How to Relight the Standing Pilot Light on a Gas Furnace
Most newer furnaces come with an automatic electronic ignition system to light up the burner. But, older gas furnaces with annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) rating of less than 80% still have a standing pilot light system featuring a small flame that remains lit round the clock. When the heat is required, the flame ignites the furnace burner to begin the heating process. If the pilot light goes out, then the thermocouple shuts down the gas valve. This means that the burners won't ignite, and the furnace will fail to generate heat.
Why does the standing pilot light go out?
The pilot light may go out due to a draft, improper airflow, a malfunctioning thermocouple, condensation, weakened flame due to dirt build-up around the pilot light, cracked heat exchanger, the air in the gas line, and variation in the gas pressure. Many homeowners purposefully turn off the flame in an attempt to save energy during summers when the furnace is not in use.
How to relight the standing pilot light
The pilot light going out is a normal issue, various homeowners owning an old gas furnace face. They can easily relight the pilot light by following a few simple steps. However, the process may differ slightly based on the gas valve type and the furnace model.
Before beginning the process to relight the pilot light, follow these safety measures to prevent any untoward incident.
Read the instructions on the manufacturer's manual, if handy, or look for the label on the furnace door cover panel to determine how to follow the process correctly.
Ensure adequate ventilation in the area to avoid the risk of gas build-up.
Never attempt to relight the pilot light and immediately call a professional HVAC contractor if there is any gas smell in the house or suspicion of gas leakage.
After ensuring safety, follow this simple step-by-step guide to relight the standing pilot light:
Set the thermostat to heat mode.
Look for the pilot light assembly positioned near the burners at the bottom of the furnace. It has a red gas valve or knob, marked pilot, on or off. Turn off the valve to stop the gas flow in the system, and wait for a couple of minutes to allow the unit's residue gas to dissipate.
Turn the valve to the pilot setting and hold it to resume the gas flow.
Ignite a barbeque lighter or use a lit match and hold it near the pilot opening tip to relight it. Simultaneously, push and hold the reset button on the pilot control panel for about 20-30 seconds to allow the thermocouple to heat and open the gas valve, facilitating the standing pilot light to continue to stay lit.
Release the button slowly, and if the pilot light stays lit, switch the valve from the pilot to the "on" position to ignite the burners and adjust the thermostat. If the pilot light fails to burn steadily, repeat the process, pressing the reset button for a little longer.
Get professional help to relight your furnace's standing light
If the above process fails to relight the standing pilot light on the furnace, it indicates an issue with the thermocouple. Call an HVAC contractor and get their technician to look into the problem and carry out the necessary repairs to get the unit running.
Above and Beyond Air Conditioning & Heating is a San Antonio residential and commercial HVAC company dedicated to providing the highest level of home comfort.Call us today at 210-897-8658.
