Help – The Pilot Light Went Out On My Furnace!

If you have a gas furnace – especially an older model – one problem you may encounter over the course of a long winter is an extinguished pilot light.

Many older gas furnaces (and some new ones) are ignited with a pilot light (many newer models use an electronic ignition for better efficiency). One of the main reasons a propane gas furnace stops working is because that pilot light goes out.

Possible Causes Of Pilot Light Issues

Pilot light failure can happen for a number of reasons, including:

• A clogged intake valve – A buildup of dust or debris can cut off oxygen to the pilot light chamber, making it difficult for its flame to “breathe.”
• A damaged thermocouple – A thermocouple is an electrical switch that varies its output when temperatures change – on your gas furnace, it’s used to cut off gas supply as a safety measure. A qualified technician must repair or replace a damaged thermocouple; it’s not a DIY job.
• A slow leak – Insufficient fuel reaching the pilot light can cause your flame to glow yellow rather than blue – a yellow pilot light flame usually indicates a leak somewhere in your system. Your furnace responds to that leak by automatically shutting down for safety reasons. Do not attempt to repair heating system leaks yourself – contact us for service.
• Drafts – Most pilot lights simply blow out. Luckily, this is one of the easiest problems to fix. Follow these steps to reset your pilot light:
  • Step 1: Always follow manufacturer’s instructions first (see the side of your furnace unit or your owner’s manual for details).
  • Step 2: Find the gas valve in the pilot light assembly; it typically has “on,” “off,” and “pilot” settings.
  • Step 3: Turn the valve to the OFF position and wait three minutes or more for It to reset.
  • Step 4: After three minutes, turn the valve to the PILOT setting and hold a lighted match next to (not inside!) the pilot light opening. While holding the match, push and hold the reset button on the pilot control panel until you see the pilot light ignite, then set the valve to the ON position.
  • Step 5: If the pilot light doesn’t light after several attempts, contact us for service.

Need expert heating service in the North Shore? Trust the pros at Holden Oil. Contact us today to learn more!