What causes pilot light to go out on furnace?
What Causes A Pilot Light To Go Out?
- There could be a Draft. If your pilot light seems to go out overnight fairly often, and lately, it’s been very windy, you might have a draft issue.
- Dirt in the Pilot Orifice. Try lighting your pilot and once it ignites, take a look at the color of the flame. ...
- Gas Regulator could need Replacing. ...
- The Thermocouple is having Issues. ...
What to do when pilot light goes out on furnace?
- Turn off your gas valve and wait about 3 minutes
- Switch the valve to ‘pilot’ and press your ‘reset’ button down
- With reset pressed down, hold a lit match into the pilot light aperture until the pilot light ignites
- If it doesn’t stay lit, then you may need to do some troubleshooting from our steps or contact a local professional to help
What makes a pilot light go out on a furnace?
Your pilot light might be going out on your furnace because:
- Your furnace’s thermocouple is dirty.
- There is incorrect air flow to your furnace.
- There is an issue with the gas connection.
Why pilot light will not light furnace?
If your furnace’s pilot light goes out after a few hours, the problem is probably with the draft positioning. The draft’s position can get affected while installing the thermocouple in the furnace. If this happens, excessive air will flow into the furnace, eventually causing the pilot light to go off.
How do you fix a pilot light that keeps going out?
Dirty Thermocouple If it's filthy shut your gas off so that the unit can cool down, then gently clean it by carefully rubbing it with fine grain sandpaper. When you're done, simply turn the gas back on and light the pilot again. If dirt or grime was the issue, your light shouldn't go out again!
What causes the pilot light to go out?
Some of the possible serious reasons for pilot lights to go out include loose or broken gas valves, thermocouples or heat exchangers, faulty venting, low gas pressure, or high winds. If you believe there is a serious problem, don't hesitate to contact a professional.
How do you clean a thermocouple on a furnace?
2:275:18Furnace - Thermocouple | Repair and Replace - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipUse a soft abrasive pad or emery cloth to gently clean the outside of the thermocouple. Be carefulMoreUse a soft abrasive pad or emery cloth to gently clean the outside of the thermocouple. Be careful not to scratch the coating. Next insert the thermocouple into the pilot assembly.
How much does it cost to replace a thermocouple on a furnace?
$150 to $250Replacing a thermocouple costs $150 to $250, mostly due to labor time. On older models without an ignitor, it checks to make sure your pilot light is lit. If it's not, it'll shut the gas off.
How do I know if my thermocouple is broken?
After about a minute, when you're sure the probe has gotten hot, place one lead on the shaft of the thermocouple and the other lead on the connector. If the reading is less than 25 millivolts, the thermocouple is bad and needs to be replaced.
Why does my pilot light keep going out after replacing thermocouple?
If the pilot will lit but goes out after it reaches the temperature, it is the control valve. It happened to me. After the plumber replaced the control valve then it stays lit. You will have to order the control valve from the manufacturer.
How much does a thermocouple cost?
The No. 1 cause of pilot lights that won't stay lit is a worn-out thermocouple. It's easy to replace and a new one costs $5 to $10. Rather than trying to unfasten the thermocouple inside the water heater's burning chamber, it's easier to remove the whole burner and thermocouple assembly.
How often should a thermocouple be replaced?
Thermocouples can last up to 10 years if properly installed and maintained, while furnaces can last 15-20 years, although either may wear out sooner in multifamily units.
Does cleaning a thermocouple work?
Yes, you can clean a thermocouple, but the task must be done with a light touch. Remove the thermocouple from the process assembly, using a steel wool or emery cloth, lightly clean the tip removing any build up. Cleaning a thermocouple is not a fix for an issue, such as inaccurate readings.
How long do furnaces usually last?
15 to 20 yearsA well-maintained furnace can last at least 15 to 20 years, but completing annual maintenance and being diligent with repairs can extend its life even longer.
How much is a new furnace for a 2000 square foot home?
The average cost range for purchasing and installing a gas furnace designed to heat a 2,000-square-foot home with a 97% efficiency rating ranges from $4,000 to $8,000, with most homeowners spending around $6,000 total on a high-efficiency gas furnace replacement in a 2,000 sq. ft.
How much does a thermocouple cost?
The No. 1 cause of pilot lights that won't stay lit is a worn-out thermocouple. It's easy to replace and a new one costs $5 to $10. Rather than trying to unfasten the thermocouple inside the water heater's burning chamber, it's easier to remove the whole burner and thermocouple assembly.
Will a bad gas valve cause pilot light to go out?
The pilot light depends on a reliable source of gas or propane in order to stay lit. Any issues with the gas valve that supplies that gas to the flame, whether it be dirty or malfunctioning, can result in that flame going out.
How do you fix a gas fire that keeps going out?
Easy DIY Fix: Gas Fireplace Won't Stay LitBefore You Begin: Is Your Pilot Light Lit Inside Fireplace?The Fix: Pilot Light to Gas Fireplace Won't Stay Lit.Check Your Thermopile Output with the TH/TP Contacts.Don't Replace Your Thermopile or Thermocouple Right Away.Cleaning the Thermopile.Re-test the Cleaned Thermopile.More items...•
Do I need to turn gas off if pilot light goes out?
These important safety tips can be followed in both our workplaces and homes: If the pilot light of an appliance goes out, turn off the gas at the appliance for several minutes before attempting to re-light it. Instructions should be attached to the appliance.
Troubleshooting Problems With Your Furnace Pilot Light
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Improper Air Flow, Or A Strong Draft, Blows The Pilot Out
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Waukesha Furnace Repair Pros Help You Diagnose and Repair Pilot Light Problems
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Why won't my furnace pilot light stay lit?
Without that gas, your pilot light couldn’t light. So if the valve is accidentally turned to the OFF position or has gone bad, your pilot light won’t stay lit.
Why does my pilot light not light?
The pilot light needs a strong flow of gas to make a strong, steady blue flame that the thermocouple can sense. But if the orifice is dirty or restricted, the pilot light won’t light properly. Which means the thermocouple will shut off the gas flow to your furnace as a safety measure.
What happens if a thermocouple is broken?
So your thermocouple is basically a safety feature that prevents a dangerous buildup of gas in your home. But if your thermocouple is broken, dirty or not lined up properly, it might not sense a pilot light’s flame (even when it’s lit). And when this happens, your thermocouple will shut off all gas flow to your furnace—meaning your pilot light will ...
What is the problem with pilot light?
Problem #2: Pilot light problems. ...then you most likely have a dirty or restricted pilot light orifice. You see, the pilot light orifice controls the flow of gas to your pilot light. The pilot light needs a strong flow of gas to make a strong, steady blue flame that the thermocouple can sense.
Why is a thermocouple called a flame sensor?
It’s often called the “flame sensor” because its job is to detect whether the pilot light is lit or not. If it can’t sense a flame from the pilot light, it prevents the gas valve from opening and sending more gas into the combustion chamber. So your thermocouple is basically a safety feature that prevents a dangerous buildup of gas in your home.
Bent Thermocouple
On some occasions, your thermocouple can become bent, possibly leading to pilot light issues. If the thermocouple is bent, the flame may not reach this system component, causing your gas valve to automatically shut off. Luckily, finding a solution is relatively simple.
Dirty Thermocouple
If the pilot light won't stay lit on furnace, another common issue is a dirty thermocouple. When a pilot light keeps going out, you may try to relight it. However, if you find yourself doing this frequently, the thermocouple could be dirty. When this happens, you'll want to clean it properly.
Broken Thermocouple
As a dirty or bent thermocouple can lead to pilot light issues, a broken thermocouple can also be problematic. However, knowing it's broken isn't always easy. We recommend replacing your thermocouple if you notice physical damage or if the pilot light keeps going out.
Dirty Pilot Opening
On many occasions, a furnace pilot light won't stay lit if the pilot light opening is dirty. This typically leads to an unstable flame that appears wavy. As this small flame doesn't have the ability to heat the thermocouple, this issue will need to be fixed.
Bad Location
If the pilot light won't stay lit on furnace, the system may have been installed in a poor location. In order for a furnace to work effectively, it needs oxygen to breathe. If it's installed in an enclosed area without adequate airflow, there may not be enough oxygen for the system to work properly.
Wrapping Up
If your pilot light keeps going out on your furnace, you may be frustrated and confused. Luckily, the problem can be an easy fix! In fact, a long-lasting solution can sometimes take just seconds. If this issue is happening in your home, follow the tips above to find a quick solution and get back to comfort!
An Older Furnace
If your furnace is more than 20 years old, it most likely has a standing pilot light. This pilot light may experience problems if components of your furnace become dirty, damaged, or worn with age. Additionally, older furnaces can experience cracked heat exchangers.
A Malfunctioning Thermocouple
A broken thermocouple in your gas furnace could be the culprit behind a furnace pilot light that keeps going out. A thermocouple is a rod in your system that comes in contact with the flame. The thermocouple is found close to the flame, and when the flame is ignited, your pilot light will notify the thermocouple to keep the gas line open.
A Curved Thermocouple
The thermocouple plays a critical role in your heating system. Should it detect an unlit pilot light, it will automatically turn the gas off. If your thermocouple is dirty, it means the current it receives is obstructed and inadequate, leading to a gas outage. Besides the dirt buildup, the thermocouple could also be bent to a non-functional point.
A Broken Gas Regulator
If your home has natural gas appliances, then a gas meter has been installed outside of your home. You will also typically find your gas regulator near your gas meter. The gas regulator’s job is to push gas into your home to feed your various gas-fueled appliances.
A Bad Pilot Orifice
How often do you find yourself asking, “Why does my pilot light keep going out minutes after the light is ignited?” Then, a dirty pilot orifice may be your culprit. When you have a blue pilot flame, the pilot light should be working correctly.
A Dirty Pilot Tube
The other leading cause of this issue is a dirty flex and pilot tube. When the tubes get dirty, the flow of gas is blocked. The flex tubing is typically connected to the gas controller and plays a crucial role in ensuring a steady gas flow.
Reliable Furnace Cleaning Services in New Haven, CT
As you can see, there are numerous reasons why your furnace pilot light won’t stay lit. If you’re still unsure what’s causing the problem and keep asking yourself why does the pilot light keep going out, turn to a professional furnace technician for help.
Why do furnaces have pilot lights?
Because the pilot light is always lit, it ignites the gas. Then your furnace begins heating your home. Each year we see fewer and fewer furnaces with standing pilot lights. In Central Ohio, I’d say that only around 5% of the furnaces we see have pilot lights.
Why does my pilot light burn yellow?
As oxygen becomes less available, your pilot light may burn more yellow. At that point, it can also produce more soot and carbon monoxide. But you shouldn’t attempt to clean your furnace on your own. Because of the complexity of HVAC systems, a trained HVAC technician should clean your furnace.
What is a pilot light?
A pilot light is a type of igniter that’s typically found in older furnaces. Some of these furnaces could be as old as 30 years. Igniters like pilot lights provide the spark to heat your home. When your thermostat sends a signal to your furnace to begin the heating cycle, the gas turns on.
Why does my thermocouple turn off?
If your thermocouple is dirty, it may not be able to sense that the pilot is on. As a result, the gas valve turns off. If your system keeps trying to start before turning off again, there could be an issue with your thermocouple. Issues with your gas valve. Your gas valve supplies fuel for your system.
What to do if pilot light goes out?
You have two options to re-light it: Consult the owner’s manual for your furnace, and follow the directions. Contact an HVAC professional.
What causes a pilot light to be exposed to the elements?
Changes in your ventilation system. Wind and precipitation can shift your ventilation covers, which further exposes your pilot light to the elements. Issues with your thermocouple. A thermocouple is a safety device that senses when your pilot light is on.
What causes a gas valve to crack?
If neither your pilot light nor your system will turn start, there could be an issue with your gas valve. Cracks in your heat exchanger. After years of heating up and cooling down, your heat exchanger may crack.
What is the thermocouple on a furnace?
The flame is monitored by something called a thermocouple that is designed to shut off the gas valve to the pilot light in the event that it extinguishes or burns inefficiently. Today’s furnaces use an electric igniter instead of a gas-powered pilot light.
Why does my pilot light go out?
Often times, pilot lights go out because of something that goes wrong with the furnace’s thermocouple. If your thermocouple malfunctions, you might need to have it replaced by Jerry Kelly. Dirt buildup around the pilot light. Dirt buildup is problematic for many parts of your furnace, including the area around your pilot light.
How to contact a gas furnace repair technician?
To schedule gas furnace repair service or speak with our knowledgeable technicians about your pilot light issues, call 636-373-9220 or contact us online today.
Why Does My Pilot Light Keep Going Out
If the furnace pilot light keeps going out, the culprit is probably one of the following reasons:
Broken Thermocouple
The thermocouple on your gas furnace is a small device used to test the temperature of the pilot light flame. This small part sits right in front of the pilot light. It contains wires inside that become heated when the furnace lights.
Dirty Pilot Light
Sometimes the pilot light will not stay lit because there is a great deal of dirt, soot, and other debris around the light opening. You can remove some of the debris to see if this resolves the problem.
Appliances With Pilot Lights
A pilot light is more likely to be found in water heaters or in older furnaces and boilers. In the more recent years pilot lights are being replaced with a hot surface igniter or a spark igniter.
Water Heater Pilot Light: Where Is It And What Does It Do?
At the base of your gas water heater, you will find an access panel directly beneath the thermostat. Inside the access panel lies the gas water heater pilot light. There will be a gas panel where you can see if the pilot flame is lit. The pilot light is a small flame used to ignite the gas burner on your water heater.
What Makes Your Water Heater Pilot Light Go Out
The thermocouple detects when your pilot light is burning. This copper rod is a safety feature that will shut down the heater's gas supply if your water heater pilot light goes out. Due to natural wear and tear, a thermocouple can get bent out of position, malfunction, become damaged, or coated in dirt or a build up of carbon.
How Do I Re-Light My Gas Water Heater Pilot Light?
Find your water heater manual to get a better understanding where each part of your water heater is located.
Furnace Pilot Light: Where It Is And What Does It Do?
The pilot light on a gas furnace is very important for creating heat in old furnaces. This continuously burning flame will ignite the gas, when the gas valve opens. Then, this heat warms the air brought into your furnace, which will be redistributed throughout your home. If your pilot light is out, you may experience your furnace blowing cold air.
Why Furnace Pilot Light keeps going out
There are many reasons for why the pilot flame keeps going out in your furnace. Let's dive in!
How To Re-Light A Furnace Pilot Light ?
First and foremost, it is important to find the manual for your furnace. The manual will give you a better understanding of the inner workings of your specific furnace.
How Do Pilot Lights Work?
The purpose of a pilot light is to provide the flame needed to light the gas coming from the main burner. A pilot light has a small, dedicated pipe that feeds a small amount of gas to the burner. When the furnace is turned on for the season, the user lights the pilot light, which stays on until the end of the season.
Call Bartlett Heating & Air Conditioning for Your Heating and Cooling Needs
If you need help with your furnace pilot light or a thorough AC clean and check, call Bartlett Heating & Air Conditioning at (630) 372-7640. You can also fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment. We serve customers in Bartlett and the communities in West Chicago.
