contact a licensed HVAC technician for further assistance.
