Restarting a Furnace Pilot Light
Restarting a furnace pilot light is a task that you can often perform yourself without the need for a professional. Before you start, ensure that you understand your furnace’s manual instructions as procedures can vary between models. You should also heed any safety warnings presented in the manual.
Please follow these general step-by-step instructions to relight your furnace’s pilot light safely:
Step 1: Locate the Instructions
Before attempting to relight the pilot light, find the instruction label on your furnace. This label often includes specific instructions for your model. If you’ve lost the manual or cannot find the instructions, you may be able to locate them online by searching for the make and model of your furnace.
Step 2: Turn Off the Gas
Locate the gas valve and turn it to the ‘Off’ position. This is an essential safety step to avoid uncontrolled gas flow. Wait for 3-5 minutes to allow any residual gas to dissipate before you attempt to relight the pilot. This step is crucial to prevent a possible gas build-up which could lead to an accident.
Step 3: Locate the Pilot Light Assembly
After ensuring the gas has had time to clear, find the pilot light assembly. This usually consists of a gas valve with On, Off, and Pilot settings, and a red or black ignition button or a place where you can manually light the pilot with a match or lighter.
Step 4: Turn the Valve to Pilot
Turn the valve from the ‘Off’ to the ‘Pilot’ position. This step is preparing the furnace to light the pilot.
Step 5: Light the Pilot
If your furnace has an ignition button, hold down the reset button or the pilot control button (as indicated by your furnace’s instructions) and at the same time, press the ignition button repeatedly until the pilot flame ignites.
If your furnace requires manual lighting, hold a lit match or a long-reach lighter at the pilot opening while you press and hold the reset or pilot control button. The flame should light after a few seconds.
Step 6: Keep the Button Pressed
Once the pilot light is lit, keep the button pressed for about 30 seconds to a minute to ensure the light stays on. This allows the thermocouple to heat up and register that the pilot light is on, which will allow the gas to flow to the pilot light permanently until the next time the furnace is switched off or the pilot goes out.
Step 7: Check the Pilot Light
Release the button slowly after the allotted time and check to see if the pilot light stays lit. If it goes out, you may need to repeat the lighting process. If it won’t stay lit after several attempts, there may be an issue with the thermocouple or another component that may require professional assessment.
Step 8: Turn the Gas Valve to On
Once the pilot light is successfully lit, turn the valve from ‘Pilot’ to ‘On’. Your furnace should start up after a few minutes when the thermostat calls for heat.
Troubleshooting Tips
If the pilot light does not stay lit, it could be due to a faulty thermocouple, a clogged pilot orifice, or a need for adjusting the pilot’s flame. In such cases, it’s often best to call a certified HVAC technician to diagnose and fix the problem.
Safety Precautions
Please remember, if you smell gas at any point during the process, stop immediately, leave the area, and call your gas utility company from a different location. Do not attempt to light the pilot light if you smell gas, as this could be dangerous.
By following these step-by-step instructions, you can safely attempt to restart your furnace’s pilot light. Stay cautious and when in doubt, always consult with or hire a professional.