How to Relight the Pilot Light on Your Gas Furnace

A functional gas furnace is crucial for maintaining a warm and cozy home during colder months. If your furnace isn't heating properly, the issue might be with the pilot light. Relighting a pilot light is a common maintenance task that homeowners can often handle themselves.

What Is a Pilot Light and Why Is It Important?

The pilot light is a small flame that ignites the burners in your gas furnace. It ensures that your furnace can produce heat when needed. Without it, the furnace cannot ignite the gas to generate heat, leaving your home cold.

Older furnaces commonly use a standing pilot light, while newer models often feature electronic ignition systems. If your furnace has a pilot light, it must be kept functioning properly to maintain consistent heating in your home.

Why Does the Pilot Light Go Out?

Before diving into the relighting process, it’s helpful to understand why the pilot light may go out. Here are some common reasons:

1. Drafts: A sudden gust of air or draft can extinguish the flame.
   
   
2. Dirty Pilot Orifice: Dirt or debris can clog the pilot light orifice, disrupting the flame.
   
   
3. Faulty Thermocouple: This safety device shuts off the gas supply if the pilot light goes out. A malfunction can prevent it from staying lit.
   
   
4. Gas Supply Issues: A disruption in the gas supply can extinguish the flame.
   
   
5. Wear and Tear: Over time, parts of the furnace may degrade, leading to pilot light problems.

Safety Precautions Before Relighting the Pilot Light

Relighting a pilot light involves working with gas, so safety is paramount. Follow these precautions:

1. Turn Off the Furnace: Locate the furnace’s power switch or thermostat and turn it off.
   
   
2. Turn Off the Gas Supply: Find the gas shut-off valve near the furnace and turn it off. Wait at least five minutes to ensure that any lingering gas has dissipated.
   
   
3. Ventilate the Area: Open windows or doors to allow any residual gas to escape.
   
   
4. Keep Ignition Sources Away: Avoid smoking, using lighters, or any open flames near the furnace during this process.

How to Relight the Pilot Light: Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Locate the Pilot Light Assembly

The pilot light assembly is typically found at the base of the furnace, near the burners. It usually includes:

• A control knob with settings like "Off," "Pilot," and "On."
  
  
• A small tube that leads to the pilot light orifice.

2. Turn the Control Knob to "Off"

Turn the control knob to the "Off" position to stop the flow of gas to the pilot light. Wait for at least five minutes to allow any remaining gas to clear out.

3. Switch to "Pilot" Mode

After the waiting period, turn the control knob to the "Pilot" setting. This position allows gas to flow to the pilot light but not to the main burners.

4. Press and Hold the Reset Button

Press and hold the reset button (often located near the control knob). Holding this button ensures that gas flows to the pilot light.

5. Ignite the Pilot Light

While holding the reset button, use a long lighter or match to ignite the pilot light. Carefully place the flame near the pilot light orifice. Once the flame catches, hold the reset button for 30–60 seconds to ensure the thermocouple heats up and maintains the flame.

6. Release the Reset Button

Slowly release the reset button. If the pilot light stays lit, you’ve successfully relit it. If it goes out, repeat the process.

7. Turn the Control Knob to "On"

Once the pilot light is stable, turn the control knob to the "On" position. This allows the gas to flow to the main burners when the thermostat demands heat.

8. Turn On the Furnace

Restore power to the furnace by flipping the power switch or setting the thermostat to your desired temperature.

Troubleshooting Common Pilot Light Problems

If the pilot light doesn’t stay lit after following the steps above, you may need to address other issues. Here’s how to troubleshoot:

1. Dirty Pilot Orifice
   
   
• A clogged pilot orifice can prevent a strong flame. Turn off the gas and use a needle or compressed air to clean the orifice.
  
  
2. Faulty Thermocouple
   
   
• If the thermocouple is dirty or damaged, it will not sense the pilot flame and will shut off the gas. Replace it if it appears worn or corroded.
  
  
3. Gas Pressure Issues
   
   
• Low gas pressure can cause the pilot light to go out. Contact your gas utility company to check for supply issues.
  
  
4. Drafts
   
   
• If drafts extinguish the flame, check for gaps or openings near the furnace and seal them.
  
  
5. Wear and Tear
   
   
• Over time, parts of the pilot light assembly may wear out. Consult a professional for repairs or replacements.

When to Call a Professional

While relighting a pilot light is straightforward, some situations require professional assistance. Contact an HVAC technician if:

• The pilot light repeatedly goes out.
• You smell gas even after turning off the supply.
• You suspect a problem with the furnace’s internal components.
• The flame is weak or yellow instead of strong and blue.

Preventing Future Pilot Light Issues

Taking preventive measures can reduce the likelihood of pilot light problems in the future:

1. Schedule Regular Maintenance: Have your furnace inspected and cleaned annually by a professional.
   
   
2. Clean the Pilot Light Area: Keep the pilot light orifice free of dirt and debris.
   
   
3. Check for Drafts: Seal gaps near your furnace to prevent airflow disruptions.
   
   
4. Monitor Gas Supply: Ensure consistent gas supply by keeping track of any interruptions.

When to Consider Upgrading Your Furnace

If you’re frequently relighting the pilot light or experiencing other recurring issues, it may be time to consider upgrading your furnace. Older furnaces with standing pilot lights are less efficient and more prone to problems than modern models with electronic ignition systems. Here are some signs that upgrading might be the best option:

• The furnace is over 15–20 years old.
• Repair costs are becoming frequent and expensive.
• Energy bills have increased significantly.
• The furnace struggles to maintain consistent heat.

Upgrade to a Reliable Furnace Today!

AC Direct offers many energy-efficient gas furnaces with modern features like electronic ignition systems, variable-speed blowers, and high AFUE ratings. Say goodbye to pilot light hassles and hello to reliable heating all winter long. Browse our selection of gas furnaces and find the perfect fit for your home.

Final Thoughts

Relighting a pilot light on a gas furnace is a manageable task that can quickly restore heat to your home. Following the above steps, you can ensure your furnace operates efficiently and safely. However, if you’re dealing with frequent issues or suspect your furnace is nearing the end of its lifespan, upgrading to a new model can save you time, money, and stress. Explore AC Direct today for our top-quality gas furnaces and enjoy peace of mind with a reliable heating system.

For expert advice and unbeatable prices, contact our team at AC Direct or shop online now! Don’t let the cold catch you off guard—upgrade your furnace today!

FAQs About Relighting a Pilot Light on a Gas Furnace

How Do I Know If My Furnace Has a Pilot Light or an Electronic Ignition?

Older gas furnaces typically have a standing pilot light that stays lit constantly, while newer models often use electronic ignition systems. Check your furnace’s manual or look for a small flame near the burners. If there’s no visible flame and your furnace is newer, it likely uses an electronic ignition system.

Is It Safe to Relight a Pilot Light Myself?

Yes, relighting a pilot light is generally safe if you follow proper precautions, such as turning off the gas supply and ventilating the area. However, if you smell gas or feel unsure about the process, it’s best to contact an HVAC professional.

Why Does My Pilot Light Keep Going Out?

Common reasons include drafts, a dirty pilot light orifice, a faulty thermocouple, or low gas pressure. Persistent issues may indicate a more significant problem, such as wear and tear on furnace components or a need for replacement.

What Does a Healthy Pilot Light Flame Look Like?

A healthy pilot light flame is steady and blue. If the flame is weak, flickering, or yellow, it may indicate issues such as a dirty or clogged orifice, low gas pressure, or improper air mixture.

How Long Should I Hold the Reset Button Relighting the Pilot Light?

Hold the reset button for 30–60 seconds after igniting the pilot light. This allows the thermocouple to heat up and detect the flame, ensuring the gas supply remains active.

What Should I Do If I Smell Gas While Relighting the Pilot Light?

If you smell gas, stop immediately, turn off the gas supply, and leave the area. Avoid using electrical devices or open flames. Contact your gas company or an HVAC professional to inspect the issue.

How Can I Prevent My Pilot Light from Going Out?

Preventive steps include:

• Keeping the area around the furnace free of drafts.
• Cleaning the pilot light assembly regularly.
• Scheduling annual maintenance with an HVAC professional.

Can I Use a Regular Lighter to Relight the Pilot Light?

To safely ignite the pilot light without getting too close to the flame, it is best to use a long-reach lighter or a long match.

How Often Should I Check My Furnace’s Pilot Light?

Inspect the pilot light at least once a month during the heating season to ensure it’s burning correctly. Regular checks help identify issues before they escalate.

When Should I Consider Replacing My Furnace?

If you frequently need to relight the pilot light, experience uneven heating, or notice rising energy bills, it may be time to upgrade. Furnaces over 15 years old with outdated technology, such as standing pilot lights, are less efficient and more prone to problems.

What Is a Thermocouple, and Why Is It Important?

The thermocouple is a safety device that detects the pilot light flame and prevents gas leaks by shutting off the supply if the flame goes out. If the thermocouple is malfunctioning, the pilot light won’t stay lit.

How Much Does It Cost to Fix Pilot Light Issues?

The cost can vary depending on the issue. Cleaning a dirty orifice is inexpensive, but replacing a thermocouple or other components may cost $100–$200. Consider investing in a new furnace for long-term savings if repairs are frequent.