How to Light a Pilot Light on a Furnace?

Introduction

A pilot light is a safety mechanism for gas furnaces. It’s important that you know how to light a pilot light on your furnace and why it’s necessary to do so. In this article, we’ll look at why your pilot light goes out and what you can do about it!

What is a pilot light and how do they work?

A pilot light is a small flame that burns constantly. It’s there to keep the burner lit and ensure that you have hot water. It’s located near the main burner and lit by lighting a match and holding it to the pilot light. The flame from your match ignites the gas flow through your furnace. Then lights up all at once (or gradually).

What types of boiler pilot lights are there?

There are two main types of pilot lights: manual and automatic.

• A manual pilot light is lit by hand, usually with a match or lighter. This type of furnace will often have a small knob on the front. You can turn it on and off as needed.
• An automatic pilot light is lit by a thermostat. When your home reaches its desired temperature (usually around 65 degrees Fahrenheit). It will automatically light up.

What do you do if the pilot light goes out?

If you find that the pilot light is out, there are several things to check.

1. Check the gas pressure. If the furnace is not getting enough gas, then it won’t light. Make sure that you have a tank of propane and that it’s turned on.
2. Check the light itself by lighting it with a match or lighter. If this works, then there’s something wrong with your current appliance’s pilot light.
3. Check whether there are any obstructions blocking access to the burner head assembly.
4. Check thermocouple & thermopile assemblies for damage or corrosion.
5. Make sure the flame sensor tube isn’t clogged with dust or dirt.
6. Make sure that the burner head is not corroded by water penetration. If so replace the entire assembly as needed.

How do I relight the manual pilot lights?

To relight the pilot light, you must first turn off the power to your boiler. This can be done by flipping a breaker switch or disconnecting an electrical cord from an outlet. After you’ve turned off the power. Carefully inspect all seams and joints in your furnace’s piping system for signs of escaping gas. If no leaks are detected, locate your furnace’s manual pilot light switch. And use a match or lighter to relight it.

How do I relight the automatic pilot lights?

Step 1: Shutting Down

Start by turning off the electrical switch that controls the boiler. This will ensure that there’s no electricity running into the system while you work on it. Then, locate the gas supply valve and turn it off at the source. This is a crucial step to prevent any gas from flowing into the system while you’re working on it.

Step 2: Remove the Access Panel

Carefully remove the access panel from the boiler. Access panels are usually held in place by screws or latches. This will expose the inner components of the boiler, including the pilot light.

Step 3: Resetting the Electrical Switch

Locate the electrical switch or circuit breaker associated with the boiler. It’s typically labeled on the main electrical panel of your home. Flip the switch or reset the circuit breaker to the “on” position. This will restore power to the boiler and allow the pilot light to be relit.

Step 4: Observing the Pilot Light

Once you’ve reset the electrical switch, pay close attention to the pilot light area. If your boiler has a window or a small opening through which you can see the pilot light. Use your flashlight to check for any visible signs of ignition.

Step 5: Lighting the Pilot Light

Now, depending on the type of boiler you have. The pilot light may automatically ignite once power is restored.

Step 6: Verifying Ignition

Please carefully observe the pilot flame. It should be a steady blue flame touching the thermocouple (a small metal probe near the pilot light). This flame is crucial as it signals that the gas is being burned efficiently.

Step 7: Reassembling

If the pilot light is burning steadily, it’s time to put the access panel back on securely. Make sure it’s properly aligned and all screws or latches are fastened tightly.

Step 8: Restore Gas and Power

Turn the gas supply valve back on at the source. This will allow the proper gas flow to the boiler. If you turned off the main electrical switch earlier, you can now turn it back on.

Is it dangerous if the pilot light goes out?

The pilot light is a safety feature. It keeps your furnace from starting up if it’s not ready for use. If the pilot goes out, your furnace won’t turn on. This is a serious problem. If not addressed quickly by a professional technician. It can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning and other health issues.

If your furnace has been running for an extended period of time without being turned off or restarted, there could be a problem. The pilot light requires professional attention.

How can you tell if your pilot light is out?

You can tell that your furnace’s pilot light is out when:

• The gas supply is cut off.
• The thermocouple has failed. This is a device that measures the temperature of the burner flame and tells it when to shut off. So if this part malfunctions, the furnace won’t start up again. Until someone fixes it or replaces it altogether.
• The thermocouple has a problem with its connection to the gas valve. Sometimes dirt builds up over time and blocks this connection. Causes both problems with starting up as well as poor performance once they’re running properly again.

Why does my pilot light keep going out?

The pilot light is the flame that burns inside your furnace to ignite the burners. Sometimes, it may go out or not stay lit. This can be caused by a number of things:

• The pilot light needs to be turned on. If you haven’t used your furnace in a while and have forgotten to turn its pilot light on, you’ll need to relight it before you can use your furnace again.
• Low gas pressure could also cause problems with keeping your pilot lit. Check with a local gas company if this seems like an issue for you!
• If none of these options work for getting rid of pesky extinguished flames then maybe just call someone else who knows more about fixing furnaces.

Conclusion

In the end, it’s important to know how to light a pilot light. You don’t want to be left in the dark when your furnace stops working or breaks down at an inconvenient time. By following these tips and tricks for lighting pilot lights, you’ll be able to get back on track with minimal fuss!