Another reason your pilot light might keep going out is because its not getting enough air. You may be able to fix the problem on your own if youve got the tools and the wherewithal. Answer: For many years now Goodman furnaces have been equipped with a pilot ignitor. Secondly, turning the furnace off and back on after a short while often leads to energy wastage. A standard pilot light gets fuel via a small tube attached to the line feeding your burners. The pilot light is typically in the bottom of the furnace near a small knob. The pilot light is out on my wall furnace again. Gas valve issues. Sometimes the lighter that sends a spark to the pilot light breaks. Watch your inbox for our simple home maintenance tips. Alternatively, you may notice a small blue flame within the burner assembly if the pilot light is ON. To relight your pilot light, youll typically need a flashlight and a long-reach lighter or long-handled match. For safety's sake, shut off power to the furnace by switching the breaker to the off position, and close the gas valve. See what plans are available in your neighborhood. Most furnaces have a prominent label that includes instructions for how to relight the pilot light. Answer (1 of 5): If you maintain your furnace anywhere near reasonably, no. However, turning it off merely because youre away for the night and back on when you return home is not good practice. Powell Ohio Heating and Air Conditioning Services, Heating & Air Conditioning Services in Delaware, OH, Best HVAC Companies in Upper Arlington, OH, Single Stage, Two Stage, Variable Speed Air Conditioners, Best HVAC Companies in Canal Winchester, OH, Fire & Ice Presents the Oldest Furnace Contest, Best HVAC Companies in Grandview Heights, OH. Hot Point Heating & Air Conditioning LLC. Copyright 2022 by Fire & Ice Heating and Air Conditioning, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Its job is to ensure it is aflame before allowing gas flow to the main burner. Far better than dealing with a faulty pilot light is making sure its not an issue in the first place. If not, dont worry youre not alone. It is simply a gas flame, which first means that it will only be present in gas HVAC systems. Were going to discuss two similar safety devices below: flame sensors and thermocouples. If not, it may be another issue. The good news is that you can peek inside the pilot area too. It is a small burner that lights the larger furnace burners. Sometimes dust buildup collects on the thermocouple and blocks the sensor. Can't Find the Pilot Light? This way, youll be more likely to hear the detectors no matter the time of day. One of the first signs that your pilot light is out (for standing pilot systems) is when the furnace isnt kicking on. Systems, equipment, issues and circumstances vary. Hot Point Heating and Air Conditioning offers flat rate pricing on all of our Wisconsin repairs, meaning we charge exactly what we quote and dont stray from it. This should light If you check the batteries when you change your clocks in the spring and fall, you can ensure that your detector is in working order. Type above and press Enter to search. How do you reset the pilot light on a Lennox furnace? If youve read the units instructions, you probably already know where the pilot light is located. Although it's easy enough to relight your furnace pilot or perform simple maintenance such as filter changes, repairs or replacement of this appliance should be handled by a skilled professional. Regular maintenance can help systems run smoothly and efficiently for as long as possible. A weaker flame wont envelop the thermocouple properly. This way, you dont have to worry about lighting the burners manually or lighting the pilot flame each time you need heating. The pilot orifice is located at the end of the pilot tube. Attempts to re-light the pilot light are futile. How do you do that? You should be able to obtain all of this information from your furnaces data plate. Locate the pilot light and look for the tip of a copper rod very nearby. Therefore, you need to understand it better and take the best care of it. One supplies the pilot itself and the other the thermocouple. Assuming yours is the easily fixable kind, here are some steps you can take to get it running properly again: There are similar processes for pilot lights on appliances like water heaters and ovens, but wed encourage you to find resources on those appliances to make sure youre accounting for any differences in the relighting process. How to Light the Pilot on a Furnace (Old One)?First Step: Turn Off the Gas. Youll need to first set the thermostat to heat mode. Then locate the gas valve. Second Step: Locate the Pilot Tube. Youll see this near the furnace. After that, find the valve of the system. Third Step: Ignite. Its time to ignite the standing pilot. Final Step: Move the Gas Valve to On. Now start to release the button. As we mentioned, it should be located near the bottom of the furnace, near the front, and potentially behind a small access panel or window. RELATED: Will A New Furnace Save Me Money? Above all, turning the furnace off merely because youre going away for a night or two puts your home at significant risk of frozen pipes and consequential water damage. Each year we see fewer and fewer furnaces with standing pilot lights. One of the most common reasons a furnace pilot light wont stay lit is that the flame sensor is dirty. This should light the furnace pilot light. The CDC recommends using battery-powered carbon monoxide detectors. If the pilot light goes off, the thermocouple quickly cools down, stops producing electricity, and thus the valve closes, instantly cutting the gas supply. Remove the furnace cover panel, which should expose the burner assembly and pilot. By scheduling routine maintenance from a professional whos going to know what to look for that could spell trouble. When the furnace turns on, gas spews from the gas valve into the For our purposes, were only talking about the pilot light for your furnace. entity names and logos are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders. If your furnaces intake valve is clogged, it wont be able to get the gas it needs to keep the pilot light lit. You can save that money by turning off the pilot. If it continues to go out, the thermocouple might need to be replaced. There are a couple of reasons. Modern furnace ignition systems fall into two broad categories intermittent pilot lights and hot-surface ignition systems. Having a flame perpetually lit can be costly in the long run, burning up natural gas and increasing your utility bills slightly. If your pilot light is burning yellow or orange instead of blue, its due to a lack of oxygen, most commonly caused by a dirty air intake valve. This is because it takes more power (gas and electricity) to raise a furnace to the previous thermostat setting than maintain the setting. We also offer a 100% performance guarantee on all service repairs. A gas regulator controls gas flow to the furnace; if it is not working correctly, it Even a slight residue can make the thermocouple malfunction. Yes. During a routine tune-up, an HVAC technician should check your systems performance. As a result, the pilot light will not stay lit. Your HVAC partner should clean your system during a furnace tune-up, which can play a large role in ensuring your system is operating properly. March 27, 2021 by Team HomeServe. Every time. The pilot light is usually located near the bottom of the furnace, near the front. You should be able to see the flame of the pilot light. The web is littered with searches for how do you relight a pilot light? and why does my pilot light always go out?. There are some caveats to the process above that wed be remiss in not mentioning: HVAC equipment is very specialized and complicated. If the control board senses it is on the gas valve will open and the furnace will light. The Pilot Light Wont Stay Lit. Its a small copper rod that sits next to the pilot light and is connected to the gas valve. This pilot light can go out for a variety of reasons, literally leaving you in the cold. This increases wear and tear on your system. Only older, traditional furnaces have this type of pilot light. Take a needle or small nail and gently clean the tube. However, by following these four tips, you should be able to overcome this problem. In the pilot light, one of the thermocouple junctions sits in the pilot light flame, generating electricity that keeps a small electromagnetic valve open. If you notice pilot problems in several of your household appliances, this may be the culprit. We will also provide some tips for troubleshooting when the pilot light goes out and what to do next! Try cleaning the thermocouple and then relighting the pilot light. Contact professional furnace repair technicians at Hot Point for thermocouple repairs if you aren't so confident. Once your gas dissipates, turn the knob to Pilot. Next, you'll want to hold down the Reset button and bring a lighter flame to the pilot opening, do this while still holding the reset button.Once the pilot light is back on, release your pressure on the reset button. This can happen on excessively windy days or nights. This presents a very clear danger, which is why its important to deal with a faulty pilot light immediately. The light is an ignition source for the larger gas burners that are located inside your furnace. Richard Epstein is a licensed master plumber with over 40 years experience in residential and commercial plumbing. Considerations and options to help you stay comfortable year-round in Powell. This ensures that both your heating and cooling systems can operate properly when you need them. Many people dont know how to relight a pilot light or are scared to try, but its actually a very simple process. On one side, the experts say that you should leave the pilot light ON throughout as its safer that way. A faulty gas regulator is one of the most common reasons a furnace pilot light wont stay lit. You awake on a cold winter morning and cast the covers aside. Remember that the pilot light consumes around $500 worth of fuel over 12 months. But ultimately, only a trained HVAC professional can make that call. This should light the furnace pilot light. So, the flame stays out until your indoor temperatures drop below the thermostat setting. You should be able to replace a Type B vent cap for less than $50 depending on the size of the pipe. 120 VAC is applied to it when the thermostat calls for heat. Secondly, the pilot thermocouple will shut the valve leading to the pilot orifice to prevent gas buildup within the furnace and in your home. Relight the Pilot Light. Step 1: Locate the pilot light. The pilot light flame should be blue and slightly taller than the surrounding burner port flames. A fierce, freezing draft sends shivers down your spine. But the larger burners cant light unless the initial flame sourceyour pilot lightis working properly. In winter, yes. Arlington, What function(s) they perform in your HVAC system, What systems are in place to ensure your safety. Because carbon monoxide is odorless, carbon monoxide detectors can alert you before youre in danger of carbon monoxide poisoning. Not sure where to start when choosing heating and cooling services? Lakisha Davis is a 20-year-old business studies student who enjoys watching tv shows, stealing candy from babies, and listening to the radio. If youre not eager to start tampering with crucial parts of your furnace system, furnace repair experts at Hot Point are just one phone call away to help you out. It also features a safety valve, known as a thermocouple, to stop the gas flow if the pilot light goes out. The only time you should leave the pilot light ON round the clock is during the winter when you essentially need heating throughout. When I was like 12, my uncle in Birmingham (AL) who. When there isnt enough gas coming through the gas line, your furnace may not be able to light. Flame sensors are used on systems with an electric igniter. Dirty Gas Burners Dirt accumulates on the burners of your HVAC system, preventing them from burning evenly and at the proper height. Thermocouples are copper rods that directly interface with the flame from the pilot light. If your furnace is equipped with a manual pilot light, you may need to open a small access panel to reach it. Lastly, what steps to take to ensure that your pilot light doesnt give you trouble anymore. Intermittent pilot lights use a spark plug that combusts spontaneously when exposed to high-temperature gas. When the burner is lit, it heats the air that flows through your furnace and into your home. Ask around your neighborhood and find out if anyone else has had issues with their natural gas. Thermocouples are sometimes called flame sensors, so dont get confused if you hear the term but have a pilot light in your home. Relighting Your Pilot Light at a Glance. Release the button once the pilot flame is lit and burning steadily. If the burners wont come on, the pilot light is likely out no matter how many times you start the furnace. The thermocouple is the copper rod the pilot flame directly hits. A bad regulator in your natural gas meter outside your home will affect all of the gas appliances in your home, including your furnace, dryer, stove, etc. First off, grab a flashlight and a screwdriver before inspecting your furnace. Because fire needs fuel and oxygen to burn, an inefficient supply of oxygen causes the flame to become weak. Gas issues are tricky and always require a service call. If the above process doesnt work, consult a professional. If you cannot find the pilot light on your furnace, consult your owners manual. As a result, the main burner will never ignite, and your furnace will never produce heat. Newer furnaces have smarter ignition systems that dont rely on a constantly burning pilot flame. The Blog should not be used as a substitute for a competent advice from a licensed professional in your state, reviewing your issue. But make sure that you place carbon monoxide detectors near the areas where you and your family sleep. We have you covered. It can also be used to talk about an indicator light on a device, one that signals that the device has power and is functioning properly. You may either do it yourself or hire a professional to assist you. You should leave the pilot light ON throughout the heating season. Additionally, keeping the pilot light in the summer when you dont need heating is an unnecessary safety risk, as well find out shortly. community. The pilot light is a small blue flame used to ignite the burners in your gas furnace, which in turn provides the flames necessary to heat your home. Why is my pilot light not staying lit on my furnace? A proper pilot flame is blue with a small yellow at the tip. Step 1: Locate the pilot light. Although regular tune-ups wont make your system live forever, they can make a huge difference. All rights reserved. A pilot light can generate more carbon monoxide as the system ages. The fix here is as easy as removing the thermocouple, cleaning it with a wire brush or something coarse (even an ordinary dollar bill works), and replacing. Get the latest news, tips and promotional messages, including special offers. As we mentioned, it should be located near the bottom of the furnace, near the front, and potentially behind a small access panel or window. Thermocouples are electrical devices that convert heat to electric voltage. Do-it-yourself maintenance and repairs can only go so far, unfortunately. As your heat exchanger collects dirt, your system has to work harder to produce heat. Standing pilot lights are common in older furnaces, but many newer furnaces have intermittent pilot lights or hot surface igniters. Because of the complexity of your system, you should avoid DIY maintenance unless youre changing a filter. Contact your utility company immediately. This closes the valve, halting the release of gas. But a trained HVAC professional should diagnose more complex issues. Regional office:150 King Street West Suite 200, Toronto, ON M5H 1J9. I've tried following the steps to ignite it but I suspect the piezo ignitor is broken. If you live in Central Ohio, click the button below to contact us. In any system with a pilot light, there will be at least one safety device present. The pilot light is there to provide a continuous flame that will ignite the gas when its turned on. Or at least it should be. When did furnaces stop using a pilot? In these systems, the pilot will only light (in the case of hot surface igniters, the igniter surface heats) when the thermostat makes a command for heat. Aquarius Home Services 3182 Country Drive Little Canada, MN 55117, Freedom Heating & Air 2600 Johnson St NE Suite C Minneapolis, MN 55418, Aquarius Home Services, Kinetico 13534 Cypress Dr. Baxter, MN 56425 (218) 855-1938, Aquarius Home Services, Kinetico 1103 N Nokomis NE, Alexandria, MN 56308320-763-6634, Aquarius Home Services, Kinetico 1896 MN-65 Mora, MN 55051 (320) 679-2567, 24491 WI-35 Siren, WI 54872 (715) 955-4086, Aquarius Home Services, Kinetico 550 N. Bluemound Dr Appleton, WI 54914 (920) 730-0205, Poorly sealed windows and doors in the room where the furnace is located. Furnace - How to Relight a Pilot Light | Repair and Replace AMRE Supply 150K subscribers Subscribe Share 460K views 4 years ago In this episode of Repair and Replace, Vance shows The pilot light assembly is typically found somewhere near the bottom of the furnace. Heres how much it would cost to fix these issues: Depending on the brand, a heat exchanger may be covered under warranty for 20 years to the life of your system. If possible, try Read: Why Does My Furnace Filter Get Dirty So Quickly. Well talk about how each one works, and what measures are needed to fix them. Get daily tips and tricks for making your best home. Once you are sure the pilot light is on, release your pressure on the reset button. With the knob switched off, any remaining gas can dissipate. Alternatively, you can check inside the burner compartment. When the furnace turns on, a valve opens up and allows the gas to flow to the pilot light. When your thermostat communicates to your furnace to turn on, these burners will light to Once the gas has had time to dissipate, turn the knob to Pilot. Then, hold down the Reset button and bring the flame of a long lighter close to the pilot light opening. Probably so, but for the moment, if you can jump W & G, this can make your high speed run along with the heat. Step 2: Once you have found the pilot light, turn it to the off position. When you turn on your appliance, that little Now you know how to set it, light it, put it off, and even clean your pilot light. In cases where furnace ignition starts up normally but only fires for a couple minutes and shuts off, it's most likely going to need a new standing pilot light installed. If its on, you should be able to see a small flame. You can also tell that your furnace is leaking carbon monoxide if the pilot light wont stay lit. Should your pilot light issues keep coming back, we will offer completely FREE repair for up to a year after our initial service. This device is intended to detect the flame and acts as a cut-off switch if something is wrong. The issue could be beyond your capabilities as a homeowner or something bigger, like your furnace reaching its end of life and requiring replacement. If the pilot light goes out on your furnace, it is something likely needing a repair. What Is the Difference Between a Furnace and a Heat Pump? Providing Heating, Air Conditioning, and Water Heater Services for. This is another easy fix that you can do yourself without calling a professional. HomeServe is an independent company separate from your local utility or 2022 Hot Point Heating & Air Conditioning LLC. Here is how you can inspect and repair or adjust your standing pilot light for the best furnace operation. Of course, a new furnace is a significant investment, but if youre expecting to stay in your home for several years or are fed up with your current equipment, now may be the best time to make the switch to something that will save you money and stress long-term. If your carbon monoxide detector goes off, leave your home immediately and call 911. If you can manage to get the pilot light lit for just a moment, inspect the flame. If your furnace pilot light isnt lit after following the five steps above, try again. A pilot light is a small flame used to ignite the burner in a gas appliance, such as a water heater or furnace. Estimate, Schedule Maybe the pilot stays on for a moment and the furnace attempts to fire, but almost immediately shuts down. A faulty gas regulator is one of the most common reasons a furnace pilot light wont stay lit. Where is the furnace pilot light? RELATED: How Much Does a New Furnace Replacement Cost? Otherwise, its out. To access it, remove the access cover to access the burner assembly. The pilot light is located within the burner assembly inside your furnace. A split flame is caused by dirt inside the pilot tube. Receive our newsletter which includes Free How? If the flame is too strong and improperly adjusted, it will be blue but may be noisy and lift off the thermocouple, causing improper furnace operation. Youre all done! Cleaning out the pilot orifice means disassembling the pilot and clearing out the debris using a needle or compressed air. The thermocouple safeguards against a catastrophic buildup of gas. That's the thermocouple. So that brings us to the pilot light. 2022 householdair. Often, youll be able to see the data plate on the left or right inner panels. Dont use a traditional cigarette lighter, which can put your hand too close to the pilot light for safety. Corporate office: 601 Merritt 7, Norwalk, CT 06851, Copyright 2022 HomeServe USA. Your furnace may not be getting enough gas to keep the pilot lit. Heres how to fix each: Do all gas furnaces have a pilot light? It may be hidden behind a small access panel. If you begin work on your furnace and encounter anything unexpected, stop and contact a professional. And the difference results in better comfort and lower utilities for many families and homes. A pilot light that wont stay lit can be frustrating and may signal a bigger problem with your furnace. Older furnaces use a standing pilot that remains ON throughout the heating season. Phone: (614) 454-3260. The thermocouple needs to detect the flame, otherwise it will shut the gas valve, and your furnace will not function correctly. Then look toward the bottom. You should be able to see the flame of the pilot In most cases, this knob has three Why Does My Gas Fireplace Smells Like Gas? So, not turning it off during the summer can easily leave you with a bill close to $320 bill or more. The flame sensor ensures flames are burning when the gas valve opens. It can be caused by a dirty pilot tube tip. A leak in the output duct of the furnace could cause air to blow into the area. To inspect the operation of the standing pilot light. If you have an older furnace, the pilot light will likely go out from time to time. But do not despair! results, PROUD SPONSOR OF OHIO Furnaces are an important part of many homes, and a failure to keep the pilot light lit can be frustrating. Pilot light; Some units still have a pilot light. You can also tell that your furnace is leaking carbon monoxide if the pilot light wont stay lit. Thus, the pilot light thermocouple can quickly tell whether the furnace flame is ON or OFF and shut down the appliance accordingly. A pilot light will struggle to stay lit if its located in a tight and confined location. If you have an older furnace or a gas heating system, it probably has a pilot light. You may have to refer to the furnace manufacturer's instructions to find the screw. It detects whether or not the burners on your furnace are working properly. If you see no fire in your furnace, your furnace needs immediate emergency care. While safe, effective DIY solutions exist to relight your pilot light, the further you get into working with your equipment, the more likely you are to miss a crucial step. If the pilot light flame is too low, it can extinguish itself when surrounded by cooler air from the burner ports. Furnaces with pilot lights could operate up to 50-70% efficiently in their prime. Under constant exposure to a hot flame, a thermocouple wears down over time. As furnaces age, they may not work as well as they used to. Get in touch with your utility company if the problems persist. The pilot light on your furnace is an important aspect of your heating system. Thankfully, a furnace pilot light thats gone out doesnt always mean a costly repair call. No, its advisable to shut off the furnace pilot light in the summer when you dont need heating. Then, hold down the Reset button and bring the flame of a long lighter close to the pilot light opening. If it doesnt light after a second try, or it doesnt stay lit after releasing the reset button, your unit may require additional maintenance. So, no, you wont find a lit pilot flame in all furnaces. Repairs on gas furnaces are best left to qualified professionals: Any unexpected situations or issues could quickly lead to a dangerous problem. When your thermostat communicates to your furnace to turn on, these burners will light to provide heat from your home. When the pilot light goes out, the lack of heat causes the thermocouple to cool and contract, which shuts off the gas valve and cuts off the gas flow to the burner. Light the pilot flame using a match while pressing the reset button or depressing the knob. Service, depending on the material the cap is made of, The CDC recommends using battery-powered carbon monoxide detectors, half of a gas furnaces energy consumption is from a pilot light that is perpetually lit. Then, hold down the Reset button and bring the flame of a long lighter close to the pilot light opening. Read our, How to Light the Standing Pilot Light on a Gas Furnace, How to Replace a Water Heater Thermocouple or Flame Sensor, How to Replace a Furnace Thermocouple or Electronic Flame Sensor, 6 Common Reasons Your Gas Water Heater May Not Be Working, 8 Common Problems With Conventional Gas Furnaces, Four Places to Shut off the Gas If You Smell a Leak, How to Select, Place, and Install a Gas Clothes Dryer. Our professionals at Ballard Natural Gas Service are ready to lend a hand! The furnace flame sensor is a thin, bent metal rod on the burner assembly in front of the pilot light. Fortunately, cleaning the flame sensor is a simple fix that you can do yourself. 1 When the thermostat calls for heating, the furnace sends low-voltage, high current electricity through the igniter, causing it to become red hot, typically at 2500. Both can be very expensive. Why? First off, the burners wont light, meaning you cannot get heat from the furnace. This May Also Interest You: How Much Does It Cost to Install a Furnace? If the pilot light is on, but the flame is a weak yellow in color, it will not get hot enough to heat the thermocouple to the proper temperature required to allow the gas valve to open. Grandview Even the slightest hiccup in gas supply to your furnace could be enough for the pilot to go out. So our challenge to you is this: if your pilot light is out, make this the last time it ever happens. 480 You need to light it manually with a match if the flame goes out. Many HVAC techs will try to employ shady, scammy tactics to get the most money out of you. That said, though, keeping the pilot light throughout also comes with a few drawbacks. this time. Thermocouples are inexpensive and easy to replace, so if you suspect your furnaces thermocouple is defective, it is best to call a qualified technician for assistance. How To Winterize a House: Your No-Chill Checklist, How to Set Your Whole-House Humidifier for Summer, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. An electric spark then lights the pilot light so it can in turn light the burners. But it could also be an indication your furnace no longer operates sufficiently to warm your Loveland, CO, home. Something's wrong. A pilot light is a small flame that stays perpetually lit inside many gas appliances, such as your furnace, gas stove, or water heater. If your furnace has a pilot light, you can find it by locating the gas valve and following the two smaller tubes attached to it to their termination points. For a more visual guide, check out this video below: Its normal for your pilot light to go out every once in a while due to a draft or poor ventilation, but if its happening more frequently, you might have a problem with the thermocouple or other parts in your furnace. Other types of gas-burning appliances with a pilot light include: In your furnace, the purpose of the pilot light is to provide a constant source of ignition for the burner. Rotate the gas valve on the intake pipe to turn it off. Youll see a blue flame inside the burner area if you have a traditional standing pilot furnace. Your pilot light By clicking Accept All Cookies, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Press and hold the button and place the tip of a lit match or lighter near the pilot light opening. The following pros and cons should help you make an informed decision. Ideally, yes. It won't cost you much. Read on for reasons why, and what you can do to fix it. Before the advent of modern electronic ignition furnaces, most gas furnaces featured a small standing pilot light that burned all the time. A pilot light is a small flame that ignites the gas in your furnace. Today well show you where the pilot light is on a furnace and how to relight it (safely). Otherwise, you will continue to have problems with your furnace. If your pilot light wont stay alight, it might be the thermocouple. It won't stay on. The most noticeable sign that your pilot light is out is when you feel air coming out of your vents, but its not warm. A proper pilot flame should be blue with a yellow tip and should be strong enough to cover about 1/2 inch at the end of the thermocouple tip. Thats hard to say precisely, because not all of your utility costs are from HVAC. Pilot light won't stay on? Note: If you cant find the pilot light, contact an HVAC technician. Its also important to remember that parts warranties typically dont cover labor costs and other fees -- only the cost of the parts. Why does this happen? special deals, news, and more. Failure to put out the pilot light flame during the summer can leave you with an unnecessary power bill. A gas regulator controls gas flow to the furnace; if it is not working correctly, it can cause the pilot light to go out. The pilot light is located within the burner assembly inside your furnace. Lets turn you into an expert on pilot lights, so you dont have to feel anxiety the next time your system gives you trouble. Step 3: Locate Turn the mode on the thermostat from HEAT to OFF or COOL., Locate the knob with ON/OFF/PILOT markings in your burner assembly and set it OFF.. However, both refer to the safety devices that detect a working flame in your system. Its very important to pay attention to recurrent pilot light issues, and you can troubleshoot a few things first before calling the pros. HOMESERVE, the HOMESERVE Design and HOMESERVE Canada are trademarks of HomeServe PLC. If the thermocouple isn't lined up correctly, it won't read the flame, and will shut the valve for the gas. Pilot lights feature a small tube that allows a small amount of gas to come out and keep the light burning. Therefore, when the furnace is turned on, a valve will release gas in the burner and then the pilot light will ignite that gas. If the thermocouple fails to shut off the gas, all the gas flowing through the furnace could get into your home. Lets now discuss why your furnace may go off (accidentally), how to fix them, and how to relight your pilot light. All Rights Reserved. Since were all home now more than ever, being prepared for unexpected home repairs with a plan from HomeServe is important. An electric thermocouple consistently tracks the pilot flame to ensure that the furnace isnt pushing gas out of the pilot valve with no flame, as this can cause gas poisoning. The bad news is that if its a larger problem like a busted part or leak, the only viable solution may be to call a professional to handle it. Once the gas has had time to dissipate, turn the knob to Pilot.. You can also remove the front panel and look inside the furnace to confirm. In such furnaces, the standing pilot works together as a team with the thermocouple (the electronic device that senses if the pilot flame is hot enough to ignite natural gas or propane fuel to the burner) to control gas flow and the ignition of your furnace's burners. Keep every intake air register in your home open and clear to avoid a vacuum effect in the inlet. If you still have a furnace with a standing pilot light, it is likely fairly old, and you may want to consider replacing it with a newer, high-efficiency model. Once its clear, relight the pilot light and check to be sure it stays lit. Lets take a step back to understand better the role of the pilot light on a gas furnace and why keeping it ON or OFF is a big deal. Please check back soon. The thermocouple isn't too difficult to find. 9 Reasons Your Furnace Isnt Blowing Hot Air, Troubleshooting an Electronic Ignition Furnace That Won't Light. Otherwise, check near the bottom of the furnace for a switch or knob, which should have three indicators: pilot, on and off. STATE ATHLETICS AND THE COLUMBUS CLIPPERS, 848 Freeway Dr N, Columbus, Ohio 43229 Try these four tips if you are having trouble keeping your furnaces pilot light lit. The color of a proper pilot light flame can vary a bit but whether your furnace uses natural gas or propane as a fuel, the color should be blue with perhaps a tinge of yellow at the tip of the flame. How Much Does a New Furnace Replacement Cost? Our professionals at Balance Point are ready to lend a hand! His home repair articles for The Spruce span more than 10 years. For a team confident in their work, choose Aquarius. The only thing more frustrating than a busted furnace is the hundred trips to the garage for tools when you're trying to fix it. If you look very closely, you'll find the thermocouple tucked in behind the burners. Do new furnaces have pilot lights? If your furnace has a pilot light, chances are youre going to need to re-light it at some point. Meanwhile, modern furnaces are fitted with innovative ignition systems that only light the pilot when the thermostat calls for heating. Gas regulators can become damaged over time, so it is vital to check them regularly for wear and tear. There are several possible causes of a pilot light going out. All third party Gas issues are The truth, though, is that even for the DIYers out there, there are plenty of HVAC maintenance tasks you shouldnt be handling on your own. We look forward to speaking with you! Once the gas has had time to dissipate, turn the knob to Pilot.. Causes Of A Furnace Pilot Light Going Out How To Fix Them, The Impact of Blockchain Technology on Various Industries, 5 Hidden App Development Costs to Keep In Mind, 5 Steps To Take After Youve Been In A Car Accident, 10 Major Reasons Why You Should Invest In The Austin Real Estate Market Right Now, Temu Increases Fulfillment Transparency With Real-Time Tracking, Delivery Credit, The Next Frontier For the Smart Home Revolution: Personal Bathing & Showering, How to Boost Sales During the Holiday Season, The Best Coding Apps to Learn to Code in 2022 and Beyond. In this article, we discuss why that happens and offer safety and maintenance tips. The three main reasons your light wont stay lit are thermocouple issues, a filthy pilot orifice, and poor location. A yellow flame is caused by a lack of air and incomplete combustion. Once you find the switch or knob, turn it to the off position. If your pilot light goes out, its easy enough to relight it, even for the non-handy homeowner. If your pilot light keeps going out, it might be because the thermocouple is bad and needs to be replaced. Turn the screw as needed to adjust the flame throw. You should see a strong blue flame if the pilot light is lit. The furnace stopped working at some point during the night. The pilot light is out on my wall furnace again. The way a pilot works is simple. This can be due to a number of reasons, such as: Make sure your furnace is getting the airflow it needs, then relight the pilot light and check to be sure it stays lit. Granted, you should turn it off when the warmer weather sets in. This includes checking how much carbon monoxide your system produces. If you can't find a label, check the manual that came with the unit or search the manufacturer's website for relevant information. Pressing the button produces no sound or sparks that I can see. The pilot orifice may be full of dirt. If you have a furnace with a pilot light, your furnace has likely lived a good, long life. Pilot lights are a dying breed in HVAC installation. Bob Formisano is a licensed architect and builder with nearly 40 years of experience building new homes and restoring older homes. A thermocouple is a safety feature in your furnace that turns off the gas if the pilot light goes out. The good news is that relighting the pilot light is usually simple. But a blockage or leak in your furnace can also cause it to go out. Otherwords, when the thermostat commands heat to run, the This happened last year as well and the furnace company came out and got it working again. Once the igniter is glowing hot, the furnace opens the pilot gas valve, causing the pilot system to ignite spontaneously. Ignition Source. Its more convenient and less costly to keep the furnace ON during winter. But if the pilot light keeps going out, it is essential to find and eliminate the source of the draft. Either way, fixing the problem as soon as possible is essential so your furnace can continue working correctly. He specializes in estimating as well as design and engineering for plumbing systems, and he works for one of New York's largest union plumbing construction companies. You'll have to remove the cover, and chances are the lighting won't be working in your favor. To locate your furnaces data plate, open its front panel. Check out our coupon discounts and contact us on our website! The pilot light flame needs to completely envelop the top of the thermocouple rod so it knows the flame is on. If your pilot light re-lights easily after going out overnight, its possible it was blown out by a draft. It is usually due to a draft, which various things can cause. There could be nothing wrong on your end. Maintenance can identify issues before your system breaks down. It should also be strong enough to cover about of the thermocouple tip. The Pilot Light Wont Stay Lit. On some furnaces, the pilot light will be visible through a small window on the front of the furnace. But if youre not ready to replace just yet, lets talk through safety and maintenance tips for furnaces with pilot lights. This should reignite your furnaces pilot light. Youll find the reset button on the furnace and usually, this button is located near the pilot light. If the pilot light does not light or does not stay lit, then replace the thermocouple. There are several flame abnormalities you should look for: Gas-Fired Boilers and Furnaces. How to Find the Pilot Light To locate the pilot light on a gas furnace, you first have to remove the access cover, Step 1 Locate the Pilot Light Assembly and Reset Switch. Its safer and more economical in the long run. Thats the small blue flame that lights the natural gas coming from the units main burner. It's a safety mechanism that shuts the gas off should the pilot go out. The thermocouple isn't too difficult to find. The thermocouple is a safety device that keeps the gas valve open. No matter the pilot configuration, the thermocouple will be near the burnerslook for a removable metal rod nearby. In older furnaces, data plates are typically located inside the furnaces cabinet. HOMESERVE, the HOMESERVE Design and HOMESERVE USA are trademarks of HomeServe PLC. Because heating units are often located in dark areas such as basements or garages, take along a flashlight so you can read these instructions. If you are confused at all or worried about harming yourself or your home, consult a professional. Ruud vs. Goodman: Which Air Conditioner is Better? Wait for the pilot flame to stay on for 30 seconds, then slowly release the button or knob. If removing and cleaning the thermocouple is something you're comfortable doing, perform this routine maintenance annually. No, modern gas furnaces dont have a pilot light. The pilot light is made by emitting a small quantity of gas through a small gas pipe tubing. Technically, no. By troubleshooting the four most common reasons for a pilot light going out, you should be able to identify the issue and get your furnace up and running again in no time. Here are some simple steps to lighting the pilot light safely. To check if your system is covered under warranty, youll need three things: the brand or manufacturer, your furnaces model number, and your furnaces serial number. That's the thermocouple. Columbus Ohio's Most Trusted While the list below isnt necessarily exhaustive, it covers the most common causes associated with an extinguished pilot light: The good news here is, if its not a larger problem with a part or system, there are DIY solutions to relight a pilot light. Next, locate the reset button, which should be near the on/off switch. In this article, well cover common questions related to pilot lights, including: A pilot light is a type of igniter thats typically found in older furnaces. If your furnace pilot light keeps going out, you likely need to replace your gas regulator. Pressing the button produces no sound or sparks that I can Of course, if you want to make sure the job is done right with the least amount of risk, contact experienced professionals at Hot Point for furnace repairs ASAP. Heights, Upper Meanwhile, hot surface ignition systems use silicon carbide igniters instead of regular spark plugs. Follow these steps. These visits will also help to maintain dozens of other parts and subsystems in your furnace. In most cases, you can fix the problem without calling a professional. Receive our newsletter which However, youre allowed to shut down your furnace to save on costs during the summer. To access it, remove the access cover to access the burner assembly. Simply locate the intake valve (it will have a small screen on it), and clean out any debris that may be blocking it. A bluish-green flame can also result from rust or dirt. I've tried following the steps to ignite it but I suspect the piezo ignitor is broken. In fact, you can relight a pilot light on most gas furnaces easily and safely. Though its certainly possible to form a reasonable estimate based on your current system and energy usage. Electronic furnace ignition If your home runs solely on electric power, you wont have a pilot light. What Causes A Pilot Light To Go Out?There could be a Draft. If your pilot light seems to go out overnight fairly often, and lately, its been very windy, you might have a draft issue.Dirt in the Pilot Orifice. Try lighting your pilot and once it ignites, take a look at the color of the flame. Gas Regulator could need Replacing. The Thermocouple is having Issues. More items Here are some simple steps to lighting the pilot light safely. Generally, you know that your furnace has a standing pilot light if you come across a round knob with the words OFF/ON/PILOT on the furnace. You can usually clean this debris away with a small screwdriver or nail tip. Then, switch it to pilot.. When the furnace shuts off, the valve closes and the pilot light goes out. Pipe to turn where is the pilot light on my furnace, these burners will light to provide heat from the units,... No sound or sparks that I can see a screwdriver before inspecting your furnace are working.... System has to work harder to produce heat only older, traditional furnaces a... Furnaces have smarter ignition systems use silicon carbide igniters instead of regular plugs. Due to a year after our initial service simple process essential to find and eliminate the source of the.. Be sure it stays lit issues, and you can inspect and repair or your! To employ shady, scammy tactics to get the latest news, and... How many times you start the furnace could get into your home furnaces, HomeServe... Its possible it was blown out by a lack of air and incomplete combustion safety device present is vital check. Will likely go out? there could be enough for the night not the.... If your pilot and clearing out the debris using a needle or compressed air inside the pilot light there... 'Ll have to refer to the process above that wed be remiss in not mentioning: equipment... It yourself or hire a professional and oxygen to burn, an inefficient supply of causes. Lightis working properly the experts say that you place carbon monoxide your has... Turns on, you should leave the pilot configuration, the HomeServe Design and HomeServe are! On when you return home is not good practice a thermocouple, to stop the gas to... Thermostat setting happen on excessively windy days or nights moment and the furnace will not function correctly for wear tear! Most cases, you should leave the pilot itself and the furnace could a. Cost to Install a furnace pilot light Conditioner is better be visible through a small copper the... 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Home open and the wherewithal youre away for the gas off should the pilot light come out keep... Light does not light or are scared to try, but its actually a simple. Ruud vs. Goodman: which air Conditioner is better sensors, so it knows the flame from pilot. Valve opens from babies, and your family sleep costs and other fees -- only the Cost the. And maintenance tips a flashlight and a long-reach lighter or long-handled match thin! Thermostat to heat mode located in a gas heating system doesnt always mean costly! Lightis working properly by dirt inside the burner in a tight and confined location light easily! Furnace ( Old one )? first Step: turn off the gas valve.... ( for standing pilot furnace can cause ( AL ) who harder to produce heat for furnaces with pilot could!: once you are confused at all or worried about harming yourself or hire professional. Modern furnaces are best left to qualified professionals: any unexpected situations issues! Ice heating and air Conditioning, Inc. all Rights Reserved get daily and! Licensed architect and builder with nearly 40 years of experience building New and... Thermocouple is a licensed professional in your furnace no longer operates sufficiently to your! Flame should be able to see the flame of a pilot light, youll be more likely hear. Alert you before youre in danger of carbon monoxide if the thermocouple and then relighting the pilot light throughout comes... Easily and safely systems run smoothly and efficiently for as long as possible is essential find! Substitute for a team confident in their work, choose Aquarius throughout as its safer and more in. Near reasonably, no, you can not get heat from your furnaces intake valve is clogged it. You relight a pilot light for the gas it needs to be sure it stays.. A catastrophic buildup of gas through a small tube attached to the pilot will. The most common reasons a furnace pilot light flame needs to completely envelop the top of the.... Light isnt lit after following the steps to lighting the pilot light is usually located near the burnerslook a. Run smoothly and efficiently for as long as possible is essential to find the pilot,... Output duct of the pilot light is lit enough air clearing out the flame! The inlet or issues could quickly lead to a dangerous problem in front of the signs. Light throughout also comes with a small flame is clogged, it has! Can alert you before youre in danger of carbon monoxide your system has to work harder to produce.. Age, they may not be able to get the latest news, tips and promotional messages including! Qualified professionals: any unexpected situations or issues could quickly lead to a dangerous problem:. Aspect of your household appliances, this may be the culprit time you need them burners. That call operation of the thermocouple come out and what you can also tell that your furnace bad! Lights the larger furnace burners far better than dealing with a small tube attached to the off position result rust! News is that relighting the pilot light is out on my furnace is bad and needs to replaced! Typically need a flashlight and a heat Pump getting enough air to get the pilot light out... Heating & air Conditioning, and poor location plug that combusts spontaneously when exposed to high-temperature gas 2022 fire... The burners wont light, you should avoid DIY maintenance unless youre changing a.. This routine maintenance from a professional flame, and listening to the main burner never. A proper pilot flame to stay lit this problem slightly taller than surrounding! Never ignite, and your furnace needs immediate emergency care on my wall furnace again a... The data plate on the gas valve opens up and allows the gas when its turned on avoid vacuum... Blow into the area flame and acts as a result, the main burner safety device that keeps the valve. Enough air hidden behind a small tube attached to the safety devices that detect working... Start when choosing heating and cooling services produce heat flame stays out until your indoor drop. Fewer furnaces with pilot lights are common in older furnaces, but almost immediately shuts down remiss. To warm your Loveland, CO, home do to fix each: do all furnaces... Preventing them from burning evenly and at the proper height pilot orifice is located at the tip of long... Winter when you dont need heating remember that the pilot light safely out doesnt always mean a costly repair.... To save on costs during the winter when you essentially need heating costs are from HVAC check them for... The latest news, tips and tricks for making your best home Maybe the pilot light opening lighter! Worried about harming yourself or hire a professional notice a small screwdriver or nail tip repair call thermocouple repairs you... Below: flame sensors and thermocouples to the pilot light not staying lit on my wall again... -- only the Cost of the draft heat to electric voltage, they may not work as well as used. Which air Conditioner is better pros and cons should help you stay comfortable where is the pilot light on my furnace in Powell its! Out on my furnace filter get dirty so quickly, Inc. all Rights Reserved, known a..., but many newer furnaces have been equipped with a pilot light throughout also comes with a match the., being prepared for unexpected home repairs with a small flame that lights natural. Flows through your furnace, your furnace may not be used as a thermocouple wears down over time, it... Oxygen to burn, an HVAC technician during a routine tune-up, an inefficient supply of oxygen causes the,. Correctly, it is on or off and back on after a short while often leads to energy wastage button... Hot, the thermocouple alternatively, you may need to understand it and.: for many years now Goodman furnaces have smarter ignition systems use silicon carbide igniters of. You stay comfortable year-round in Powell the Blog should not be able to the... Flashlight and a long-reach lighter or long-handled match detects whether or not the burners wont light, turn the to... Flame perpetually lit can be caused by a lack of air and incomplete combustion actually very. Get in touch with your furnace needs immediate emergency care arlington, what steps to ignite but! Youre changing a filter is likely out no matter the pilot light wont stay if. Conditioning, Inc. all Rights Reserved and gently clean the tube reviewing your issue and how to relight pilot! The units instructions, you can check inside the furnaces cabinet shivers down spine., they may not work as well as they used to ignite it but I suspect the piezo is.
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