How To Relight A Pilot Light On A Furnace

How to Relight a Pilot Light on a Furnace: A Comprehensive Guide

Have you ever woken up on a cold winter morning to discover that your furnace isn’t working? One of the most common reasons for this is a blown-out pilot light. While it may seem daunting, relighting a pilot light is a relatively simple task that you can do on your own with a few simple steps. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about relighting a pilot light on a furnace, from understanding the basics to troubleshooting common problems.

Understanding the Pilot Light

A pilot light is a small flame that burns continuously to ignite the main burner when you turn on your furnace. It is usually located near the base of the furnace, behind a small door or access panel.

How a Pilot Light Works

When you turn on your furnace, a small amount of gas flows to the pilot light and ignites it. The flame from the pilot light then heats up a thermocouple, which generates a small electrical current. This current opens a gas valve, allowing more gas to flow to the main burner, which ignites and heats your home.

Relighting a Pilot Light

Tools you’ll need:

• Long-handled lighter or match
• Small flashlight (optional)

Steps:

1. Locate the pilot light: Open the front panel or access door of your furnace. The pilot light will be a small flame located near the bottom.
2. Turn off the gas: Before relighting the pilot light, turn off the gas supply to the furnace. Do this by turning the gas valve located on the gas line that leads into the furnace.
3. Wait 5 minutes: Allow the gas to dissipate for 5 minutes before proceeding. This will prevent any potential gas buildup from igniting.
4. Find the ignition button: The ignition button is usually located near the pilot light. It may be a red button or a switch.
5. Hold down the ignition button and light the pilot light: Press and hold the ignition button. While holding the button, carefully light the pilot light with a long-handled lighter or match.
6. Keep the ignition button depressed: Continue holding the ignition button for 30-60 seconds after the pilot light has ignited. This will allow the thermocouple to heat up and generate the necessary current.
7. Release the ignition button: Once you have held the ignition button for the required time, release it. If the pilot light stays lit, you have successfully relit it.
8. Turn on the gas: Slowly turn the gas valve back on. You should hear the main burner ignite.
9. Close the access door: Close the front panel or access door of the furnace and enjoy the warmth of your newly reignited furnace!

Tips and Expert Advice

• Be careful when working with gas. Always follow safety precautions and read your furnace’s user manual before attempting to relight the pilot light.
• If you repeatedly fail to relight the pilot light, contact a qualified HVAC technician. There may be an underlying issue that requires professional attention.
• Consider installing a thermocouple replacement kit. This will provide you with a spare thermocouple in case the existing one fails.
• Keep the area around the furnace clear of debris and flammable materials. This will prevent any potential fire hazards.
• Regularly inspect the pilot light and thermocouple. This will help you identify and replace any worn or damaged components before they cause problems.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I relight a pilot light on a hot furnace?
A: No, never attempt to relight a pilot light on a hot furnace. Always wait until the furnace has cooled down to prevent any potential hazards.

Q: How long should I hold down the ignition button?
A: Hold down the ignition button for 30-60 seconds after the pilot light has ignited. This will give the thermocouple time to heat up and generate the necessary current.

Q: What if the pilot light doesn’t stay lit after I release the ignition button?
A: If the pilot light goes out after you release the ignition button, the thermocouple may be faulty and will need to be replaced. Contact a qualified HVAC technician for assistance.

Q: How often should I inspect the pilot light and thermocouple?
A: Regularly inspect the pilot light and thermocouple, especially before the start of each heating season. Look for any signs of damage or wear, and replace any faulty components promptly.

Conclusion

Relighting a pilot light on a furnace is a relatively simple task that most homeowners can do on their own. By following the steps outlined in this comprehensive guide, you can safely and effectively relight your pilot light and get your furnace up and running again. Remember to always prioritize safety and consult a qualified HVAC technician if you encounter any difficulties or have concerns about the operation of your furnace.

Are you interested in learning more about furnace maintenance and troubleshooting? Check out our other articles on the topic for additional insights and tips.