Why Your Furnace’s Pilot Light Is Out

4 Reasons Explained by HVAC Experts

The furnace’s pilot light is essential to a warm home in the winter, as it starts the heating process. However, if your pilot light goes out, the burners won’t ignite, which means your furnace will be unable to produce heat.

The good news is that you should be able to relight the pilot light yourself. In this blog post, the experts at Conditioned Air, Inc. discuss the ins and outs of a furnace’s pilot light and why yours may be going out.

What Your Furnace’s Pilot Light Should Look Like

Your furnace’s pilot light is a continuously running flame that serves as the first source of ignition for the gas. You can see if it’s working correctly by ensuring that it’s burning blue and steadily. You’ll also want to check that the pilot light’s flame is a strong, single flame.

Pilot Light Going Out vs. Not Lighting

If your furnace’s pilot light is near an area with condensation, it may occasionally go out when water drips down. We recommend checking your pilot light regularly for condensation.

A pilot light that doesn’t light, on the other hand, can stem from different issues with the gas supply, wire connection, or thermocouple. In some cases, a faulty pilot light may be due to a line blockage.

This difference is key to understanding the issue and knowing when to troubleshoot at home and when to call a professional.

Needs To Be Reset

If your pilot light frequently needs relighting or isn’t lighting at all, you and your family will be frustrated with a cold, uncomfortable home. To reset your furnace’s pilot light, find the reset switch, set it to off, wait several minutes, relight the pilot light, release the reset button, and watch the pilot light/furnace to ensure everything is functioning properly. You can rule out the need for a pilot light reset if you notice any of the below instead.

  Contact Us

  (478) 742-8768

Condensation in the Area

As we mentioned earlier in the post, some pilot lights are situated in a spot with significant condensation. The buildup of moisture can eventually cause water to drip down and extinguish your pilot light. While you can rule out the possibility of condensation near your pilot light if you don’t see water in the area, your best bet is to keep an eye on it and consult a professional if you have concerns.

Dirty Thermocouple

A thermocouple’s job is to prevent gas from leaking out if the flame is no longer there. Over time, a thermocouple can develop grime or dirt that interferes with the electrical system, causing it to cut off the pilot light’s gas supply. The best way to resolve a dirty thermocouple is to regularly clean it (if you find that this component is clean, your pilot light is out for a different reason).

Ventilation or Air Supply Issues

Air moving around a pilot light’s flame can negatively impact its functionality. Consider reviewing the area for drafts or other things that may blow the flame out. If you don’t find anything unusual during your inspection, there may not be a ventilation problem.

Get Your Furnace Fixed 24/7 in Middle Georgia

Whatever the reason for your pilot light being out, Conditioned Air has you covered with 24/7 service in Middle Georgia. With over 80 years in business, you can trust our NATE-certified technicians to restore your family’s comfort with fast, friendly service and unmatched expertise. We’re Macon’s choice for heating repair, including furnace repair.

Contact Conditioned Air to schedule emergency repairs in Milledgeville, Macon, or Warner Robins today.