How to Light the Pilot Light On a Furnace – A Step-by-Step Guide

This article discusses How Do You Light The Pilot Light On A Furnace, hopefully providing additional knowledge for you.

I’m sure you’ve been there before: the dreaded moment when your furnace stops working in the middle of a cold winter night. Shivering and desperate for warmth, you frantically try to figure out how to fix it. One of the most common issues that can cause a furnace to malfunction is a faulty pilot light. If you’re not sure how to light the pilot light on your furnace, don’t worry – this step-by-step guide will help you get your heat back up and running in no time.

Lighting Furnace Pilot: How to Light the Pilot Light on a Furnace

How Do You Light The Pilot Light On A Furnace

Before you begin, it’s important to note that this process can be dangerous if not done correctly. If you’re not comfortable working with gas appliances, it’s best to call a qualified technician. That said, if you’re feeling confident and up for the task, let’s get started!

Locate the Pilot Light Assembly

The first step is to locate the pilot light assembly on your furnace. It’s typically a small metal box with a clear window on the front. Inside the box, you’ll see a small flame burning. If the flame is not lit, then you’ll need to light it.

Turn Off the Gas Supply and Wait

Before you light the pilot light, it’s important to turn off the gas supply to your furnace. This will prevent any gas from leaking out while you’re working. Once you’ve turned off the gas, wait a few minutes for the gas to dissipate.

Press and Hold the Reset Button

Once the gas has dissipated, you can press and hold the reset button on the pilot light assembly. This button is usually red or black. Hold the button down for about 30 seconds, or until you hear a clicking sound.

Light the Pilot Light

Once you hear the clicking sound, you can light the pilot light. To do this, simply hold a lit match or lighter near the pilot light opening. The flame should ignite immediately. If it doesn’t, try holding the match or lighter closer to the opening.

Release the Reset Button

Once the pilot light is lit, you can release the reset button. The flame should stay lit on its own. If it goes out, then you may need to repeat steps 3-5.

Turn on the Gas Supply

Once the pilot light is lit, you can turn on the gas supply to your furnace. Slowly open the gas valve until you hear the furnace start to ignite. Once the furnace is running, you can adjust the thermostat to the desired temperature.

Tips and Expert Advice

Here are a few tips and expert advice to help you light the pilot light on your furnace:

  • If you’re having trouble lighting the pilot light, try cleaning the pilot light assembly. Dirt and debris can build up over time and prevent the pilot light from igniting.
  • If you’re still having trouble, you may need to replace the thermocouple. The thermocouple is a small device that senses the presence of a flame and sends a signal to the gas valve. If the thermocouple is faulty, the gas valve will not open and the pilot light will not stay lit.
  • If you’re not comfortable working with gas appliances, it’s always best to call a qualified technician. A technician can safely and efficiently light the pilot light on your furnace and ensure that it is operating properly.

FAQ

Here are some frequently asked questions about lighting the pilot light on a furnace:

  1. Q: What should I do if the pilot light keeps going out?
  2. A: If the pilot light keeps going out, it may be a sign of a problem with the thermocouple or the gas valve. You may need to call a qualified technician to diagnose and repair the problem.
  3. Q: Can I light the pilot light with a match or lighter?
  4. A: Yes, you can light the pilot light with a match or lighter. However, it’s important to be careful not to burn yourself. Hold the match or lighter near the pilot light opening, but not too close. The flame should ignite immediately.
  5. Q: How can I tell if the thermocouple is faulty?
  6. A: If the thermocouple is faulty, the pilot light will not stay lit. You can test the thermocouple by holding a lit match or lighter near the thermocouple. If the thermocouple is working properly, the pilot light will ignite immediately.

Conclusion

I hope this guide has helped you learn how to light the pilot light on your furnace. If you’re still having trouble, don’t hesitate to call a qualified technician for assistance. Remember, it’s always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to working with gas appliances.

Are you interested in learning more about home maintenance and repairs? Be sure to check out our other blog posts for more helpful tips and advice.

How Do You Light The Pilot Light On A Furnace

Furnace - How to Relight a Pilot Light | Repair and Replace - YouTube
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