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Need to restore heat fast? If your older gas furnace isn’t working, a extinguished pilot light is a likely culprit. Before you call for professional service, you may be able to solve the problem yourself in just a few minutes.
Follow these easy, step-by-step lighting instructions to safely relight your furnace’s pilot light and get your heat back on.
Your safety is paramount, so please read all instructions carefully before starting and heed all warnings on your furnace
Lighting Pilot Light on Gas Furnace: Quick & Easy Step-by-Step Guide
Relight your gas furnace pilot light quickly and safely with these simple step-by-step instructions—get your home warm in no time.
Safety Precautions
Lighting the pilot light on a gas furnace needs care and attention. Safety is very important. Small mistakes can cause big problems. Follow these steps to keep safe and avoid danger.
Turn Off Gas Supply
Always turn off the gas supply before lighting the pilot. This stops gas from flowing too much. It lowers the risk of fire or explosion. Find the gas valve and turn it clockwise. Wait a few minutes before lighting the pilot. This lets any gas clear out.
Ventilate The Area
Open windows and doors to let fresh air in. Good airflow helps move any gas outside. It reduces the chance of gas buildup in the room. Proper ventilation makes the area safer for lighting the pilot.
Check For Gas Leaks
Smell for gas or listen for hissing sounds. These can mean a gas leak. Use soapy water on connections; bubbles show leaks. Never light the pilot if you suspect a leak. Call a professional to fix the problem first.
Locate The Pilot Light Assembly
Locating the pilot light assembly is the first step in lighting your gas furnace. This small part controls the gas flow and ignites the burner. Knowing where it sits helps you maintain or relight it safely. Understanding its position makes troubleshooting easier and faster.
Find The Furnace Access Panel
Start by turning off the furnace power. This stops any accidents during your work. Locate the access panel on the furnace’s front or side. It is usually a metal cover held with screws. Remove the screws and gently pull off the panel. The pilot light assembly lies behind this panel. Keep the panel and screws safe for later.
Identify The Pilot Light Components
Look inside the furnace after removing the panel. Find a small metal tube near a gas valve. This tube directs gas to the pilot light. Next to it, spot a small flame sensor rod. This sensor detects if the flame is lit. The pilot light itself is a tiny flame near these parts. These parts work together to light the main burner. Recognizing these helps you follow safe lighting steps.
Prepare To Light The Pilot
First, turn off the gas and wait a few minutes to clear any gas. Then, find the pilot light and get ready to ignite it safely.
Before lighting the pilot light on your gas furnace, safety is key. Take a moment to get ready. Follow steps carefully to avoid accidents. Preparation helps the process go smoothly. It also ensures the furnace works properly once lit.
Check the area for any gas smell. If you notice gas, do not light the pilot. Instead, open windows and leave the house. Call a professional to inspect your furnace.
Turn The Thermostat Off
Start by turning the thermostat off. This stops the furnace from trying to heat while you work. It also prevents the burner from igniting unexpectedly. Find the thermostat and switch it to the “off” position. Wait a few minutes for the furnace to cool down. This step makes lighting the pilot safer.
Set The Gas Valve To Pilot
Locate the gas valve on your furnace. It usually has three settings: Off, Pilot, and On. Turn the valve knob to the “Pilot” position. This allows gas to flow only to the pilot light. Hold the knob in this position while lighting. This step controls gas flow and helps you light the pilot safely.
Ignite The Pilot Light
Igniting the pilot light on your gas furnace is a simple task. It starts the small flame that keeps your furnace ready to heat your home. This guide helps you light the pilot safely and quickly. Follow these easy steps to get your furnace working again.
Use A Long Lighter Or Match
Choose a long lighter or a long match to keep your hand safe. This tool helps you reach the pilot light without burning yourself. Hold the lighter or match close to the pilot light opening. Be ready to light the flame as soon as you press the pilot button.
Press And Hold The Pilot Button
Find the pilot button on your furnace control panel. Press and hold it down firmly. This lets gas flow to the pilot light. Keep holding the button while lighting the pilot with your lighter or match. Hold the button for about 30 seconds after the flame starts. This makes sure the pilot stays lit.
Confirm Pilot Light Is Lit
Confirming that the pilot light is lit is an important step when lighting a gas furnace. The pilot light helps start the furnace and keeps it running safely. Without it, the furnace will not work properly.
Checking the pilot light is simple. It involves looking at the flame and making sure it stays on. This ensures your furnace is ready to heat your home.
Observe The Flame
Look closely at the pilot light flame. It should be small and steady. The color of the flame is usually blue with a yellow tip. A strong blue flame means the pilot light is burning well.
If the flame is flickering or weak, the pilot light might go out soon. A yellow or orange flame can mean dirt or gas problems. In that case, cleaning or repair may be needed.
Hold The Button To Keep Flame Stable
Press and hold the furnace’s control button after lighting the pilot. This lets gas flow to the pilot light and keeps the flame stable. Hold the button for about 30 seconds.
Releasing the button too soon may cause the flame to go out. Once the flame stays lit without the button, the pilot light is secure. This step prevents gas leaks and keeps your furnace safe.
Restart The Furnace
Restarting your gas furnace is an important step after lighting the pilot light. It helps the system to start working again and warm your home. Follow these steps carefully to ensure your furnace runs safely and efficiently.
Turn Gas Valve To On
Locate the gas valve near your furnace. Turn the valve to the “On” position. This allows gas to flow to the furnace. Make sure the valve is fully open to avoid any interruptions.
Set Thermostat To Desired Temperature
Adjust your thermostat to the temperature you want. This tells your furnace when to start heating. Choose a comfortable setting for your home. Wait a few minutes for the furnace to respond.
Troubleshooting Tips
Lighting the pilot light on a gas furnace can sometimes be tricky. Problems often arise, causing the pilot light to go out or fail to light. Understanding basic troubleshooting helps fix common issues quickly and safely.
Below are easy tips to identify and solve common pilot light problems. Follow these steps carefully to keep your furnace running smoothly.
Pilot Light Won’t Stay Lit
The pilot light may light but go out soon after. This usually happens because the thermocouple is dirty or faulty. The thermocouple senses heat and keeps gas flowing. If it cools down, the gas stops, and the light goes out.
Try cleaning the thermocouple gently with fine sandpaper. If that does not work, replacing the thermocouple might be necessary. Also, check for drafts near the furnace that could blow out the flame.
No Gas Flow
If the pilot light does not light at all, gas might not be reaching the pilot. Check the gas valve to ensure it is open. Sometimes the valve accidentally closes during maintenance or moving furniture.
Look for a gas smell before lighting the pilot. If you smell gas, do not light the pilot and call a professional. No gas flow could mean a bigger gas supply issue that needs expert help.
Dirty Pilot Tube
The pilot tube can get clogged with dust or soot over time. This blockage reduces gas flow and stops the pilot light from staying lit. Use a thin wire or compressed air to clean the pilot tube carefully.
Regular cleaning of the pilot tube helps maintain a strong, steady flame. A clean tube ensures your furnace heats your home efficiently and safely.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do I Light The Pilot Light On A Gas Furnace?
To light the pilot light, turn off the furnace and wait five minutes. Locate the pilot valve, press and hold it while igniting the pilot with a match or lighter. Hold the valve for 30 seconds, then release it slowly.
The pilot should stay lit.
Why Won’t My Gas Furnace Pilot Light Stay Lit?
A pilot light may not stay lit due to a dirty pilot tube, faulty thermocouple, or gas supply issues. Cleaning or replacing these parts often resolves the problem. If unsure, contact a professional technician for safe inspection and repair.
Is It Safe To Light A Gas Furnace Pilot Light Myself?
Yes, lighting your pilot light is safe if you follow the furnace manual’s instructions carefully. Always ensure proper ventilation and no gas smell before lighting. If you detect gas odor or feel unsure, stop and call a professional immediately.
How Often Should I Check My Gas Furnace Pilot Light?
Check your pilot light monthly during the heating season. This helps ensure it is lit and functioning properly. Regular checks can prevent furnace shutdowns and improve heating efficiency.
Conclusion
Lighting the pilot light on your gas furnace keeps your home warm. Always follow safety steps to avoid accidents. Check for gas leaks before you begin. Use a match or lighter carefully near the pilot. If the pilot won’t light, call a professional for help.
Regular maintenance helps your furnace work better and last longer. A working pilot light means your furnace is ready for cold days. Stay safe and warm all winter.