How to Turn Pilot Light on Furnace

If you’re like most people, when the temperature starts to drop, and the leaves start to turn, you fire up your furnace. But what happens if your furnace isn’t working? You don’t know how to turn on the pilot light. Don’t worry – we’re here to help! In this article, we’ll show you how to turn pilot light on furnace. Keep reading for more information.

how to turn pilot light on furnace

A furnace is an integral part of our daily lives, providing warmth and comfort during the colder months. But like any appliance, furnaces can break down from time to time. One of the most common issues is a pilot light that won’t stay lit. If this happens to you, don’t panic! In most cases, it’s a simple fix.

Summary: If your furnace is not turning on, there may be a problem with the pilot light. To turn the pilot light on, you will need to remove the cover on the furnace and use a flint and steel to light the pilot light.

What Is a Pilot Light?

A pilot light is a small flame used to ignite the burner in a gas appliance, such as a water heater or furnace. The pilot light is usually located near the control knob for the appliance, and it remains lit at all times. When you turn on the appliance, the heat from the pilot light ignites the burner, which then heats the air or water.

If your pilot light goes out, you need to relight it before using the appliance. You can do this by following the instructions in your owner’s manual. If you have a problem with your pilot light, contact a qualified technician for assistance.

Why Would My Pilot Light Go Out?

There are several reasons why your pilot light might go out.

Reason 1. Gas Has Been Shut Off

If you have recently shut off your gas for any reason, it will need to be turned back on by a professional before you can relight your pilot light. This is because there is a chance that your gas line has been damaged, which could lead to a dangerous gas leak.

Once your gas is turned back on, you can then relight your pilot light by following the instructions that came with your gas stove. If you cannot find these instructions, you can contact a professional from a company like J and B Air Conditioning and Heating to help you turn your gas back on and relight your pilot light safely.

Reason 2. The Thermocouple Is Damaged

Thermocouple is a Vital Safety Device

The thermocouple is a vital safety device that helps to ensure that the pilot light is always lit. Without it, the gas valve would close and cut off the flow of gas to the pilot light, potentially causing a dangerous situation.

Reason 3. The Pilot Light Is Dirty

A build-up of soot or debris can cause a dirty pilot light. This can prevent the pilot light from igniting or cause it to go out soon after being lit. If your pilot light is dirty, it’s likely that your gas is being wasted. Over time, this can lead to an increase in your energy bills and a decreased lifespan for your water heater.

Reason 4. The Pilot Light Is Too Low

If the pilot light is too low, it might not be able to provide enough heat to keep the gas valve open. This can cause the gas valve to close, cutting off gas flow to the pilot light.

Keep the Gas Valve Open

Reason 5. There Is a Draft

A draft can cause the pilot light to blow out the flame. To avoid this, make sure that there are no drafts near the pilot light before trying to relight it.

Reason 6. Air Flow Issues

If the pilot light is having trouble staying lit, it could be because there is a problem with the air flow in the room. This can be caused by a build-up of dust or debris in the room or a blocked vent.

Reason 7. Temporary Gas Shortage

A temporary gas shortage can cause the pilot light to go out. This is usually caused by a high demand for gas, such as during a cold snap. The best way to deal with a gas shortage is to wait until the demand has decreased before trying to relight the pilot light.

A Step by Step Guide on How to Turn Pilot Light on Furnace

Step 1: Turn off Your Furnace

Before you can relight your furnace’s pilot light, you’ll need to ensure that your furnace is turned off. To do this, locate your furnace’s power switch and move it to the “Off” position. Once your furnace is off, wait a few minutes to allow it to cool down before proceeding to the next step.

Step 2: Determine What Type of Furnace You Have

There are two types of furnaces- those with electronic ignition and those with a pilot light. If your furnace has electronic ignition, there will be a switch near the bottom of the unit that says “Pilot” or “Ignition.” If your furnace has a pilot light, there will be a small knob near the bottom of the unit with a flame icon next to it.

The Pilot Light Is Too Low

Step 2: Locate the Pilot Light

Once you’ve determined what type of furnace you have, you’ll need to locate the pilot light. For furnaces with electronic ignition, the pilot light will be located near the bottom of the unit. For furnaces with a pilot light, the knob will be located near the bottom of the unit.

Step 3: Locate Your Gas Valve

Before you can relight your pilot light, you’ll need to find your furnace’s gas valve. This is usually located near the bottom of your furnace, near the floor. Once you’ve found it, take a look at the knob or handle. If it’s in the “on” position, gas is currently flowing to your furnace. However, if it’s in the “off” position, no gas is presently flowing, and you’ll need to turn it on before proceeding.

If you’re having trouble finding your gas valve, consult your furnace’s owner’s manual. Once you’ve found it, proceed to the next step.

Step 4: Hold Down the Red Button

Once you’ve found your gas valve and confirmed it’s in the “on” position, it’s time to relight your pilot light. For furnaces with electronic ignition, this is done by holding down the red “Pilot” or “Ignition” button while you use a lighter to ignite the pilot light. Once the pilot light is lit, continue holding the button for 60 seconds. This will give the gas time to flow to the pilot light and prevent it from going out.

For furnaces with a pilot light, hold down the knob while you use a lighter to ignite the pilot light. Once the pilot light is lit, continue holding down the knob for 60 seconds. This will give the gas time to flow to the pilot light and prevent it from going out.

Step 5: Turn on Your Furnace

Locate Your Gas Valve

Once you’ve relit your pilot light and held down the button or knob for 60 seconds, you can now turn your furnace back on. Flip the switch or turn the knob to the “On” position. Once your furnace is turned on, you should see the pilot light burning steadily. If it’s flickering or going out, repeat steps 4 and 5 until it stays lit.

And that’s it! You’ve now successfully relit your furnace’s pilot light and can enjoy a warm home all winter long.

You Can Check It Out to Light a Crown Boiler

Additional Tips:

  1. Check the gas valve before you attempt to turn on the pilot light. The gas valve is usually located near the bottom of the furnace. Ensure that the valve is in the “on” position before proceeding.
  2. If you have an electric ignition furnace, make sure that the power switch is in the “on” position before attempting to turn on the pilot light.
  3. If you smell gas, STOP! Do not attempt to turn on the pilot light if you smell gas. Instead, turn off the gas at the main shutoff valve and immediately call your gas company or a qualified technician.
  4. Never use an open flame to try to ignite the pilot light. Instead, use a long match or a barbecue lighter.
  5. If the pilot light does not stay lit, there may be a problem with the thermocouple. The thermocouple is a safety device that turns off the gas if the pilot light goes out. You may need to replace the thermocouple if it is defective.
  6. If you have difficulty lighting the pilot light, make sure that there is no draft blowing out the flame. Sometimes simply closing a nearby door or window can make all the difference.
  7. If you still can’t get the pilot light to stay lit, call a qualified technician for assistance. Do not continue to try to light the pilot light on your own, as this could be dangerous.

Is It Safe to Light the Pilot Light on a Furnace?

If your furnace pilot light goes out, you may be tempted to try and relight it yourself. But before you do, it’s essential to know if it’s safe to light the pilot light on a furnace.

There are two main types of furnaces: those with an intermittent ignition system and those with a standing pilot light. A standing pilot light is always burning, while a periodic ignition system only ignites the gas when the furnace is turned on.

Electric Ignition Furnace

If your furnace has a standing pilot light, it’s generally safe for you to try and relight it yourself. However, if your furnace has an intermittent ignition system, you should never try to relight the pilot light yourself. There is a risk of explosion if you do not follow the proper procedure.

If you’re not sure which type of furnace you have, it’s always best to err on caution and call a professional to relight the pilot light for you. They will be able to quickly determine what type of furnace you have and relight the pilot light safely.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the Pilot Light Opening on Furnace?

The furnace pilot light is typically located on the front or top of the furnace. If you cannot find the pilot light, it may be because the furnace has been replaced and the pilot light is no longer part of the original equipment. Alternatively, if the pilot light is not working, it may need to be replaced.

Does Furnace Have a Pilot Light?

Yes, furnace have a pilot light. The pilot light will light when the furnace is activated and ready to heat up the house. When the furnace is in use, the pilot light will stay on to keep the room at a comfortable temperature.

Is Furnace Pilot Light Always on?

It depends on the furnace. In some cases, the pilot light may stay on even when the furnace is not in use. In other cases, the pilot light may turn off when the furnace is turned off. The best way to check whether the pilot light is on or off is to check the manual that came with your furnace.

Why is My Pilot Light Not Turning on Furnace?

There are a few potential causes for a pilot light not turning on a furnace, including a defective thermostat, clogged air filters, or a broken wire. In most cases, it is easiest to check the thermostat to see if it is malfunctioning. If the thermostat is not the problem, the next step would be to check for clogged air filters. If those are not the source of the problem, the last possible culprit would be a broken wire. In most cases, if one of these components is not working correctly, it will be easy to determine which one is not functioning and to take appropriate action to fix it.

Conclusion:

If you are still having problems with your pilot light, it is time to call in a professional. A furnace technician will be able to help diagnose and fix the problem quickly so you can get back to staying warm and comfortable in your home. We hope you find this article on how to turn pilot light on furnace helpful.

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Jennifer Branett

I'm Jennifer, and I love everything about lighting. I have spent the last two years learning all I can about how lighting affects your home, and now I'm an LED light enthusiast. My passion is helping people see just how beneficial proper lighting can be for their lives. When you're working with me, you're getting someone who truly cares about making your home look and feel its best.

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