If your heating system is equipped with a pilot light, you will most likely encounter situations where you need to light it. In this article, we’ll look at the reasons for these situations and provide valuable information on safety precautions and maintenance practices.
What is a pilot light?
A pilot light is an igniter often found in older furnace models. This flame serves as an ignition catalyst for the larger gas burners located in your furnace. When the thermostat signals the need for heating, these burners are switched on, spreading heat throughout your home. However, the large burners remain inactive if the primary flame source, your pilot light, is not working properly.
Pilot lights are gradually becoming obsolete in HVAC systems. Every year, the prevalence of furnaces with a fixed pilot light decreases. Modern equipment, even natural gas furnaces, uses an electric igniter, making a constant pilot fire a relic of the past.
Why does my pilot light go out?
Numerous factors could lead to the extinguishing of a pilot light. Although the list below may not cover all possible scenarios, it contains the most common reasons for pilot light switching off:
- Dirty Pilot Light: Debris can build up in the light channel, affecting its functionality. Signs of this include flickering, uneven illumination, or a yellow flame instead of a blue colour. These symptoms often indicate clogging or debris buildup that prevents proper operation.
- Thermocouple Malfunction: Over time, components undergo wear and tear. While a thermocouple may not necessarily be defective, it may be displaced or need to be thoroughly cleaned to restore optimal performance.
- Drafts: Drafts aren’t exclusive to the outdoors; they could infiltrate your basement or utility closet. Leaks in ductwork or improper sizing in the return air supply create an airflow capable of extinguishing a pilot light. If the pilot light and thermocouple appear intact, the issue might be air leakages necessitating inspection.
- Gas Supply: Although gas supply interruptions are rare, they can affect the operation of any gas appliance in your home. If the problem extends beyond the pilot burner, you should contact your gas company to have the gas supply line to your home checked.
How to light a pilot light on a furnace?
The pilot light is vital in numerous gas-powered appliances like furnaces and water heaters. If you’re encountering problems with your pilot light, consider the following steps to diagnose and remedy the issue:
- Check Gas Supply: Make sure that the gas supply to the appliance is switched on. The pilot light will not come on if the gas supply is switched off.
- Inspect Pilot Orifice: Examine the orifice, a small opening through which gas flows to the pilot light. Ensure it’s clean and devoid of debris or blockages.
- Look for Pilot Light Ignition: Observe the pilot light during ignition attempts. If it fails to ignite, it may be due to a malfunctioning ignition system, thermocouple, or related components.
- Check Thermocouple Functionality: The thermocouple, a safety device that senses the heat from the pilot light, signals the gas valve to remain open. Check its position in the flame and make sure it is working properly.
- Clean the Pilot Tube: Over time, the pilot tube may accumulate dirt or soot, impeding gas flow. Clean it gently to ensure a consistent gas supply.
- Adjust the Pilot Flame: The pilot flame might not heat the thermocouple adequately if it is too weak or strong. Adjust the flame following the manufacturer’s guidelines.
- Inspect for Drafts: Drafts around the appliance can affect the pilot light. Ensure proper ventilation and eliminate any drafts that could extinguish the flame.
- Check Gas Valve: Make sure that the gas valve that controls the gas supply to the pilot burner is in the “on” position and is functioning properly.
- Look for Signs of Gas Leaks: If you detect a gas odour or suspect a leak, shut off the gas supply immediately and seek professional assistance.
- Read the Manufacturer’s Manual: Refer to the appliance’s manufacturer manual for specific troubleshooting steps and guidelines.
If you cannot resolve your pilot light problem using these steps or have concerns about this process, contact a qualified technician to help you resolve the problem safely and correctly.
When to call a professional
While certain pilot light issues can be resolved with basic troubleshooting, others require professional assistance. Here are the signs that it’s time to consult a professional furnace repair technician:
- Presence of a Gas Smell: Detecting the odour of gas in your home signals a potential gas leak. Excess gas flow poses a serious safety hazard, requiring immediate attention from a licensed furnace repair expert to promptly and securely address the issue.
- Pilot Light Wont Stay Lit: If repeated attempts to light the burner fail or the reset button is ineffective, this could indicate a more complex problem, such as a faulty thermocouple or gas valve. A professional technician can diagnose and resolve the problem, ensuring that the pilot light stays on and your furnace runs efficiently.
- Unusual Noises from the Furnace: Strange sounds like rattling or popping following pilot ignition could indicate a more serious issue. Contact a certified furnace repair technician to assess and repair the fault before it develops into a more serious problem.
- Total Lack of Heat: If your furnace fails to generate heat despite thermostat adjustments, a faulty pilot light or issues with the gas or furnace may be the culprit. In such cases, seek the services of a professional repair person with experience in handling pilot light-related problems.
- Repairs Beyond Your Expertise: If repairs surpass your skill level or involve replacing the pilot light or furnace, hesitation is unnecessary. Contact professional pilot light repair experts with years of knowledge and experience in furnace repair.
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