When the temperatures drop, having a properly working furnace is essential for keeping your home warm and comfortable. But what happens when your furnace suddenly stops producing heat? One of the most common reasons for this issue is that the pilot light has gone out. Learning how to light a pilot light on a furnace can help you restore warmth to your home quickly and safely. However, it’s always important to take the right precautions and know when to call a professional HVAC technician for help.

At Riverside Comfort Care in Van Buren, Arkansas, we specialize in furnace repairs and maintenance, ensuring that your heating system functions efficiently all winter long. Follow this step-by-step guide to safely relight your pilot light and understand when it’s time to seek expert assistance.

Understanding the Pilot Light on Your Furnace

Before you begin, it’s important to understand what the pilot light is and how it works.

What is a Pilot Light?

A pilot light is a small, continuously burning flame inside a gas furnace. Its purpose is to ignite the burners when the furnace turns on. If this light goes out, your furnace will be unable to generate heat, leading to an uncomfortably cold home.

For more insights on how your heating system functions, check out this HVAC maintenance guide.

Why Does a Pilot Light Go Out?

Several factors can cause the pilot light to extinguish, including:

• A draft or sudden gust of wind
• A dirty or clogged pilot orifice
• A faulty thermocouple that prevents the gas from staying lit
• Issues with the gas supply
• A malfunctioning control valve

If you’re experiencing repeated pilot light issues, you may also want to read [Common Signs Your Furnace Needs Repair](INSERT INTERNAL LINK HERE).

Safety Precautions Before Relighting a Pilot Light

Before attempting to relight the pilot light, safety should always come first. Gas furnaces use natural gas or propane, both of which are flammable and can be dangerous if handled improperly.

Steps to Take Before You Start

1. Turn off the furnace – Locate the furnace’s power switch and turn it off to prevent any accidental ignition.
2. Turn off the gas supply – Find the gas control valve and switch it to the “Off” position. Wait at least five minutes to allow any lingering gas to dissipate.
3. Check for gas leaks – If you detect a strong gas smell or hear a hissing sound, do not attempt to relight the pilot light. Instead, leave the house immediately and call a professional for assistance.
4. Ensure proper ventilation – Open a window or door to allow fresh air into the space before proceeding.
5. Gather your tools – You may need a long-reach lighter or matchstick to ignite the pilot flame.

Step-by-Step Guide on How to Light a Pilot Light on a Furnace

Once you’ve taken the necessary safety precautions, you’re ready to relight your furnace’s pilot light. Follow these steps carefully:

Step 1: Locate the Pilot Light and Reset Button

Your furnace’s pilot light assembly is usually near the bottom of the unit, behind an access panel. Remove the panel to find the pilot light, along with the reset or gas control knob.

Step 2: Turn the Gas Knob to ‘Pilot’

Set the gas control knob to the “Pilot” position. This allows a small amount of gas to flow into the pilot assembly.

Step 3: Hold Down the Reset Button and Ignite the Flame

Press and hold the reset button while using a long-reach lighter or match to ignite the pilot light. Continue holding the button for about 30 to 60 seconds to ensure the flame stays lit.

Step 4: Release the Reset Button

Once the pilot flame is steady and strong, slowly release the reset button. If the flame remains lit, proceed to the next step. If it goes out immediately, try again, but if the issue persists, call a professional for further diagnosis.

Step 5: Turn the Gas Knob to ‘On’

After successfully lighting the pilot, turn the gas knob to the “On” position. This will allow gas to flow normally to the burners when the thermostat calls for heat.

Step 6: Turn the Furnace Back On

Finally, restore power to the furnace and adjust your thermostat to confirm that the system is functioning properly. Your home should start warming up shortly!

Troubleshooting Common Pilot Light Issues

If your pilot light keeps going out or won’t stay lit, there may be underlying issues with your furnace. Here are some common problems and their possible solutions:

The Pilot Light Won’t Stay Lit

• Possible Cause: A faulty thermocouple may be preventing the gas valve from staying open.
• Solution: Try cleaning the thermocouple with a soft brush. If that doesn’t work, it may need to be replaced by a licensed HVAC technician.

The Pilot Flame is Weak or Flickering

• Possible Cause: A clogged pilot orifice could be restricting gas flow.
• Solution: Carefully clean the orifice with compressed air or a needle, or have a professional do it.

Gas is Flowing, But the Pilot Won’t Ignite

• Possible Cause: The gas control valve may be defective or there could be an issue with the gas supply.
• Solution: Check other gas appliances to see if they are working. If there is no gas, contact your gas provider or a furnace expert.

When to Call a Professional

While knowing how to light a pilot light on a furnace can be helpful, there are times when you should leave the job to an expert. Call Riverside Comfort Care in Van Buren, Arkansas if you experience any of the following:

• The pilot light won’t stay lit despite multiple attempts.
• You smell gas even after turning off the furnace.
• The thermocouple appears damaged or faulty.
• The furnace still doesn’t produce heat after relighting the pilot light.
• The system is old and frequently has ignition issues.

Conclusion

Relighting a pilot light is a straightforward process, but safety should always be a top priority. By following these steps carefully, you can restore heat to your home efficiently. However, if your pilot light continues to go out or you suspect a bigger issue, don’t hesitate to call a professional to diagnose the problem correctly.

At Riverside Comfort Care in Van Buren, Arkansas, we specialize in furnace repair and maintenance, ensuring your heating system runs smoothly when you need it most. If you’re experiencing furnace issues, give us a call today at (479) 353-5266 for expert assistance!