Guide to Relighting Your Furnace’s Pilot Light

As winter approaches and the cold weather begins to set in, one of the essentials for maintaining a cozy and warm home is having a functional furnace. A common issue that homeowners encounter is a pilot light that has gone out. Knowing how to relight pilot light on furnace is not only a practical skill to have but also ensures you maintain your heating system’s effectiveness and safety. We’ll dive into a comprehensive, step-by-step guide to get you through this process effortlessly and efficiently.

Understanding Your Furnace

Before we embark on the relighting journey, let’s ensure your familiarity with the furnace setup. Typically, a furnace has a clear access panel that leads to its interior where the pilot light resides. Recognizing the types of pilot lights—whether they are manual or electronic ignition systems—is crucial in proceeding with the proper method.

Preparation Steps

First things first, start with safety precautions. Ensure the furnace’s thermostat is set to the lowest setting to prevent any accidental ignition while you’re working on the pilot light. Consider the furnace manual as your best friend in this situation—consult it for any specific instructions related to your furnace model.

Identifying the Pilot Light

Now that you’re set, let’s locate the pilot light. On older furnace models, you’ll typically find a small flame that constantly burns. On newer models, you may have an electronic ignition system that doesn’t have a standing pilot light. If you’re unsure about which type your furnace uses, refer back to your manual—it’ll provide all the clarity you need.

Manual Ignition Systems

If your furnace has a manual ignition system, you’ll light it the old-fashioned way—with a match or lighter. Grab your trusty ignition tool and follow these next steps. Make sure that the room is well-ventilated since you’ll be working with an open flame and potentially gas.

Turning Off the Gas

Locate the gas valve and turn it to the ‘off’ position. You’ll want to wait for a few minutes to let any residual gas clear out before proceeding further.

Igniting the Pilot Light

After the waiting period, turn the gas valve to ‘pilot’. Hold down the reset button (usually located near the gas valve) while bringing your lighter or lit match to the pilot light’s opening. Once the pilot light ignites, keep holding the reset button for about a minute. When releasing the button, the light should stay lit; if it doesn’t, repeat the process.

Electronic Ignition Systems

For those with a more contemporary electronic ignition furnace, the process differs. There’s no need for a match or lighter, as electronic systems have a button or switch to reignite the pilot. Refer to your manual to find the exact procedure, and ensure your hands are dry before touching any electrical parts.

Resetting the System

Usually, there’s a reset procedure that involves turning off the power to the furnace and then turning it back on after a brief wait. Look for a button or switch labeled ‘ignition’ and follow through with the prompts.

Final Steps and Troubleshooting

Congratulations, you’ve successfully relit your furnace’s pilot light! Or so you hope. If the light doesn’t stay on or you’re experiencing issues, there might be a deeper problem at hand. It could be a faulty thermocouple, a clogged pilot orifice, or something more technical that might require a professional’s touch.

Pro Tips

• Always prioritize safety. If you smell gas or suspect a leak, evacuate and contact professionals immediately.
• Keep your furnace’s area clean and free from flammable materials.
• Regular maintenance can prevent pilot light issues from arising in the first place.

Conclusion

Relighting a pilot light on a furnace should be an easy task when you follow the correct steps. Remember to handle this task with care, keep safety procedures in mind, and consult your manual for the best advice relevant to your specific furnace model. Should you have consistent issues, reaching out to a professional is your best bet to keep your home warm and safe throughout the colder seasons.

FAQs

What should I do if the pilot light won’t stay lit?

If your pilot light won’t stay lit, it could indicate a faulty thermocouple or a clogged pilot orifice. If simple relighting doesn’t fix the issue, consider calling a technician.

Is it safe to relight a pilot light by yourself?

Yes, it’s usually safe to relight your pilot light by yourself by following the furnace’s manual and our guidelines, provided you take all safety measures.

How often should a pilot light go out?

A pilot light shouldn’t go out often. If it does, it could signify a problem that needs professional attention.

Do I need to turn off the gas when relighting the pilot light?

Yes, for manual systems, you need to turn off the gas before relighting to clear out any gas buildup and ensure safety.

Can a faulty pilot light increase my gas bill?

A faulty pilot light can indicate an inefficient furnace, potentially leading to higher gas consumption and costs.