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Near the bottom of your furnace is a switch that normally says “Pilot,” “On” and “Off.” Find this switch and turn it to the “Off” position. Wait at least five minutes. This is important because it gives the gas time to dissipate, which is necessary to avoid possibly starting a fire.
How do I know if the pilot light is out on my furnace?
Just follow these steps: Remove the front cover panel on your furnace. This should expose the pilot, which simply looks like a small single burner, kind of like a candle or if you only had a single flame lit on a gas stove. If there is no flame, then the pilot is out.
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.
Is there a pilot light on a furnace?
What is the Pilot Light For? Older furnaces that run on natural gas are usually equipped with a pilot light. The pilot light is a small, blue flame that is used to ignite the natural gas being pumped into the main burner.
What can cause a pilot light to go out?
What Causes A Pilot Light To Go Out? Age & Condition Of Heating System. If your gas or propane furnace has a standing pilot light, there’s a good chance that it is 20+ years old. Cracked Heat Exchanger. Gas Valve & Gas Supply Issues. Thermocouple Malfunction. Improper Venting & Airflow.
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.
What does the pilot light look like?
A proper pilot flame should be blue with a yellow tip and should be strong enough to cover about 1/2 inch at the end of the thermocouple tip. If the flame is too strong and improperly adjusted, it will be blue but may be noisy and lift off the thermocouple, causing improper furnace operation.
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.
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.
How much does it cost to relight a pilot light?
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.
Does gas still flow when pilot light goes out?
If your pilot light repeatedly goes out, this is a likely culprit. If this flame sensor should fail, gas will continue to flow even after the pilot light has been extinguished, causing a safety hazard, and requiring immediate repair.
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.
How do you fix a pilot light that keeps going out?
Once The Flame Is Lit, Turn Gas Control Valve to “On” Once the pilot light is ignited, you can release the reset button after 30 seconds and turn the gas knob to the “On” position. At this time you should hear the main burner come on. Now your pilot light should hold a flame and hot water should be restored!.
How do I check my pilot light?
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.
How much does it cost to replace a thermocouple?
It costs $150 to $250 to replace a thermocouple. It checks to make sure the pilot light is on. It will shut the gas off if it’s not.
Why is my gas heater not igniting?
One of the most common reasons for your gas heater not igniting or stopped working is because its thermostat is either off or not working properly. Therefore, make sure you check the thermostat, and if it is off, then turn it on while setting it on heat mode (5 degrees above your room temperature, at least).
Why is my furnace not blowing hot air?
First, check to make sure the thermostat is set correctly. You will want to make sure that the fan control is set to auto, and not ‘on’. If the thermostat appears set correctly, turn off your heater at the thermostat and check the filter. If the filter is dirty, replace it.
