Table of Contents
Why would a gas furnace pilot light go out?
The thermocouple on your heating system is a safety device that determines whether or not your furnace pilot light is lit. A thermocouple that is dirty or malfunctioning will often shut off your gas supply in error, causing the pilot light to go out and your furnace to stop working.
Can I relight the pilot light by myself?
If your pilot light goes out, your furnace will not be able to produce heat because its burners will not ignite. Often, homeowners can relight the pilot themselves.
How do you turn on a pilot light?
Turn the gas regulator valve to the “pilot” position. If the water heater has a manual “ignite” button, press that to light the pilot. If it doesn’t have the button, or the button fails, press the regulator valve and hold a grill lighter or long match to the pilot light valve until the pilot ignites.
Should the pilot light always be on in a gas furnace?
Most furnaces with electronic ignition have a device called a hot surface igniter. The difference is that the flame is only lit (by an electronic spark) when your furnace is ready for a heating cycle. When the pilot light is not needed, it is completely off, saving you money on gas.
Why does my furnace not ignite sometimes?
The Pilot Light (Faulty Ignition Sensor) The pilot light or ignition sensor is usually the most common issue when your furnace will not ignite. This is typically the problem if you can hear your furnace click on but it does not fire up. If the sensor or ignitor is dirty, it will need to be cleaned.
What would cause a pilot light to not stay lit?
The Buildup of Dirt or Debris Around The Pilot Light – Over the years it’s easy for dust, debris, and dirt to build up on the inside of the intake valve where the pilot light resides. This makes it difficult for the flame to breath and as a result causes the pilot light to go out suddenly.
Why is my pilot light not staying lit on my furnace?
If your pilot light won’t stay alight, it might be the thermocouple. Sometimes dust buildup collects on the thermocouple and blocks the sensor. Try cleaning the thermocouple and then relighting the pilot light. If it continues to go out, the thermocouple might need to be replaced.
How do you start a furnace without a pilot?
If your furnace is equipped with an electronic igniter, you cannot light the furnace manually. However, you may be able to get the furnace working by turning off the igniter and resetting it. Find the paperwork for your particular furnace to locate the reset button or switch.
How do I know if my pilot light is on?
If your pilot light is on, it should be easy to see – your eyes will be drawn to the little flame. If you don’t see a flame, your pilot light is out. If there is a flame, check the color. Pilot lights should always be blue.
Is it safe to light a furnace pilot?
Once enough time has passed for any lingering gas to dissipate, it is safe to light your furnace pilot light. Turn the switch to “pilot.” As you hold the reset button, bring a flame close to the pilot light opening. Once the light is back on, you can release the reset button.
Why is my furnace not blowing hot air?
Heater Not Blowing Warm Air Because of Thermostat Settings. Make sure you check the thermostat which controls your HVAC system. If your thermostat is set correctly and your heater is still not coming on, you may have a faulty thermostat. If these fixes do not work, a call to an HVAC professional is in order.
Will gas leak if pilot light is off?
When the pilot light goes out, it does not leak carbon monoxide gas. Some of the possible serious reasons for pilot lights to go out include loose or broken gas valves, thermocouples or heat exchangers, faulty venting, low gas pressure, or high winds.
How long should it take for furnace to ignite?
A furnace should take around five minutes to start once you’ve turned on your thermostat. That said, you might end up waiting closer to ten minutes to see your furnace kick on if it’s older or has an issue with its pilot light. If this is the case, it may need to be checked out by a professional.
How do you reset the pilot light on a furnace?
Turn the knob to “Pilot” and hold down the “Reset” button. Using a long lighter, bring the flame close to the pilot opening. This should ignite the pilot light. Once the pilot is lit, you can release the reset button. The pilot should stay lit at this point.
How do I know if my furnace spark ignitor is bad?
Your furnace won’t run: The most obvious sign that your ignitor is bad is that it won’t ignite, and this generally manifests itself in your furnace failing to run when you activate it. One word of caution, though: this can also be caused by other issues, some of which are electrical.
Where is the reset button on a furnace?
Locate the reset button on the furnace and press it to reset the furnace. It is usually located inside the blower compartment on the side of the blower motor. Be cautious as the housing may be hot. If the button is popped up, press it down.
