How do You check the pilot light on a furnace?

How Do You Check the Pilot Light on a Furnace?

As a homeowner, it’s essential to know how to check the pilot light on your furnace to ensure it’s functioning properly and efficiently. A faulty pilot light can lead to a range of issues, from reduced heating performance to safety hazards. In this article, we’ll guide you through the steps to check the pilot light on your furnace, and provide tips on how to troubleshoot common problems.

What is a Pilot Light?

Before we dive into the process, let’s understand what a pilot light is. A pilot light is a small flame that ignites the main burner in your furnace. It’s usually located near the burner and is designed to stay lit continuously. The pilot light provides a consistent source of ignition for the furnace, ensuring that it heats your home efficiently and safely.

Why is it Important to Check the Pilot Light?

Regularly checking the pilot light is crucial for several reasons:

• Safety: A faulty pilot light can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning, as the furnace may not be burning fuel properly.
• Efficiency: A pilot light that’s not functioning correctly can reduce the furnace’s heating performance, leading to higher energy bills.
• Reliability: A faulty pilot light can cause the furnace to malfunction, leading to costly repairs or even replacement.

How to Check the Pilot Light on Your Furnace

Step 1: Turn Off the Power

Before checking the pilot light, ensure that the power to the furnace is turned off. This is usually done by switching the circuit breaker or removing the fuse. Important: Never attempt to check the pilot light while the furnace is still running, as this can cause serious injury or damage.

Step 2: Locate the Pilot Light

Find the pilot light on your furnace. It’s usually located near the burner and may be covered with a small glass or plastic cover. Note: The location of the pilot light may vary depending on the type and model of your furnace.

Step 3: Remove the Cover

Gently remove the cover or glass covering the pilot light. Caution: Be careful not to touch the pilot light or any surrounding electrical components with your bare hands, as this can cause electrical shock.

Step 4: Check the Pilot Light

Look for the pilot light and check if it’s lit. If it’s not lit, try relighting it using the procedure provided in your furnace’s user manual or online instructions.

Common Pilot Light Issues

Here are some common issues you may encounter when checking the pilot light:

• Pilot Light Not Lit: This could be due to a faulty thermocouple, a clogged pilot light orifice, or a malfunctioning pilot light valve.
• Pilot Light Flickering: This could be caused by a dirty or clogged pilot light orifice, a faulty thermocouple, or a malfunctioning pilot light valve.
• Pilot Light Out: This could be due to a faulty thermocouple, a clogged pilot light orifice, or a malfunctioning pilot light valve.

Troubleshooting Tips

Here are some troubleshooting tips to help you resolve common pilot light issues:

• Pilot Light Not Lit:

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  • Check the pilot light orifice for blockages or debris.
  • Clean the pilot light orifice with a small brush or cloth.
  • Check the thermocouple for damage or malfunction.
  • Replace the thermocouple if necessary.

• Pilot Light Flickering:

  • Clean the pilot light orifice with a small brush or cloth.
  • Check the thermocouple for damage or malfunction.
  • Replace the thermocouple if necessary.
  • Check the pilot light valve for malfunction.

• Pilot Light Out:

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  • Check the thermocouple for damage or malfunction.
  • Replace the thermocouple if necessary.
  • Check the pilot light orifice for blockages or debris.
  • Clean the pilot light orifice with a small brush or cloth.

Conclusion

Checking the pilot light on your furnace is a simple process that can help ensure your furnace is functioning safely and efficiently. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can troubleshoot common pilot light issues and resolve them quickly. Remember to always turn off the power to the furnace before attempting to check the pilot light, and never touch any electrical components with your bare hands. If you’re unsure about how to check the pilot light or resolve any issues, it’s always best to consult a professional HVAC technician.

Table: Common Pilot Light Issues and Troubleshooting Tips

Additional Resources

• Your furnace’s user manual
• Online instructions for relighting the pilot light
• Local HVAC professionals for assistance with pilot light issues