How to Relight a Pilot Light Furnace: A Step-by-Step Guide
Relighting a pilot light furnace can be a daunting task, especially if you’re not familiar with the process. However, with the right guidance, it’s a relatively simple procedure that can be completed with ease. In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps to relight a pilot light furnace, highlighting the key points and providing tips to ensure a successful relight.
What is a Pilot Light Furnace?
Before we dive into the relighting process, it’s essential to understand what a pilot light furnace is. A pilot light furnace is a type of gas-powered furnace that uses a small flame, known as the pilot light, to ignite the main burner. The pilot light is usually located at the base of the furnace and is designed to remain lit at all times, even when the furnace is not in use.
Why Relight a Pilot Light Furnace?
There are several reasons why you may need to relight a pilot light furnace. Some common issues that may require relighting include:
- Loss of heat: If your furnace is not producing heat, it may be due to a faulty pilot light.
- Pilot light goes out: If the pilot light goes out, it can cause the furnace to malfunction or fail to produce heat.
- Furnace not turning on: If your furnace is not turning on, it may be due to a faulty pilot light.
How to Relight a Pilot Light Furnace
Relighting a pilot light furnace is a relatively simple process that requires some basic tools and precautions. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you relight your pilot light furnace:
Step 1: Turn Off the Gas Supply
Before you start relighting the pilot light, it’s essential to turn off the gas supply to the furnace. You can do this by locating the gas shut-off valve and turning it clockwise. This will prevent any accidental ignition of the pilot light.
Step 2: Remove the Furnace Cover
To access the pilot light, you’ll need to remove the furnace cover. This may vary depending on the type of furnace you have, so refer to your user manual for specific instructions.
Step 3: Locate the Pilot Light
Once you’ve removed the furnace cover, locate the pilot light. It’s usually located at the base of the furnace and is marked with a small flame icon.
Step 4: Clean the Pilot Light
Before you relight the pilot light, it’s essential to clean the area around the pilot light. Use a soft cloth or brush to remove any debris or dust that may be blocking the pilot light.
Step 5: Relight the Pilot Light
To relight the pilot light, follow these steps:
- Turn the gas supply back on: Turn the gas shut-off valve counterclockwise to restore the gas supply to the furnace.
- Press the pilot light button: Locate the pilot light button and press it firmly for 30 seconds to 1 minute. This will allow the pilot light to light.
- Hold the pilot light button: Hold the pilot light button down for an additional 30 seconds to 1 minute to ensure the pilot light remains lit.
Step 6: Check the Pilot Light
Once you’ve relit the pilot light, check to ensure it’s burning steadily. If it’s not, you may need to adjust the pilot light button or clean the area around the pilot light.
Step 7: Replace the Furnace Cover
Once the pilot light is relit, replace the furnace cover to ensure the area is secure and protected from debris.
Tips and Precautions
Here are some additional tips and precautions to keep in mind when relighting a pilot light furnace:
- Always turn off the gas supply: Before you start relighting the pilot light, make sure to turn off the gas supply to the furnace.
- Use a soft cloth or brush: When cleaning the area around the pilot light, use a soft cloth or brush to avoid scratching the surface.
- Hold the pilot light button: When relighting the pilot light, hold the pilot light button down for an additional 30 seconds to 1 minute to ensure the pilot light remains lit.
- Check the pilot light regularly: Regularly check the pilot light to ensure it’s burning steadily and not producing any unusual sounds or odors.
Common Issues and Solutions
Here are some common issues that may arise when relighting a pilot light furnace and their solutions:
| Issue | Solution |
|---|---|
| Pilot light won’t light | Check the gas supply, pilot light button, and area around the pilot light for any debris or blockages. |
| Pilot light keeps going out | Check the gas supply, pilot light button, and area around the pilot light for any debris or blockages. Also, ensure the furnace is properly vented. |
| Furnace not producing heat | Check the pilot light, gas supply, and furnace filter to ensure they’re functioning properly. |
Conclusion
Relighting a pilot light furnace is a relatively simple process that requires some basic tools and precautions. By following the steps outlined in this article, you should be able to relight your pilot light furnace with ease. Remember to always turn off the gas supply, clean the area around the pilot light, and hold the pilot light button down for an additional 30 seconds to 1 minute to ensure the pilot light remains lit. If you’re still having issues, it may be best to consult a professional HVAC technician for assistance.
