While many modern furnaces use electronic ignition, some older Lennox models still rely on a pilot light. If your furnace isn’t firing up and you suspect the pilot light is out, don’t worry! Relighting it is usually a straightforward process. This guide will walk you through the steps, ensuring you can get your heat back on safely and efficiently.
Before you begin, it’s crucial to prioritize safety.
- Smell for Gas: If you smell a strong odor of gas, do not attempt to light the pilot light. Immediately turn off the gas supply to the furnace and contact your gas company or a qualified HVAC technician. Gas leaks are a serious hazard.
- Turn Off the Power: Before working on your furnace, turn off the power at the breaker box or the furnace’s power switch. This prevents any electrical accidents.
- Read the Instructions: Your furnace should have a label with specific instructions for lighting the pilot light. Always refer to these instructions first, as they may have specific details for your model.
Steps to Light the Lennox Pilot Light
The pilot light assembly is usually located near the burners inside the Lennox furnace. You’ll typically find a small metal box or compartment with a viewing window. Some furnaces might require you to remove a panel to access the pilot light.
1. Turn the Gas Control Valve to “OFF”
Locate the gas control valve, usually a black or red knob. Turn it to the “OFF” position. This stops the flow of gas to the pilot light. Wait for at least five minutes to allow any accumulated gas to dissipate. This is a crucial safety step.
2. Locate the Pilot Light Components
Inside the pilot light assembly, you should see three main components:
- Pilot Light Tube: A small metal tube that delivers gas to the pilot light.
- Igniter Button: A red or black button that creates a spark to ignite the gas. On some models, this might be a piezoelectric igniter (a button you repeatedly click) or a spark igniter (a button you hold down).
- Thermocouple: A small metal rod that senses the pilot light flame. It’s a safety device that shuts off the gas supply if the pilot light goes out.
3. Turn the Gas Control Valve to “PILOT”
After waiting five minutes, turn the gas control valve to the “PILOT” position.
4. Press and Hold the Igniter Button
While holding down the gas control valve, press and hold the igniter button. You should hear a clicking sound (from the igniter) or see a spark. Continue holding both buttons for about 30-60 seconds. This allows the thermocouple to heat up and sense the flame.
5. Observe the Pilot Light
Look through the viewing window to see if the pilot light has ignited. If it has, you should see a small blue flame.
6. Release the Igniter Button
Once the pilot light is lit, release the igniter button but continue holding down the gas control valve for another 30-60 seconds. This allows the thermocouple to continue heating up.
7. Release the Gas Control Valve
After the additional 30-60 seconds, slowly release the gas control valve. The pilot light should remain lit.
8. Turn the Gas Control Valve to “ON”
Once you’re sure the pilot light is burning steadily, turn the gas control valve to the “ON” position.
9. Turn the Power Back On
Turn the power back on to the furnace at the breaker box or the furnace’s power switch.
10. Test the Furnace
Set your thermostat a few degrees higher than the current room temperature to ensure the furnace fires up and begins producing heat.
Troubleshooting Lennox Pilot Light
- Pilot Light Won’t Light: If the pilot light on your Lennox furnace doesn’t light after several attempts, check the following:
- Gas Supply: Ensure the gas supply to your home is turned on.
- Gas Control Valve: Make sure the gas control valve is turned to the correct positions (“OFF,” “PILOT,” and “ON”).
- Igniter: Check if the igniter is producing a spark. If not, it might need to be replaced.
- Pilot Light Orifice: The small opening in the pilot light tube might be clogged. You can try cleaning it with a thin wire or compressed air (after turning off the gas supply).
- Pilot Light Goes Out: If the pilot light lights but goes out shortly after releasing the gas control valve, the thermocouple might be faulty and need to be replaced.
If you’re uncomfortable working with gas or if you’ve tried these steps and the pilot light still won’t light, it’s best to call a qualified HVAC technician. They have the expertise and tools to diagnose and fix any issues safely and efficiently.
Relighting your Lennox furnace pilot light is usually a simple task, but safety should always be your top priority. By following these steps and taking the necessary precautions, you can get your heat back on quickly and safely. Remember, if you smell gas, do not attempt to light the pilot light and contact a professional immediately.
