How To Relight Your Pilot Light In 3 Easy Steps

If you have a furnace with a pilot light, you know how important it is to keep it lit. The pilot light is a small flame that is used to ignite the main burner of your furnace. It’s essential to make sure it is working properly. If it goes out, you may need a furnace repair, to avoid being left without heat during cold weather.

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to light a pilot light for your furnace:

How To Relight Your Pilot Light

1. Turn off the power: Before you start, make sure to turn off the power to your furnace. You can do this by flipping the switch on the circuit breaker or by unplugging the furnace.
2. Locate the pilot light: It is usually located near the bottom of the furnace, on the side or back. It is often a small, round or rectangular opening with a metal cover that can be removed.
3. Light the pilot light: Carefully remove the cover from the pilot light opening, turn the gas valve to the “on” position, and wait a few seconds for the gas to flow. Then, hold a lighter or a long match near the pilot light and ignite it. The flame should be small and steady. Once the pilot light is lit, replace the cover and turn the gas valve back to the “off” position.

Check out this 3 minute video by AMRE Supply for a walkthrough on how to relight your pilot light

Common Causes For Pilot Light Going Out

1. Dirty or clogged pilot light: A dirty or clogged pilot light can cause the flame to go out or be weak and unstable. To fix this problem, you can try cleaning the pilot light and the surrounding area with a small brush or toothbrush.
2. Malfunctioning thermocouple: A thermocouple is a safety device that is used to detect the presence of a flame and control the gas valve. If the thermocouple is not working properly, it can cause the pilot light to go out or the gas valve to remain open, leading to a gas leak. To fix this problem, you may need to replace the thermocouple.
3. Faulty gas valve: The gas valve is responsible for opening and closing the flow of gas to the pilot light. If the gas valve is faulty, it can cause the pilot light to go out or the gas to leak. To fix this problem, you may need to replace the gas valve.
4. Malfunctioning control panel: The control panel is the component that controls the operation of the furnace. If it is malfunctioning, it can cause the pilot light to go out or the furnace to operate improperly. To fix this problem, you may need to replace the control panel.

Pro Tips For Relighting The Pilot

1. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions: Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for relighting the pilot light, as different models may have slightly different processes.
2. Use caution: Be careful when handling the pilot light and the gas valve, as they can be dangerous if handled improperly. Don’t touch any electrical components or the gas valve with your bare hands, and make sure to keep a safe distance from the pilot light while lighting it.
3. Keep a fire extinguisher handy: It’s always a good idea to have a fire extinguisher on hand when working with gas or open flames. Make sure the extinguisher is easily accessible and in good working condition.
4. Call a professional if you have any doubts: If you are unsure about how to relight the pilot light or if you have any difficulty, our team of experts are here to help. Improperly lighting the pilot light can be dangerous and can cause damage to your furnace.

Overall, relighting the pilot light for your furnace is a relatively simple process, but it’s important to follow the steps carefully and to call a professional if you have any problems. By keeping it lit, you can ensure that your furnace is working properly and keep your home warm and comfortable.