How to Start a Pilot Light on a Furnace: A Step-by-Step Guide
What is a Pilot Light?
A pilot light is a small gas flame that ignites a furnace’s main burner in order to provide heat during the winter months. The pilot light is typically located in the furnace’s control system and is designed to create a consistent and controlled flow of gas to the burners. The pilot light is usually fueled by the same gas source as the furnace, such as propane or natural gas.
Why is Starting a Pilot Light Important?
Starting a pilot light on a furnace is crucial during the winter months, especially in areas where temperatures frequently drop below freezing. The pilot light ensures that your furnace is functioning properly, providing a steady flow of heat to your home or commercial building. If the pilot light is not started properly, it can cause damage to the furnace’s controls, burners, or heat exchanger, ultimately leading to costly repairs and potentially even a system malfunction.
Tools and Materials Needed:
Before starting the pilot light, make sure you have the following tools and materials:
- Owner’s manual: Having the manufacturer’s instructions can help walk you through the specific starting procedure for your furnace
- Gas shut-off valve: Located near the furnace, this valve turns off the gas supply
- Pilot burner: A small tube attached to the pilot light control valve
- Blowout screw: Some furnaces may require the use of a blowout screw to clean debris and dirt from the pilot chamber
- GFCI outlet: For exterior use, ensure that an outdoor GFCI receptacle is installed
- Safety glasses: Use safety glasses to protect yourself from any debris or pilot light sparks
Step-by-Step Instructions:
To start a pilot light on your furnace, follow these simple steps:
Contents
- 1 **Step 1: Turn Off the Gas Valve** **• Locate** the gas shut-off valve near the furnace. **• Turn** the valve clockwise to shut off the gas supply. **Check** the valve by sounding it with a match; if it’s properly closed, you won’t see any gas flowing out.
- 2 **Step 2: Press the Pilot Light Button (if applicable)** Check out the 50 Cheapest Guns NowCheck your owner’s manual or the pilot light control to see if your furnace is equipped with a pilot button. If so: * **Press** and hold the pilot button down (usually located on the circuit board or pilot control)
- 3 **Step 3: Introduce the Pilot Light Fuel** **• Use the pilot burner** to provide a small amount of gas to the pilot chamber **• Light** a match or lighter and place it near the pilot burner outlet **• Wait for the pilot light** to ignite (it should make a small whooshing sound) **Tips**: Make sure the match flame is not too big for the pilot burner and isn’t blowing out. Gently adjust the flame distance if necessary.
- 4 **Step 4: Hold the Pilots Light in Place and Check for Proper Operation** **• Hold the piloted light** steady while it’s burning (optional, but recommended to help the pilot light stay lit **• Check the heat exchanger** and blowout screw for proper heat flow and debris * **Verify** that your furnace is now working (check for proper operation).
**Step 1: Turn Off the Gas Valve**
**• Locate** the gas shut-off valve near the furnace.
**• Turn** the valve clockwise to shut off the gas supply.
**Check** the valve by sounding it with a match; if it’s properly closed, you won’t see any gas flowing out.
**• Turn** the valve clockwise to shut off the gas supply.
**Step 3: Introduce the Pilot Light Fuel**
**• Use the pilot burner** to provide a small amount of gas to the pilot chamber
**• Light** a match or lighter and place it near the pilot burner outlet
**• Wait for the pilot light** to ignite (it should make a small whooshing sound)
**Tips**: Make sure the match flame is not too big for the pilot burner and isn’t blowing out. Gently adjust the flame distance if necessary.
**• Light** a match or lighter and place it near the pilot burner outlet
**• Wait for the pilot light** to ignite (it should make a small whooshing sound)
**Step 4: Hold the Pilots Light in Place and Check for Proper Operation**
**• Hold the piloted light** steady while it’s burning (optional, but recommended to help the pilot light stay lit
**• Check the heat exchanger** and blowout screw for proper heat flow and debris
* **Verify** that your furnace is now working (check for proper operation).
**• Check the heat exchanger** and blowout screw for proper heat flow and debris
* **Verify** that your furnace is now working (check for proper operation).
Table: Common Problems when Starting a Pilot Light on a Furnace: Solution
| Common Issue | Solution |
|---|---|
| Pilot light goes out | Check the blowout screw, clear the pilot chamber of debris; try relighting with match or lighter |
| Pilots light won’t come on | Check the pilot burner, pilot button operation, or pilot chamber leaks; consult owner’s manual or contact a professional technician |
| Furnace blower won’t come on | Check thermostat, switch, or electrical connection, ensure proper operation |
| Pilot light won’t turn off | Check gas line connections, valve or appliance; consult owner’s manual or contact a professional technician |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I start the pilot light if I don’t smell gas?
• Usually, yes. But take precautions: make sure windows and doors are open and there’s proper ventilation if you’re starting the pilot light indoors.
Why isn’t my pilot light sparking?
• Possible explanations: faulty pilot ignition probe, clogged or leaky pilot burner, issue with pilot light control or control board. Consult your owner’s manual or a technician for assistance.
Can I just use a lighter or ignition source to light the pilot light?
• Use caution: While you might be able to start the pilot light with an unauthorized ignition source, doing so can cause damage to internal components or potentially result in a system malfunction. We recommend following the recommended starter method outlined in this guide.
Conclusion:
Starting a pilot light on a furnace is a straightforward procedure that requires some caution but is essential for ensuring efficient and safe heating in the winter months. Follow this step-by-step guide and consult your owner’s manual for specific instructions, which may vary depending on the type of furnace you’re working with. By practicing proper safety precautions and following the recommended procedures, you should be able to start a pilot light on your furnace with ease.
