A cold house, especially during the winter months, is rarely a welcome surprise. Often, the culprit behind a silent furnace is a pilot light that has gone out. But what is a pilot light, why does it go out, and more importantly, how can you tell and what can you do about it? This comprehensive guide will walk you through understanding, diagnosing, and potentially reigniting your pilot light, keeping your home warm and comfortable.
Understanding the Pilot Light and Its Importance
The pilot light is a small, constant flame that ignites the main burner in gas appliances like furnaces, water heaters, and some fireplaces. Think of it as the spark that starts the engine. Its consistent flame ensures that when the thermostat calls for heat, the main burner ignites quickly and efficiently. Without a functioning pilot light, your appliance remains dormant, unable to provide the warmth or hot water you rely on.
Pilot lights work by continuously burning a small amount of gas. This requires a steady supply of gas and a clean environment. The constant flame heats a thermocouple, a safety device that generates a small electrical current. This current keeps the main gas valve open, allowing gas to flow to the main burner when needed. If the pilot light goes out, the thermocouple cools, the electrical current stops, and the gas valve shuts off, preventing a potentially dangerous gas leak.
Recognizing the Signs of a Pilot Light Outage
Identifying a pilot light outage is crucial for a quick resolution. Several telltale signs can alert you to the problem.
The Obvious Absence of Heat or Hot Water
The most noticeable sign is a lack of heat from your furnace or a lack of hot water from your water heater. If your thermostat is set correctly and your furnace isn’t kicking on, a pilot light outage is a strong possibility. Similarly, if you’re experiencing unusually cold showers, your water heater’s pilot light might be extinguished.
The Silent Furnace
A working furnace usually makes some noise as it cycles on and off. If your furnace is completely silent, with no humming, clicking, or whooshing sounds, it could indicate a problem, including a pilot light issue.
The Visual Confirmation
Many gas appliances have a small viewing window that allows you to see the pilot light. Check for a small, steady blue flame. If you see no flame at all, the pilot light is definitely out. Some pilot lights are located behind a removable panel, which you may need to carefully detach after turning off the appliance.
The Smell of Gas (Handle with Caution!)
In some cases, you might detect a faint odor of gas near your appliance. If you smell gas, immediately evacuate the area, avoid any open flames or sparks, and contact your gas company or a qualified technician. A small whiff of gas can sometimes occur when the pilot light goes out, but it’s crucial to prioritize safety above all else.
Common Reasons Why Pilot Lights Go Out
Several factors can contribute to a pilot light extinguishing itself. Understanding these causes can help you prevent future outages.
Drafts and Air Currents
Strong drafts or air currents can blow out the pilot light, especially in older appliances that are more exposed. This is more common in areas with poor insulation or near open windows or doors.
Gas Supply Issues
A disruption in the gas supply, such as a temporary shut-off for maintenance or repairs, can extinguish the pilot light. Even a brief interruption can be enough to cause the flame to go out.
Dirty or Clogged Pilot Light Orifice
The pilot light orifice is a small opening that allows gas to flow to the pilot light. Over time, dust, debris, or rust can clog this orifice, restricting gas flow and causing the pilot light to weaken and eventually go out.
Faulty Thermocouple
As mentioned earlier, the thermocouple is a safety device that detects the presence of the pilot light flame. If the thermocouple is faulty or worn out, it may not generate enough electrical current to keep the main gas valve open, even if the pilot light is lit. This can lead to the pilot light repeatedly going out or failing to ignite at all.
Gas Valve Problems
A malfunctioning gas valve can prevent gas from flowing to the pilot light, even if the thermocouple is working correctly. This is a more complex issue that usually requires professional diagnosis and repair.
Condensation or Moisture
Excessive moisture or condensation near the pilot light can extinguish the flame. This can be a problem in damp basements or areas with high humidity.
Step-by-Step Guide to Relighting Your Pilot Light (Proceed with Caution!)
Relighting a pilot light can often be done safely if you follow these steps carefully. However, if you are uncomfortable or unsure at any point, contact a qualified technician.
Step 1: Gather Necessary Supplies and Safety Gear
Before you begin, gather the following:
- A long-reach lighter or a long match
- A flashlight (if needed to see the pilot light assembly)
- Your appliance’s instruction manual (if available)
- Eye protection (safety glasses)
- Work gloves
Step 2: Turn Off the Gas Supply
Locate the gas control valve for your appliance. This is usually a knob or lever located near the pilot light assembly. Turn the valve to the “OFF” position. This will stop the flow of gas to the appliance. Wait for at least five minutes to allow any accumulated gas to dissipate. This is crucial for safety.
Step 3: Locate the Pilot Light Assembly
The pilot light assembly is usually located near the bottom of the appliance. Look for a small opening or a viewing window that allows you to see the pilot light. Your appliance’s instruction manual can help you locate it.
Step 4: Set the Gas Valve to “Pilot”
After waiting the required time, locate the gas control valve again. Most gas valves have three positions: “ON,” “OFF,” and “PILOT.” Turn the valve to the “PILOT” position. You may need to push in and hold the valve in this position.
Step 5: Light the Pilot Light
While holding the gas valve in the “PILOT” position, use your long-reach lighter or lit match to ignite the pilot light. Insert the lighter or match near the pilot light opening. You should see a small blue flame ignite.
Step 6: Hold the Gas Valve and Observe the Flame
Continue holding the gas valve in the “PILOT” position for about 30-60 seconds. This allows the thermocouple to heat up and generate enough electrical current to keep the gas valve open. After 30-60 seconds, slowly release the gas valve. If the pilot light remains lit, you have successfully relit it. If the pilot light goes out when you release the gas valve, repeat steps 4-6. If it continues to go out, there may be a problem with the thermocouple.
Step 7: Turn the Gas Valve to “ON”
Once the pilot light is lit and remains lit after releasing the gas valve, turn the gas valve to the “ON” position. Your appliance should now be functioning normally.
Step 8: Monitor the Appliance
Monitor your appliance for a while to ensure that it is working correctly. Check for any unusual noises or smells. If you notice anything unusual, turn off the appliance and contact a qualified technician.
Troubleshooting Persistent Pilot Light Problems
If your pilot light repeatedly goes out or you are unable to relight it, there may be a more serious underlying issue. Here are some troubleshooting steps you can take:
Check for Drafts
Ensure that there are no drafts or air currents blowing near the appliance. Seal any gaps or cracks in windows or doors to minimize drafts. You might consider a pilot light shield, which can be purchased at most hardware stores.
Clean the Pilot Light Orifice
A clogged pilot light orifice can restrict gas flow. You can try cleaning the orifice with a small wire or needle. Be very careful not to damage the orifice. Turn off the gas supply before attempting to clean the orifice.
Inspect the Thermocouple
The thermocouple may be faulty or worn out. Check the thermocouple for any signs of damage, such as corrosion or cracks. You can also test the thermocouple with a multimeter to see if it is generating enough electrical current. If the thermocouple is faulty, it will need to be replaced.
Check the Gas Valve
A malfunctioning gas valve can prevent gas from flowing to the pilot light. If you suspect a problem with the gas valve, contact a qualified technician. Do not attempt to repair the gas valve yourself.
Inspect the Gas Line
Ensure that there are no kinks or obstructions in the gas line leading to your appliance. A restricted gas line can prevent adequate gas flow to the pilot light.
When to Call a Professional
While relighting a pilot light can often be done safely by a homeowner, there are certain situations where it is best to call a qualified technician:
- If you smell gas, especially a strong odor.
- If you are uncomfortable or unsure about any of the steps involved in relighting the pilot light.
- If the pilot light repeatedly goes out or you are unable to relight it after several attempts.
- If you suspect a problem with the gas valve or other gas-related components.
- If you are not comfortable working with gas appliances.
A qualified technician has the expertise and tools to diagnose and repair more complex pilot light problems safely and effectively. They can also identify any potential safety hazards and ensure that your appliance is functioning correctly. Never hesitate to call a professional if you are concerned about your safety or the safety of your home.
Maintaining a functional pilot light is essential for a warm and comfortable home. By understanding the pilot light, recognizing the signs of an outage, and following these troubleshooting steps, you can often resolve the problem yourself. However, remember that safety is always the top priority. If you are ever unsure or uncomfortable, don’t hesitate to contact a qualified technician.
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Pilot light won’t stay lit after releasing the pilot button | Faulty thermocouple | Replace the thermocouple |
| Pilot light goes out frequently | Drafts, dirty orifice, weak thermocouple | Eliminate drafts, clean the orifice, replace the thermocouple |
| Smell of gas | Gas leak | Evacuate, call the gas company immediately |
Why is my house cold even though the thermostat is set to heat?
A common reason for a cold house despite a functioning thermostat is a pilot light that has gone out in your furnace or other gas appliance. The pilot light is a small flame that constantly burns and is responsible for igniting the main burner when heat is called for. If it’s extinguished, the main burner won’t ignite, and your heating system won’t produce warm air, leading to a drop in temperature throughout your home.
Beyond a blown-out pilot light, consider other possibilities like a tripped circuit breaker for your furnace or a closed gas valve. A malfunctioning thermostat itself could also be the culprit, failing to accurately read the temperature or send signals to the heating system. Checking these elements, along with the pilot light, is crucial for effective troubleshooting.
How can I tell if my pilot light is out?
The easiest way to check for a blown-out pilot light is to visually inspect the pilot light assembly on your furnace or water heater. This assembly is typically located near the bottom of the appliance, behind an access panel. You should see a small, steady blue flame burning. If you see no flame, the pilot light is out.
You might also smell gas if the pilot light has recently gone out because the gas valve may still be trying to supply fuel to the pilot light orifice. However, if you suspect a gas leak, immediately evacuate the premises and contact your gas company or emergency services. Never attempt to relight the pilot if you smell a strong odor of gas.
What are some common reasons a pilot light might go out?
One of the most common reasons for a pilot light to extinguish is a draft or strong gust of wind blowing through the area where the appliance is located. This can easily happen if the appliance is near an open window or door, or if there are gaps in the foundation or walls. Additionally, dust or debris can accumulate around the pilot light orifice, obstructing the gas flow and causing it to sputter and eventually go out.
Another potential cause is a faulty thermocouple. The thermocouple is a safety device that senses the presence of the pilot light flame and keeps the gas valve open. If the thermocouple fails, it will shut off the gas supply, even if the pilot light is lit, but most often, it fails by not properly sensing the lit pilot light. Furthermore, a sudden drop in gas pressure in the main gas line can also extinguish the pilot light. If the gas pressure returns to normal and the pilot light wasn’t protected, it will remain unlit.
Is it safe to relight a pilot light myself?
Relighting a pilot light can be safe if you follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully and if you are comfortable working with gas appliances. Most appliances have a set of instructions printed on a label near the pilot light assembly. These instructions will outline the specific steps for your model. It’s imperative to follow these steps precisely and to be cautious throughout the process.
However, if you are uncomfortable working with gas or if you smell a strong odor of gas, do not attempt to relight the pilot light yourself. Instead, immediately evacuate the building and contact your gas company or a qualified HVAC technician. Safety should always be your top priority when dealing with gas appliances.
What tools or materials do I need to relight a pilot light?
To relight a pilot light, you’ll generally need a few basic tools. A long-handled lighter or a long match is essential for safely igniting the pilot light. You might also need a screwdriver to remove the access panel covering the pilot light assembly. It’s also a good idea to have a flashlight to help you see clearly in the often dimly lit area around the appliance.
Additionally, ensure you have the manufacturer’s instructions for relighting the pilot light on hand. These instructions usually include specific details for your appliance model. Finally, a small brush or compressed air can be helpful for cleaning any dust or debris around the pilot light orifice, which can improve the chances of a successful relighting.
How often should I have my heating system professionally inspected?
It’s generally recommended to have your heating system professionally inspected and serviced at least once a year, ideally before the start of the heating season. This annual maintenance can help identify potential problems, such as a dirty burner, a failing thermocouple, or a gas leak, before they lead to a breakdown. A professional inspection can also ensure that your system is operating efficiently and safely.
Regular maintenance can extend the lifespan of your heating system and prevent costly repairs down the line. A qualified HVAC technician can thoroughly inspect all components, clean the system, and make any necessary adjustments or repairs. This proactive approach can provide peace of mind and ensure that your heating system is ready to keep you warm throughout the winter.
What should I do if I keep having to relight my pilot light?
If you find yourself frequently relighting your pilot light, it’s a sign that there is an underlying problem that needs to be addressed. Repeatedly extinguishing pilot lights indicate a potentially serious issue with your appliance or gas supply. Ignoring this issue could lead to further damage or even a safety hazard.
In this situation, it’s best to contact a qualified HVAC technician to diagnose and repair the problem. The technician can inspect the thermocouple, gas valve, burner, and other components to identify the cause of the frequent pilot light outages. They can then recommend the appropriate repairs or replacements to ensure that your heating system operates safely and reliably.