How to Light a Pilot on Furnace: A Step-by-Step Guide
Heating your home during the chilly winter months is a essential task, and a functional furnace is a crucial component of this process. However, if your furnace fails to produce heat, you may need to relight the pilot light to restore warmth to your home. In this article, we will provide a step-by-step guide on how to light a pilot on a furnace.
Why Relight the Pilot Light?
Before we dive into the process of relighting the pilot light, it’s essential to understand why this task is necessary. The pilot light is responsible for igniting the gas that fuels your furnace, allowing it to produce heat. If the pilot light goes out, the furnace will not function, and you will be left without heat. In addition to providing warmth, the pilot light also helps to purge any moisture from the combustion chamber, which is crucial for safe and efficient furnace operation.
Pre-Lighting Checklist
Before you attempt to relight the pilot light, it’s essential to perform a series of checks to ensure a safe and successful process.
- Turn off the power: Make sure the power to the furnace is turned off at the circuit breaker or fuse box to prevent any accidental ignition.
- Ensure proper ventilation: Open a window or a door to provide proper ventilation to the area around the furnace.
- Identify the pilot light: Locate the pilot light orifice on your furnace and identify the correct procedure for relighting the pilot. This information can usually be found in your furnace’s user manual.
- Gather necessary materials: Have a matches, a pipe cleaner, or a toothbrush, and a reliable source of propane or natural gas handy.
Lighting the Pilot Light
Now that you have performed the necessary checks, you can proceed with relighting the pilot light.
Step 1: Open the Access Panel
Open the access panel: Locate the access panel or door that covers the pilot light orifice. Typically, this panel is located at the bottom of the furnace or on the side.
Step 2: Turn the Gas Valve
Turn the gas valve: Locate the gas valve that supplies propane or natural gas to the pilot light. Turn the valve counterclockwise to the "pilot" position.
Step 3: Light the Pilot
Use a match or lighter: Hold a match or lighter to the pilot light orifice, located at the bottom of the furnace. You may need to use a pipe cleaner or toothbrush to scrub away any debris or buildup that may be blocking the orifice.
Hold the flame: Hold the flame to the pilot light orifice for about 2-3 seconds, until the pilot light ignites.
Step 4: Adjust the Pilot Light
Adjust the pilot light: Once the pilot light is lit, you may need to adjust its flame height. Refer to your furnace’s user manual for specific instructions on how to adjust the pilot light flame height.
Step 5: Turn the Gas Valve
Turn the gas valve: Turn the gas valve clockwise to the "on" position, ensuring that the pilot light is lit and the gas is flowing to the furnace.
Step 6: Test the Furnace
Test the furnace: Turn the power back on and test the furnace to ensure it is working properly. Check for any signs of carbon monoxide or other safety hazards before using the furnace.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Pilot Light Won’t Stay Lit
- Check the pilot light flame height: Ensure the flame height is adjusted correctly to prevent the pilot light from going out.
- Check for gas leaks: Inspect the gas supply lines and connections for any signs of leaks or damage.
- Check the thermocouple: Verify that the thermocouple is not blocked or corroded, which can prevent the pilot light from staying lit.
Pilot Light Won’t Light at All
- Check the gas supply: Ensure the gas supply is turned on and functioning properly.
- Check the pilot light orifice: Clear any debris or buildup from the pilot light orifice using a pipe cleaner or toothbrush.
- Check the thermocouple: Verify that the thermocouple is not damaged or corroded, which can prevent the pilot light from igniting.
Conclusion
Relighting a pilot light on a furnace is a relatively simple process that requires attention to safety precautions and proper procedure. By following the steps outlined in this article, you should be able to relight your pilot light and restore heat to your home. Remember to always turn off the power to the furnace and ensure proper ventilation before attempting to relight the pilot light.
