how to light a furnace pilot light

Taming the Tiny Flame: Your Guide to Lighting a Furnace Pilot Light Safely

(how to light a furnace pilot light)

That little blue flame inside your furnace? That is the pilot light. It seems small. It does a big job. Think of it as the guard of your warmth. It stays ready. It ignites the main burner when heat is needed. Knowing how to light a furnace pilot light is a useful skill. It saves you money. It avoids cold nights waiting for a technician. This guide walks you through it. We make it simple and safe.

1. What is a Furnace Pilot Light?

A furnace pilot light is a small flame. It burns continuously. It sits near the main gas burner. Its main job is simple. It provides the initial spark. This spark lights the main gas supply when the thermostat signals for heat. Think of it like the match that starts the campfire. Older furnaces commonly use standing pilots. These stay lit all the time. Newer furnaces often use electronic ignition. They don’t need a constant pilot flame. We focus on the traditional standing pilot light here. It is the one you might need to relight. It looks like a small, steady blue flame. Sometimes you see it flickering behind a small access panel. It’s the heart of the ignition system for older gas furnaces. Understanding its role is the first step.

2. Why Relight Your Furnace Pilot Light?

Your furnace pilot light can go out. It happens for different reasons. A strong draft might blow it out. A brief interruption in the gas supply could extinguish it. Even a dirty pilot assembly might cause problems. When the pilot light is out, your furnace cannot start. You will feel cold air blowing. Or you might get no heat at all. Knowing how to relight it yourself is empowering. You regain control of your comfort quickly. You avoid expensive emergency service calls. More importantly, a pilot light that keeps going out signals trouble. It might be a dirty thermocouple. This sensor detects the flame and controls gas flow. It could be a draft issue. Sometimes it’s a sign of a bigger problem. Addressing it promptly is crucial. It ensures safety. It maintains efficiency. Learning the relight procedure prepares you. It helps you handle this common hiccup confidently.

3. How to Light a Furnace Pilot Light Step-by-Step

Safety is paramount here. Gas requires respect. Always start by reading your furnace’s manual. Find the specific instructions for your model. Manufacturers design their lighting procedures slightly differently. If you cannot find the manual, look inside the furnace access panel. Often, the lighting instructions are printed on a label. Here are the general steps. Follow them carefully:

First, locate the gas control valve. Find the knob. It usually has settings like “On,” “Off,” and “Pilot.” Turn this knob to the “Off” position. Wait. Wait at least five minutes. This is critical. It allows any lingering gas to dissipate. Do not skip this waiting period. Gas buildup is dangerous.

Next, find the pilot assembly. Look for a small metal tube. It might be near the burner. Sometimes a label points it out. Turn the gas control knob to “Pilot.” Now, press and hold down the knob. This action starts the gas flow to the pilot jet. You need to ignite it immediately. Use a long lighter. A fireplace match works too. Hold the flame steadily to the end of the pilot tube. You should see the gas catch fire. A small blue flame will appear. Keep holding the gas control knob down. Hold it for about 30 to 60 seconds. This heats up the thermocouple. The thermocouple is a safety device. It senses the pilot flame. When hot, it signals the gas valve it’s safe to stay open. After holding it down, slowly release the knob. The pilot flame should stay lit on its own.

Finally, turn the gas control knob to the “On” position. Your main burner should ignite. Warm air should start flowing soon. If the pilot won’t stay lit after releasing the knob, it might be a bad thermocouple. You might need professional help. If you smell gas strongly at any point, stop. Turn off the gas valve immediately. Leave your home. Call the gas company or emergency services from outside. Safety always comes first.

4. Applications: Where Else Might You Find Pilot Lights?

The furnace pilot light is common. It’s not the only place you find them. Other gas appliances use similar systems. Older gas water heaters often have a pilot light. It works much the same way. It ignites the burner to heat your water. Some older gas stoves or ovens have them too. They light the burners or the oven cavity. Gas fireplaces, especially older models, might have a standing pilot. Knowing how to light one often means you can handle others. The principles remain similar. Find the gas valve. Find the pilot assembly. Follow the safe lighting procedure. Always consult the specific appliance manual first. Gas wall heaters, some older boilers, even certain types of gas dryers used them. Understanding the pilot light concept applies broadly. It’s a foundational skill for maintaining older gas appliances. It keeps your home functioning smoothly. It saves you time and money.

5. Furnace Pilot Light FAQs

My pilot light keeps going out. What should I do? This is frustrating. First, ensure you are following the lighting steps exactly. Hold the knob down long enough. If it still goes out, the thermocouple might be dirty or faulty. Gently clean the tip with fine sandpaper. Turn off the gas first. Be very careful. If cleaning doesn’t help, the thermocouple likely needs replacing. Call a technician. A draft could also be blowing it out. Check for nearby vents or windows. Seal any gaps near the furnace.

Is it safe for me to relight the pilot light myself? Generally, yes. If you follow the safety steps carefully. Turn off the gas first. Wait five minutes. Use proper tools. If you smell gas strongly, do not attempt it. Evacuate and call for help. If you are uncomfortable, call a professional. There is no shame in prioritizing safety.

I see a yellow or orange pilot flame. Is this okay? No. A healthy pilot light burns blue. A yellow or orange color indicates incomplete combustion. It means the flame isn’t getting enough air. This can produce carbon monoxide. It is dangerous. Turn off the furnace. Call a qualified technician immediately. Do not use it until fixed.

How often will I need to relight my pilot light? Ideally, almost never. A properly functioning pilot light should stay lit reliably. If it goes out frequently, something is wrong. It could be a draft. It could be a failing thermocouple. It might be dirt in the pilot orifice. Address the cause. Do not just keep relighting it repeatedly.

(how to light a furnace pilot light)

My furnace is newer. Does it have a pilot light? Probably not. Most furnaces built in the last 20 years use electronic ignition. They spark only when needed. Or they use a hot surface igniter. These systems do not have a continuously burning pilot flame. You won’t need to relight them. If your furnace won’t start, check the thermostat. Check the circuit breaker. Then call for service.