What is a Furnace Pilot Light?
A furnace pilot light is a small flame that ignites the gas in your furnace to produce heat. It is typically located near the bottom of your furnace and is kept lit at all times to ensure that your furnace can quickly ignite when it needs to. If the pilot light goes out, your furnace will not be able to produce heat.
Why Does the Pilot Light Go Out?
There are several reasons why the pilot light in your furnace may go out. Some common reasons include: – A strong draft or gust of wind – A malfunctioning thermocouple – A clogged pilot tube – A gas supply problem
How to Relight Furnace Pilot Light
Here are the steps to follow when relighting your furnace pilot light: 1. Turn off the gas valve. The gas valve should be located near the bottom of your furnace. Turn the valve to the “off” position to cut off the gas supply to your furnace. 2. Wait a few minutes. This will allow any gas that may be lingering in the furnace to dissipate. 3. Locate the pilot light assembly. This is typically located near the bottom of your furnace and will have a small gas line running to it. 4. Find the pilot light button. This is a small button that you will need to press and hold down in order to ignite the pilot light. 5. Press the button. Hold the button down for at least 30 seconds. This will give the pilot light time to ignite and heat up the thermocouple. 6. Release the button. Once the pilot light is ignited, release the button. 7. Turn on the gas valve. Turn the gas valve back on to restore the gas supply to your furnace. 8. Test the furnace. Set your thermostat to a temperature that will trigger your furnace to turn on. If everything is working properly, your furnace should ignite and start producing heat.
FAQs
Q: How do I know if my furnace pilot light is out?
A: If your furnace is not producing heat, it may be due to a pilot light that has gone out. Check the pilot light assembly to see if the flame is lit.
Q: Can I relight the pilot light myself?
A: Yes, relighting the pilot light is a simple process that you can do yourself.
Q: How long should I hold down the pilot light button?
A: Hold down the pilot light button for at least 30 seconds to allow the pilot light to ignite and heat up the thermocouple.
Q: What should I do if the pilot light won’t stay lit?
A: If the pilot light won’t stay lit, it may be due to a malfunctioning thermocouple or a clogged pilot tube. Contact a professional to diagnose and fix the problem.
Conclusion
Relighting your furnace pilot light is a simple process that can save you time and money. By following these steps and taking proper precautions, you can safely and easily relight your furnace pilot light and get your furnace back up and running again.