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Sometimes a pilot light can go out as a result of some source of wind or air simply blowing it out. If this happens, there could be an issue with how your flue pipe is set up or how your system is venting.
What do you do when your pilot light goes out?
How to Relight a Pilot Light Turn off your appliance at the power switch or thermostat. Find the gas valve control knob and turn it to select “pilot.” If pilot light controls are sticky, do not apply force or use oil. Press the red button while simultaneously holding a match to the pilot burner.
How do I know if my thermocouple is bad?
If you can’t get the flame to light at all, and you’re sure the gas is on, there’s probably an obstruction in the pilot tube. If the flame lights and goes out when you release the gas control knob after holding it in for the recommended 20 to 30 seconds, that’s the sign of a thermocouple malfunction.
Can I relight my own pilot light?
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.
Will the gas company light My pilot?
Most of today’s gas appliances have electric starters, rather than pilot lights. One caveat, however: If you detect the strong smell of natural gas, do not attempt to light the pilot. Instead, leave the house and call your local gas company or 911.
How much does it cost to relight a pilot?
Most service providers will charge a standard fee per visit that typically covers the cost to relight a gas water heater. This service call price can range from $80 to $100. Have you ever relit your own pilot light?Sep 21, 2015.
Is it bad if the pilot light goes out?
The pilot light is a small, blue flame that is used to ignite the natural gas being pumped into the main burner. This tube is fitted with a safety valve (the thermocouple), which stops the flow of gas if the pilot light goes out. This prevents gas from building up in your furnace, posing a safety hazard.
What do I do if my pilot light won’t light?
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 much does a pilot light cost per month?
– Reduced energy costs The pilot light burns significantly less fuel than a fire but it can cost $8 to $10 a month if your fireplace is fueled by natural gas. If your fireplace is fueled by propane, it could cost up to $20 a month. Turning off the pilot would reduce your energy costs during the summer.
Should the pilot light always be on in a gas furnace?
If you have an older gas furnace, your heating unit relies on a little blue flame known as a pilot light to ensure ignition of the burners. Since the pilot light needs to remain active, your furnace is always consuming some gas.
How much does it cost to fix a thermocouple?
The thermocouple is an apparatus that senses whether the pilot light is lit and triggers the gas control valve. Repairs typically cost about $150 to have it done professionally, though a new thermocouple itself only costs about $20 on average.
How do you know if the pilot light is out?
How to Tell If the Pilot Light Is Out Locate the front cover panel on your furnace. It should be a little door that’s easily visible. 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.
Should I turn my pilot light off?
We recommend that you turn off your gas fireplace pilot light seasonally. Turning off your gas fireplace’s pilot light can save a substantial amount of energy and money. It is important to remember that not all gas fireplaces have “standing” pilot light, or, a pilot light that is “always on”.
Should you turn off your furnace pilot light in the summer?
As the weather warms up, it is time to put your gas fireplaces and furnaces to rest for the summer. Since it will be several months before you need to fire up the heat again, it is worth considering turning off your system’s pilot light.
How do you turn off a pilot light?
Turning off your pilot light is a simple process that will save you both energy and money. All you have to do is open the front of your fireplace, turn the Pilot knob to “off,” and then turn your gas shutoff valve to the “off” position as well.
When did furnaces stop using pilot lights?
Newer gas furnaces (since about 2010) do not have a traditional pilot light that burns all the time. Instead they use electronic ignition systems that light only as needed.
Is it OK to turn off thermostat in summer?
Don’t ever turn off your thermostat completely off, no matter what time of year. The risks for damage to your home are too great. In the summer or warmer months, we recommend you set your thermostat no lower than 73 – 78 degrees. Remember, little adjustments in temperature really do make a difference!Aug 2, 2011.
Is it OK to turn your furnace off?
If it’s a natural gas furnace that uses a standing pilot light to ignite the burners, then we recommend you shut it all the way off by turning off the gas to it. It’s fine to simply stop using the furnace if this is the case rather than shut it off entirely.
Do high efficiency furnaces have a pilot light?
Hot Surface Ignition: Furnace Ignition | High-Efficiency Electronic Ignition Gas Furnaces. The Hot Surface Ignition Furnace has no pilot light. It lights the burners direct. Therefore it is also referred to at times as Direct Ignition.
Is it safe to leave pilot light on wall heater?
When you turn off your pilot light, the light’s tubes will maintain a trace level of mercaptan, and that will attract spiders, who will spin webs that can clog the pilot light system. Leaving the gas on keeps this compound moving out of the tubes.
Does central heating have a pilot light?
There is no pilot light to go out on a central gas heater — and no chance of gas escaping into the room — which also means you cannot ignite the burner manually. From time-to-time, the gas heater may require restarting to engage the igniter and burners.
