Why Is the Furnace Pilot Light Going Out?
If you ever hear your gas furnace turn on but don’t feel warm air blowing from the vents, chances are the pilot light has gone out. The pilot light is an essential component of your heating system, warming the air as it enters your home. Several common culprits can cause your pilot light to go out, most of which are relatively easy to repair. Keep reading to learn more about the common reasons for pilot light failure, easy troubleshooting steps, and when to call the professionals at Kliemann Brothers.
Understanding the Furnace Pilot Light: Function and Importance
The pilot light is a small flame, often located near the bottom of your furnace, that provides a constant ignition source for the burners. When the thermostat signals the furnace to turn on, the pilot light ignites the gas from the main burners to heat the air flowing into your home. If your pilot light goes out, a thermocouple safety shut-off device detects the failure and stops the gas flow to prevent potential safety hazards.
Common Reasons for Pilot Light Failure
So why does the pilot light go out? There are several common causes, including:
- There’s a problem with the flame: If your pilot light flame color is more yellow than bright blue, it’s an indication that something is affecting your pilot light to burn inconsistently. As a result, your furnace will shut off the gas, and the pilot light won’t ignite.
- A breeze blew out the flame: This is probably the most common reason for your pilot light to go out. If this is the case, follow the furnace manufacturer’s guidelines for relighting the pilot light. Call us to schedule service with a certified technician if the pilot light remains unlit after numerous attempts.
- Thermocouple issues: The thermocouple is a safety device that detects whether or not the pilot light works. If it’s bent, broken, or dirty, the pilot light will not stay on long enough to ignite the gas needed to provide warm air throughout your Gig Harbor home. You can try bending the thermocouple back into position or cleaning it off with fine-grain sandpaper. If that fails, you may need to replace it.
- Your furnace needs cleaning: A buildup of dirt and debris could prevent the pilot light from getting enough oxygen to burn consistently. Schedule a tune-up with Kliemann Brothers to have our professionals inspect and clean your furnace today.
Step-by-Step Troubleshooting for Pilot Light Issues
If your furnace pilot light goes out, there’s no need to panic. It’s often due to a minor issue that’s easy to fix and won’t require costly repair. To determine the culprit, begin by inspecting the unit for any visible signs of damage. Look for cracks, blockages, or buildup that may be impacting its function. Assess the thermocouple to ensure it’s in the correct position and isn’t damaged or dirty.
If you don’t see any apparent problems, attempt to reignite the pilot light by performing the following steps:
- Locate the gas valve beside the pilot light and turn it to the ‘Off’ position to stop the gas flow.
- Wait five minutes to allow the gas to dissipate, preventing a fire or explosion.
- Once the five minutes are up, turn the gas valve to the ‘Pilot’ setting.
- Ignite a long lighter and place the flame at the end of the pilot light tube.
- Wait 30 to 60 seconds for the pilot light flame to relight.
If the pilot light does not relight or goes out again shortly after, contact a reputable HVAC technician. Continuing pilot light troubleshooting on your own can lead to further damage or serious safety hazards, so it’s best to leave it to the experts. They have the tools and experience to diagnose the problem and determine the most effective solution.
Preventative Maintenance Tips to Avoid Future Issues
Staying on top of your annual heating maintenance appointments is the best way to prevent future furnace issues. Our professionals will inspect, clean, and service your furnace during the appointment to ensure everything works correctly. If they detect any developing furnace problems, they’ll repair them before they progress.
Preventative furnace maintenance is a small investment that pays off through increased comfort, lower energy expenses, and a longer system lifespan. Annual heating and cooling costs account for approximately 43 percent of your total energy expenses, so it pays to keep this equipment in peak running condition.
Call Kliemann Brothers for HVAC Repair Today!
If your furnace’s pilot light goes out, it’s likely a sign that it needs repair or no longer operates sufficiently to warm your Gig Harbor home. When this happens, our professionals at Kliemann Brothers are ready to help! We’ll diagnose the problem and determine if furnace repair or replacement is the most efficient and cost-effective solution.
Call (844) 510-7809 or book online to schedule service with one of our expert HVAC technicians in Tacoma and surrounding areas today!
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there safety concerns when the pilot light goes out?
When your furnace pilot light goes out, there are several safety concerns to consider. If the thermocouple fails, gas can build up and increase the risk of fire or explosion. A malfunctioning furnace may also release carbon monoxide into your home, presenting a hazard to your health and safety. If you notice that your pilot light has gone out, it’s essential to immediately shut off the gas and contact a trusted HVAC professional for assistance.
Should the pilot light always be on?
Yes, the pilot light of your gas furnace should always be on. When it’s off, your furnace won’t be able to heat the air flowing into your home. If your pilot light regularly goes out or won’t reignite, contact our team for repair.