Why Does My Furnace Pilot Light Keep Going Out?
The pilot light in your furnace is a critical component that ensures your home stays warm and cozy during the cold winter months. However, if the pilot light keeps going out, it can be frustrating and uncomfortable. In this article, we’ll explore the common reasons why your furnace pilot light keeps going out and provide you with tips on how to troubleshoot and fix the issue.
What is a Furnace Pilot Light?
Before we dive into the reasons why your furnace pilot light keeps going 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. It’s typically located at the bottom of the furnace and is usually between 5-20 cubic feet per minute (CFM). The pilot light is responsible for lighting the main burner, which then heats up the air to warm your home.
Common Reasons Why Your Furnace Pilot Light Keeps Going Out
There are several reasons why your furnace pilot light might keep going out. Here are some of the most common causes:
1. Dirty or Clogged Pilot Light Assembly
- Dirty or Clogged Pilot Light Assembly: If the pilot light assembly is dirty or clogged with debris, it can cause the pilot light to keep going out. Make sure to clean the pilot light assembly regularly to ensure it’s free from debris and functioning properly.
2. Low Gas Pressure
- Low Gas Pressure: If the gas pressure in your home is too low, it can cause the pilot light to struggle to stay lit. Check your gas meter to ensure it’s functioning properly and that there are no leaks in the gas line.
3. Faulty Thermocouple
- Faulty Thermocouple: The thermocouple is a safety device that shuts off the gas supply to the pilot light if it senses that the pilot light is out. If the thermocouple is faulty, it can cause the pilot light to keep going out. Try cleaning or replacing the thermocouple to see if that resolves the issue.
4. Incorrect Pilot Light Adjustment
- Incorrect Pilot Light Adjustment: If the pilot light is adjusted incorrectly, it can cause it to keep going out. Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for adjusting the pilot light and ensure it’s set correctly.
5. Poor Ventilation
- Poor Ventilation: If the furnace doesn’t have proper ventilation, it can cause the pilot light to keep going out. Ensure that your furnace has proper ventilation and that the vents are clear of debris.
6. Malfunctioning Pilot Light Relay
- Malfunctioning Pilot Light Relay: The pilot light relay is responsible for energizing the pilot light when it’s turned on. If the relay is malfunctioning, it can cause the pilot light to keep going out. Try replacing the relay to see if that resolves the issue.
7. Incorrect Pilot Light Type
- Incorrect Pilot Light Type: If the pilot light type is incorrect for your furnace, it can cause the pilot light to keep going out. Make sure to use the correct type of pilot light for your furnace.
8. Malfunctioning Furnace Controls
- Malfunctioning Furnace Controls: If the furnace controls are malfunctioning, it can cause the pilot light to keep going out. Try resetting the controls or replacing them if necessary.
9. Leaks in the Gas Line
- Leaks in the Gas Line: If there are leaks in the gas line, it can cause the pilot light to keep going out. Check the gas line for leaks and ensure it’s functioning properly.
10. Incorrect Pilot Light Orifice
- Incorrect Pilot Light Orifice: The pilot light orifice is responsible for regulating the flow of gas to the pilot light. If the orifice is incorrect, it can cause the pilot light to keep going out. Try cleaning or replacing the orifice to see if that resolves the issue.
What to Do If Your Furnace Pilot Light Keeps Going Out
If your furnace pilot light keeps going out, there are several things you can try to troubleshoot and fix the issue. Here are some steps you can follow:
1. Check the Pilot Light Assembly
- Check the Pilot Light Assembly: Check the pilot light assembly for any debris or obstructions that may be causing the pilot light to keep going out. Clean the assembly if necessary.
2. Check the Gas Pressure
- Check the Gas Pressure: Check the gas pressure in your home to ensure it’s functioning properly. If the pressure is too low, you may need to adjust the regulator or contact your gas supplier.
3. Check the Thermocouple
- Check the Thermocouple: Check the thermocouple to ensure it’s functioning properly. If it’s faulty, you may need to replace it.
4. Check the Pilot Light Adjustment
- Check the Pilot Light Adjustment: Check the pilot light adjustment to ensure it’s set correctly. If it’s not, adjust it according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
5. Check the Ventilation
- Check the Ventilation: Check the ventilation in your home to ensure it’s functioning properly. Ensure that the vents are clear of debris and that there are no blockages.
6. Check the Pilot Light Relay
- Check the Pilot Light Relay: Check the pilot light relay to ensure it’s functioning properly. If it’s malfunctioning, you may need to replace it.
7. Contact a Professional
- Contact a Professional: If none of the above steps resolve the issue, it may be necessary to contact a professional HVAC technician to diagnose and fix the problem.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are several reasons why your furnace pilot light might keep going out. By understanding the common causes of this issue, you can take steps to troubleshoot and fix the problem. Remember to always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for adjusting the pilot light and ensure that the furnace is properly ventilated. If the issue persists, it may be necessary to contact a professional HVAC technician for assistance.
