How to Know if Pilot Light is Out on Furnace?
As the winter months approach, it’s essential to ensure that your furnace is functioning properly to keep your home warm and cozy. One crucial component of your furnace is the pilot light, which ignites the main burner to produce heat. However, if the pilot light goes out, your furnace won’t work, and you’ll be left with a cold and uncomfortable home. In this article, we’ll guide you on how to identify if the pilot light is out on your furnace and what steps to take to resolve the issue.
What is a Pilot Light?
Before we dive into how to identify if the pilot light is out, let’s first understand what a pilot light is. A pilot light is a small flame that ignites the main burner in your furnace, which then produces heat. The pilot light is usually located at the base of the furnace and is typically around 1-2 inches in diameter. It’s a critical component of your furnace, as it ensures that the main burner ignites properly to produce heat.
Symptoms of a Pilot Light Being Out
If the pilot light is out on your furnace, you may notice the following symptoms:
• No Heat: The most obvious symptom is that your furnace won’t produce any heat. If you turn on the thermostat, but the furnace doesn’t kick in, it could be a sign that the pilot light is out.
• No Sound: When the pilot light is out, you may not hear the usual hum or whooshing sound of the furnace igniting.
• Yellow or Orange Flame: If the pilot light is out, you may notice a yellow or orange flame instead of the usual blue flame.
• Furnace Won’t Turn On: If the pilot light is out, the furnace may not turn on at all, even when you try to relight it.
How to Check if the Pilot Light is Out
To check if the pilot light is out, follow these steps:
- Turn off the Power: Before attempting to relight the pilot light, turn off the power to the furnace at the circuit breaker or fuse box.
- Open the Access Panel: Locate the access panel on your furnace and remove it to access the pilot light assembly.
- Check the Pilot Light: Look for the pilot light assembly, which is usually located at the base of the furnace. Check if the pilot light is lit or if it’s out.
- Check the Thermocouple: The thermocouple is a small metal rod that’s connected to the pilot light. If it’s broken or faulty, the pilot light won’t stay lit. Check if the thermocouple is clean and free of debris.
How to Relight the Pilot Light
If the pilot light is out, you can try to relight it by following these steps:
- Turn off the Power: Make sure the power to the furnace is turned off at the circuit breaker or fuse box.
- Remove the Pilot Light Assembly: Remove the pilot light assembly to access the pilot light.
- Light the Pilot Light: Use a long lighter or match to light the pilot light. Hold the flame to the pilot light for about 30 seconds to ensure it stays lit.
- Replace the Pilot Light Assembly: Once the pilot light is lit, replace the pilot light assembly and turn on the power to the furnace.
Common Causes of a Pilot Light Being Out
If the pilot light is out, it’s essential to identify the cause to prevent it from happening again. Some common causes of a pilot light being out include:
• Dirty or Clogged Pilot Light Assembly: Debris or dirt can accumulate in the pilot light assembly, preventing the pilot light from staying lit.
• Faulty Thermocouple: A broken or faulty thermocouple can prevent the pilot light from staying lit.
• Improper Installation: If the pilot light assembly is not installed correctly, it can cause the pilot light to go out.
• Low Gas Pressure: Low gas pressure can prevent the pilot light from staying lit.
Prevention Tips
To prevent the pilot light from going out, follow these tips:
• Regular Maintenance: Regularly clean and maintain the pilot light assembly to ensure it’s free of debris and dirt.
• Check the Thermocouple: Check the thermocouple regularly to ensure it’s clean and free of debris.
• Replace the Pilot Light Assembly: If the pilot light assembly is old or worn out, replace it with a new one.
• Check the Gas Pressure: Check the gas pressure regularly to ensure it’s within the recommended range.
Conclusion
In conclusion, identifying if the pilot light is out on your furnace is crucial to ensure your home remains warm and cozy during the winter months. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can identify the symptoms of a pilot light being out and take the necessary steps to relight it. Remember to regularly maintain and check the pilot light assembly, thermocouple, and gas pressure to prevent the pilot light from going out in the future.
Table: Common Causes of a Pilot Light Being Out
| Cause | Description |
|---|---|
| Dirty or Clogged Pilot Light Assembly | Debris or dirt can accumulate in the pilot light assembly, preventing the pilot light from staying lit. |
| Faulty Thermocouple | A broken or faulty thermocouple can prevent the pilot light from staying lit. |
| Improper Installation | If the pilot light assembly is not installed correctly, it can cause the pilot light to go out. |
| Low Gas Pressure | Low gas pressure can prevent the pilot light from staying lit. |
Bullets List: Prevention Tips
• Regularly clean and maintain the pilot light assembly to ensure it’s free of debris and dirt.
• Check the thermocouple regularly to ensure it’s clean and free of debris.
• Replace the pilot light assembly if it’s old or worn out.
• Check the gas pressure regularly to ensure it’s within the recommended range.
