Should you turn off your furnace pilot light?
Yes. Ideally, the pilot light should be ON in a gas furnace throughout the heating season. Although it costs a little more to keep the pilot light ON round the clock, the benefits typically outweigh the downsides. No, it’s advisable to shut off the furnace pilot light in the summer when you don’t need heating.
How to turn off a pilot light in a furnace?
Method 1 Method 1 of 3: Extinguishing a Gas Furnace Pilot Light Download Article
- Turn your thermostat off or as low as possible. If your thermostat controller has an “Off” switch, then turn it off completely so the furnace isn’t running anymore.
- Locate the dial or valve behind an access panel or on the gas intake pipe. ...
- Switch the dial to the “Off” position if your furnace has one. ...
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
Why is my furnace pilot not staying lit?
- Remove the pilot tube first
- Rub a piece of sandpaper on the tip of the pilot orifice
- Use a can of compressed air in the points where dirt is most likely to accumulate
- Use a thin, soft-bristled brush to reach every tiny nook of the orifice and burner
How do you reset the pilot light on a furnace?
1:353:32Furnace - How to Relight a Pilot Light | Repair and Replace - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipFirst set the gas valve to the pilot. Position hold down the bypass button to let gas into the pilotMoreFirst set the gas valve to the pilot. Position hold down the bypass button to let gas into the pilot. Keep holding the button and use a barbecue lighter to insert a flame over the pilot.
Can hear your furnace click on but it does not fire up?
Most likely, your furnace is making a clicking noise and not providing heat because your furnace's spark igniter is trying to ignite your pilot light or burners but is failing to do so. In other words, there's an ignition system malfunction that needs to be fixed. Otherwise, your furnace won't start.
How do you know if furnace ignitor is bad?
Here are a few indications that you have a faulty ignitor.No Cold Air. ... The Furnace Won't Come On. ... The Furnace Suddenly Stops Blowing. ... Starts, Then Stops, Then Starts Again. ... Tripping the Breaker More Than Once. ... I Hear the Click, But Nothing Happens. ... Flame Sensor Problems. ... Short Circuit.More items...•
Where is reset button on furnace?
Locate the reset button on the furnace and press it to reset the furnace. It is usually located inside the blower compartment on the side of the blower motor. Be cautious as the housing may be hot. If the button is popped up, press it down.
Why is my furnace just clicking?
Loud clicking sounds can be heard when inducer blowers and fan shafts are clogged by buildup or when bearings are worn out. Bearings on the main blower motor might click as the furnace runs because the shaft is rusted or dirty. Cleaning and lubricating the fan shaft will help fix the problem and prevent premature wear.
What does a clicking sound mean in a furnace?
Your furnace is most likely making a clicking noise due to your furnace's spark igniter trying to ignite the pilot light/burners. A repeated clicking indicates a failure/system malfunction. This problem is especially troublesome when you are not getting heat at some point during the very cold winter months.
Why does my furnace make a clicking sound?
The most common reasons furnaces make clicking noises are an ignition system malfunction or internal part damage — and both of these situations would require a professional to diagnose and repair.
Why is my furnace not calling for heat?
Dirty filters are the most common cause of furnace problems. Dust and dirt restrict airflow—and if the filter gets too clogged, the heat exchanger will overheat and shut off too quickly, and your house won't warm up. If the blower is running but no heat is coming out, replace the filter.
Explore Simple Solutions First
Let’s start first by assessing if you can quickly resolve your pilot light issue with basic troubleshooting.
Your Thermocouple Is Bad
Your thermocouple, also known as a “flame sensor,” is the copper tube that’s located next to your pilot light. A furnace’s thermocouple works to determine when to shut off the gas that flows into your system.
Your Pilot Light Orifice is Dirty
The gas powering your pilot light flows through a pilot light orifice. If this orifice becomes clogged with dirt, your flame may weaken to the point that your thermocouple can no longer sense it. When pilot lights begin burning a weak yellow color instead of a strong blue color, a dirty pilot light orifice is often to blame.
Your Gas Valve Needs Attention
The gas valve on your furnace delivers the gas your pilot light needs to remain lit. If the valve is turned ON, but your pilot light won’t stay lit, the problem might be a broken gas valve. The solution most likely will be to replace the valve.
Your Gas Regulator is Faulty
Your gas regulator works to decrease the pressure of the natural gas that’s provided to your home. You can typically find the regulator at your gas meter. If the regulator is old or faulty, the gas may not flow through it at a steady enough pressure to support your furnace’s pilot light.
How to tell if pilot light is out?
If you suspect your pilot light is out, the first thing you can do is check for a flame. If after turning the knobs on your furnace you still are not getting a solid flame, this is a good signal your pilot light is out. If you smell gas or detect a rotten egg smell, you will need to have your gas shut off entirely.
How to reset a pilot light?
You will need a match that is lit. Hold it to the pilot opening and push the reset button on your pilot control. Hold it down until the pilot flame is lit and burning brightly.
Why does my gas water heater stop working?
When your gas furnace or water heater suddenly stops working as it should, this is often caused by a pilot light issue. Your pilot light is a crucial component of your heating system, so it’s important to make sure it’s functioning properly at all times!
Why is my furnace yellow?
A weak, yellow flame can be caused by dirt and debris built up within your furnace. If you see a lazy, yellow flame instead of a strong blue flame, you will need to have your furnace cleaned.
What can go wrong with a thermocouple?
A few things can go wrong with the thermocouple: It can break and malfunction. Soot can build up and block the flame. The pilot may not cover the top of the thermocouple rod. All of these issues will cause the pilot light to go out. The thermocouple is a sensitive and vital component of your furnace, so it is important to have an expert handle it. ...
Why does my water heater pilot light keep going out?
Water Heater Pilot Light Keeps Going Out? Make sure to follow the directions on your water heater label. If your pilot doesn’t re-light, won’ t stay lit or keeps going out after a short time, you most likely have an issue with the hot water heater thermocouple. This can happen with age.
What happens if a gas water heater doesn't have a pilot light?
If your gas water heater has a closed burner chamber or doesn’t have a pilot light, it’s much more difficult to access. To do this replacement, you most likely need a professional to fix this type of thermocouple.
How to fix a thermocouple that is not touching the pilot flame?
To fix this is also simple: bend the thermocouple back into its original position. Make sure to bend the thermocouple back so it’s close enough to the pilot flame so it lightly touches the thermocouple. If this is the problem, in most cases, it’s easily resolvable with the above steps.
How does a water heater pilot work?
When your thermocouple detects an unlit pilot, it automatically shuts off the gas to your water heater as a safety precaution.
What is a pilot light on a water heater?
A pilot light is a small flame present to ignite the gas burner on your water heater. A functioning pilot light should appear blue in color, which can help you determine whether or not your pilot light is working.
How to Replace Thermocouple on Water Heater?
While some perform this task, you’re better off calling a licensed plumber to help. If you’re local, we’re a plumber in Arlington TX and can routinely replace the hot water heater thermocouple for you.
Why does my pilot light go out after using the furnace?
The thermocouple might be a problem, but it's usually tied to a dirty pilot orifice. If the problem persists after a thorough cleaning, it's time to call an expert.
Why does my furnace pilot light go out when it's windy?
This could be a sign that your HVAC system is leaky and creating a draft that blows the pilot light out.
Where is the furnace pilot light?
The pilot light assembly is typically found somewhere near the bottom of the furnace. It usually has a gas valve with a knob that you can turn to on, off, or pilot.
Is the furnace pilot light always on?
Yes, the pilot light should constantly be on and use a small amount of gas.
Why Is My Furnace Not Igniting?
If you have a furnace and it won't ignite, there could be any number of problems. Each furnace has its own internal components that will need to be inspected in order for this problem to be resolved.
Should I Replace My Furnace If My Ignitor Stops Working?
It is common for an ignitor to go bad in most furnace types. This can be very frustrating because this may require furnace repair technicians to come out and fix, which could cost you big bucks. It depends on the age of your furnace and how frequently you've had to make furnace repairs to determine whether a new furnace installation is in order.
Why won't my pilot light stay lit?
If your pilot light won’t stay lit, the thermocouple is very likely the culprit.
Why does my pilot light relight after going out?
If your pilot light re-lights easily after going out overnight, it’s possible it was blown out by a draft. This can happen on excessively windy days or nights. A leak in the output duct of the furnace could cause air to blow into the area. Keep every intake air register in your home open and clear to avoid a “vacuum” effect in the inlet.
What color is the pilot light?
If you can manage to get the pilot light lit for just a moment, inspect the flame. The pilot light is supposed to be a strong blue cone, not a weak yellow flame. A weaker flame won’t envelop the thermocouple properly. The pilot orifice may be full of dirt.
What is a flame sensor?
Sometimes it's referred to as the "flame sensor.". It's a safety mechanism that shuts the gas off should the pilot go out. If the thermocouple fails to shut off the gas, all the gas flowing through the furnace could get into your home. The thermocouple safeguards against a catastrophic buildup of gas.
What happens if the pilot light isn't lined up correctly?
If the thermocouple isn't lined up correctly, it won't read the flame, and will shut the valve for the gas.
Where is the thermocouple on a pilot?
No matter the pilot configuration, the thermocouple will be near the burners—look for a removable metal rod nearby. Locate the copper rod near the burners. This is the thermocouple. If you look very closely, you'll find the thermocouple tucked in behind the burners.
What happens if you have a bad gas regulator?
3) Bad Gas Regulator. A bad regulator in your natural gas meter outside your home will affect all of the gas appliances in your home, including your furnace, dryer, stove, etc. Your furnace may not be getting enough gas to keep the pilot lit.
Why won't my furnace ignite?
A furnace that refuses to ignite could be a result of many reasons. However, a few specific indicators may point to a faulty ignitor.
Why does my furnace go off suddenly?
Additionally, check for debris. A dirty furnace can also go off suddenly. If the filters are good and there’s no dirt buildup, the next likely culprit is the ignitor.
How to tell if furnace ignitor is good?
Check resistance reading to verify your findings. Turn the meter to the ohms setting (resistance is measured in ohms). With the ignitor still disconnected from the furnace wiring, take the reading. Any reading from 40 to around 200 ohms is good and indicates you have a good ignitor. However, readings below 40 ohms mean you have a dead or very weak ignitor. Readings beyond 200 ohms are also bad as they often indicate an ignitor that’s wearing out.
Why does my furnace make a clicking sound?
The “clicking” sound from the furnace right before the air starts blowing is usually the ignitor generating a spark that ignites the gas connected to your furnace.
How to know if furnace ignitor is getting power?
Check to see if it’s getting power. You’ll know that an electrical furnace ignitor gets power if the inducer motor starts when you turn on the power switch.
What does a rollout do to a furnace?
The first thing the rollout does to shut off the furnace in case of overheating or flame rollout is to turn the ignitor OFF. Unfortunately, clogged filters can also cause the limit switch to turn off the ignitor prematurely.
What to do if furnace ignitor is damaged?
However, if you confirm that the ignitor is damaged, you need to replace it.
