A Step-by-Step Guide
A furnace with a malfunctioning pilot light can leave your home cold and uncomfortable. If your heating system isn’t turning on, the pilot light may have gone out. Understanding how to light a pilot light on a furnace is essential to restoring warmth and ensuring your home stays comfortable throughout the colder months.
At Liam Services, we specialize in furnace repair, heating system maintenance, and HVAC services to keep homes in Newark, Middletown, Dover, Wilmington, Bear, and New Castle warm and energy-efficient. Below, we’ll walk you through how to relight your furnace’s pilot light safely and when to call a professional.
Why Did My Pilot Light Go Out?
If your pilot light won’t stay lit, several issues could be at play:
- A draft or sudden airflow can blow out the flame.
- A dirty or clogged pilot orifice can prevent proper ignition.
- A faulty thermocouple may not be detecting the flame properly.
- Gas supply issues can disrupt the flow needed to keep the light on.
If you frequently experience pilot light problems, your furnace may require professional heating repair to diagnose deeper issues.
How to Light a Pilot Light on a Furnace
Follow these steps to safely relight your furnace pilot light:
1. Locate the Pilot Light and Control Knob
Find the gas control knob on your furnace, usually labeled “ON,” “OFF,” and “PILOT.” The pilot assembly is typically near the burner.
2. Turn the Furnace Off
Switch the gas control knob to “OFF” and wait at least five minutes to allow any lingering gas to dissipate. This prevents potential gas buildup, which could be dangerous when relighting.
3. Set the Knob to “Pilot” and Press Down
Turn the knob to “PILOT” and hold it down to release gas to the pilot light.
4. Light the Pilot Light
Using a long-reach lighter or a match, ignite the pilot while keeping the knob pressed down.
5. Hold for 30–60 Seconds
Keep holding the knob for about one minute after lighting to allow the thermocouple to heat up. If you release it too soon, the flame may go out.
6. Turn the Knob to “On”
Once the pilot light remains steady, release the knob and turn it to “ON.” Your furnace should ignite automatically.
What If the Pilot Light Won’t Stay Lit?
If your pilot light repeatedly goes out, it could indicate a faulty thermocouple, gas valve issues, or a dirty burner assembly. Instead of struggling with repeated relighting, schedule furnace repair services with Liam Services. Our skilled technicians provide comprehensive heating system maintenance in Smyrna, Hockessin, Pike Creek, and surrounding areas.
Prevent Pilot Light Problems with Regular Furnace Maintenance
Keeping your heating system in top shape helps prevent furnace breakdowns and pilot light failures. Our heating maintenance services ensure your furnace operates safely and efficiently. We provide:
✔ Pilot light inspection and cleaning
✔ Thermocouple replacement
✔ Gas valve testing
✔ Full furnace tune-ups
Whether you need a pilot light repair or a full furnace replacement, our team at Liam Services is ready to help.
Need Help Relighting Your Pilot Light? Contact Liam Services!
If you’re unable to light your furnace’s pilot light or it keeps going out, don’t risk a cold home. Liam Services provides expert heating repair and maintenance in New Castle, Elsmere, Stanton, Townsend, Greenville, and Camden Wyoming.
Call us today at (302) 200-8660 or book an appointment online to schedule a service!
FAQs
Is it safe to relight a pilot light by yourself?
Yes, in most cases, it is safe to relight a furnace pilot light by yourself if you follow the proper steps. Make sure to turn off the gas supply and wait at least five minutes before attempting to relight it. However, if you smell gas, hear hissing sounds, or the pilot light won’t stay lit, contact Liam Services for professional furnace repair in Clayton, Felton, Delaware City, Magnolia, Viola, and Frederica.
How do I manually restart my furnace?
To manually restart your furnace, locate the pilot light assembly, turn the gas control knob to “OFF,” and wait five minutes to clear any lingering gas. Then, turn the knob to “PILOT,” press it down, and use a long-reach lighter to ignite the flame. Hold the knob for 30–60 seconds before turning it to “ON.”
Will a furnace run without a pilot light?
No, a gas furnace will not run if the pilot light is out. The pilot light is necessary to ignite the burners that generate heat. If your pilot light keeps going out, it may be due to a faulty thermocouple, dirty burner, or gas supply issue. Our technicians at Liam Services can diagnose and fix the problem with reliable furnace repair and maintenance in Talleyville, Newark, Middletown, and surrounding areas.
Is it an emergency if the pilot light goes out?
If your pilot light goes out occasionally, it’s usually not an emergency. However, if it won’t relight, keeps going out, or you smell gas, this could indicate a dangerous gas leak or faulty furnace component. If you suspect a gas leak, shut off your furnace, leave your home, and call a professional immediately.
How do I reset my furnace ignitor?
To reset your furnace ignitor, first turn off the furnace’s power and locate the reset button, usually found near the burner assembly. Press and hold the button for 30 seconds, then restore power to the furnace. If the furnace doesn’t ignite, there may be an issue with the ignitor, gas valve, or thermocouple. Liam Services provides fast and affordable furnace repair in Wilmington, Bear, New Castle, and surrounding areas to restore your heat quickly.
Need expert furnace repair or heating maintenance? Contact Liam Services today!