How to Relight Furnace Pilot: A Step-by-Step Guide
Relighting a furnace pilot can be a daunting task, especially if you’re not familiar with the process. However, with the right guidance, you can successfully relight your furnace pilot and get your heating system up and running again. In this article, we’ll provide a step-by-step guide on how to relight a furnace pilot, including the necessary precautions and troubleshooting tips.
What is a Furnace Pilot?
Before we dive into the relighting process, it’s essential to understand what a furnace pilot is. A furnace pilot is a small flame that ignites the main burner in your furnace. It’s usually located at the bottom of the furnace and is responsible for lighting the burner when the furnace is turned on. The pilot flame is typically around 1/4 inch in diameter and is fueled by a small amount of gas.
Why Relight a Furnace Pilot?
There are several reasons why you may need to relight a furnace pilot. Some common reasons include:
- Pilot flame goes out: If the pilot flame goes out, the furnace will not be able to ignite the main burner, leaving you without heat.
- Furnace won’t turn on: If the pilot flame is not lit, the furnace will not turn on, leaving you without heat.
- Furnace is not producing heat: If the pilot flame is not lit, the furnace will not produce heat, even if it’s turned on.
How to Relight a Furnace Pilot
Relighting a furnace pilot is a relatively simple process that requires some basic tools and knowledge. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you relight your furnace pilot:
Step 1: Turn Off the Power
Before you start relighting the pilot, make sure to turn off the power to the furnace. This is an important safety precaution to prevent any accidental ignition of the pilot flame.
Step 2: Locate the Pilot Light
The pilot light is usually located at the bottom of the furnace, near the burner. It’s a small flame that’s about 1/4 inch in diameter. You may need to remove a cover or access panel to access the pilot light.
Step 3: Remove the Pilot Light Cap
The pilot light cap is usually located on top of the pilot light. You’ll need to remove this cap to access the pilot light. You may need to use a screwdriver or wrench to remove the cap.
Step 4: Light the Pilot Light
Use a long match or lighter to light the pilot light. Hold the flame to the pilot light for about 30 seconds to ensure it’s lit.
Step 5: Adjust the Pilot Light
Once the pilot light is lit, you’ll need to adjust it to ensure it’s burning properly. You may need to adjust the pilot light cap or the pilot light itself to get the flame to the correct size.
Step 6: Turn On the Power
Once the pilot light is adjusted and burning properly, you can turn on the power to the furnace. Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for turning on the power.
Troubleshooting Tips
If you’re having trouble relighting the pilot light, here are some troubleshooting tips to help you:
- Check the pilot light cap: Make sure the pilot light cap is securely in place and not loose.
- Check the pilot light itself: Make sure the pilot light is not clogged or dirty.
- Check the gas supply: Make sure the gas supply is turned on and not restricted.
- Check the furnace filter: Make sure the furnace filter is clean and not clogged.
Safety Precautions
When relighting a furnace pilot, it’s essential to follow some basic safety precautions to prevent accidents and injuries. Here are some safety precautions to follow:
- Turn off the power: Make sure to turn off the power to the furnace before attempting to relight the pilot light.
- Use a long match or lighter: Use a long match or lighter to light the pilot light to prevent accidental ignition of the pilot flame.
- Keep children and pets away: Keep children and pets away from the furnace and pilot light to prevent accidental ignition of the pilot flame.
- Wear protective gear: Wear protective gear such as gloves and safety glasses when working with the furnace and pilot light.
Conclusion
Relighting a furnace pilot is a relatively simple process that requires some basic tools and knowledge. By following the step-by-step guide outlined in this article, you should be able to successfully relight your furnace pilot and get your heating system up and running again. Remember to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and take necessary safety precautions to prevent accidents and injuries.
Common Furnace Pilot Light Issues
Here are some common issues that can occur with a furnace pilot light:
| Issue | Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Pilot light won’t stay lit | Dirty or clogged pilot light | Clean or replace the pilot light |
| Pilot light is too small | Incorrect pilot light adjustment | Adjust the pilot light cap or pilot light itself |
| Pilot light is too large | Incorrect pilot light adjustment | Adjust the pilot light cap or pilot light itself |
| Pilot light won’t light | Gas supply issue | Check the gas supply and ensure it’s turned on and not restricted |
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about relighting a furnace pilot:
Q: Why won’t my furnace pilot light stay lit?
A: The pilot light may not stay lit due to a dirty or clogged pilot light. Cleaning or replacing the pilot light may solve the issue.
Q: How do I adjust the pilot light?
A: Adjusting the pilot light cap or pilot light itself may be necessary to get the flame to the correct size.
Q: What if I accidentally turn off the power to the furnace?
A: If you accidentally turn off the power to the furnace, you’ll need to turn it back on and relight the pilot light.
Q: Can I use a hair dryer to relight the pilot light?
A: No, it’s not recommended to use a hair dryer to relight the pilot light. Instead, use a long match or lighter to light the pilot light.
