What To Do if Your Pilot Light Goes Out

Your furnace’s pilot light is an important part of the furnace’s proper function. When the furnace is activated, when heat is needed, gas is released to the furnace’s main burner and is ignited by the pilot light’s flame.

The pilot light should always be burning, but sometimes it does go out. In this blog post, we’ll discuss how to reignite a pilot light that’s gone out, what causes pilot lights to go out, and when it’s time to call an expert for assistance.

How To Reignite Your Pilot Light

It’s very important that you follow the proper steps for reigniting the pilot light. The gas itself is potentially dangerous and is, of course, flammable. If the cause is more serious than a drafty furnace, you should have it serviced by a professional.

Usually, all you need for reigniting the pilot light can be found on the front of the furnace unit. This includes controls, the pilot light assembly, and instructions. If you’re unable to find the manufacturer’s instructions, follow these steps:

1. Find the pilot light assembly. This includes a gas valve with a reset button and settings for On, Off, and Pilot.
2. Turn the gas valve to the Off position.
3. Wait several minutes.
4. Turn the gas valve to the Pilot position.
5. Hold a long-lit lighter or match to the pilot opening while pressing the pilot reset button.
6. Keep the rest button pressed until the flame is lit and burning strongly.
7. Release the reset button and turn the gas valve to the On position.
8. If these steps don’t work, turn the gas valve to the Off position and call for service.

Contact us online or call 513-899-6005 for help or around-the-clock emergency repair near Morrow, OH.

What Causes a Pilot Light To Go Out?

Pilot lights blow out for a few possible reasons. You might be able to correct the problem yourself in some cases, though some require professional service.

• Dirty pilot orifice: If the pilot flame burns a weak yellow instead of blue when you reignite the pilot light, the problem may be a dirty pilot orifice. Call Rick’s Heating & Cooling for professional service.
• Draft: A sudden or steady rush of air can easily blow out the standing pilot light. Once it’s relit, check the surrounding area for the source of the draft to prevent it from happening again.
• Faulty thermocouple: If the pilot light repeatedly goes out, the furnace’s thermocouple may need replacing. When this flame sensor fails, gas continues to flow even if the pilot light has been extinguished. This is a safety hazard and requires immediate professional repair.

Why and When To Call an Expert?

Pilot light issues can develop into serious safety-related problems. The potential for fire or gas poisoning can grow from seemingly small issues. Call for professional service if:

• The pilot light won’t relight
• The pilot light repeatedly goes out
• You smell the rotten egg smell associated with escaping gas

Call Rick’s Heating and Cooling at (513) 899-6005 or contact us online for furnace repair and heating services in the Cincinnati, OH, area.

Why Trust Rick’s Heating and Cooling as Your HVAC Experts for Your Cincinnati Home?

Since 1986, Rick’s Heating and Cooling has provided the Cincinnati area with superior HVAC repair workmanship and outstanding customer service. We’re the HVAC experts you can trust!

To learn more about HVAC services from Rick’s Heating & Cooling in the Cincinnati area, call (513) 899-6005.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Q: Why does my furnace pilot light keep going out?
  • A: Common causes include a dirty pilot orifice, drafts around the furnace, or a faulty thermocouple. A technician can diagnose the root cause safely.
• Q: Is it safe to relight my furnace pilot light myself?
  • A: Yes, as long as you follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. If you smell gas, or if the flame won’t stay lit, call a professional immediately.
• Q: How can I tell if the thermocouple is bad?
  • A: If the pilot light won’t stay lit even after multiple attempts, the thermocouple may not be sensing the flame properly and needs replacement.
• Q: What should I do if I smell gas while trying to relight the pilot light?
  • A: Turn the gas valve to Off, leave the area, and call your gas company or an HVAC professional right away. Do not attempt to relight it.

Helpful Resources From Rick’s Heating & Cooling

• When To Schedule a Furnace Tune-Up in Cincinnati, OH
• Gas vs. Oil Furnaces: Which Is Right for Your Home?
• Common Gas Furnace Problems & How To Fix Them
• Time To Replace Your Furnace? Signs Your Heat Exchanger May Be Failing

Keep your family safe and comfortable all winter long. If your pilot light keeps going out or your furnace isn’t working properly, trust the experts at Rick’s Heating & Cooling. Call us today or schedule service online!