If after following the proper steps you still can't get your pilot light to stay lit, call an HVAC pro for a furnace repair.
If the safety devices are working properly, it is not dangerous if the pilot light goes out except for the damage which could occur by the failure of the furnace to heat the house.
Calling a reputable HVAC company is usually the best way to fix a pilot light that keeps going out. Sometimes, there are causes you can fix yourself. If there is a draft nearby that is blowing out the light, for example, you can locate the source and find a solution. That can be as simple as closing a window.
Call your local fire department or gas company for guidance and assistance. Also, don't hesitate to call a professional to light the pilot for you if you have any safety concerns or you're having a difficult time lighting it yourself.
The Cost of Relighting the Pilot Light
A plumber can help reignite the pilot light. They will charge you an hourly fee of $40 to $150. This is usually a fairly brief project, and may just take an hour.
The Short Answer Is: It is generally safe for a homeowner to relight a furnace pilot light, as long as they follow proper precautions and guidelines. To do it yourself, first, turn off the furnace's gas supply and wait for a few minutes to allow any lingering gas to dissipate.
A: Yes, turning off the pilot light when the fireplace isn't in use, such as during the warmer months, can help save energy and reduce your gas bill.
Once you're outside, call your gas company or emergency services for next steps. Before you get started, review the user manual for your furnace. It should contain important safety information about your heating unit, as well as the locations of your furnace's key components, such as the pilot light and reset switch.
This valve operates automatically and shuts off gas flow as soon as the pilot goes out, preventing any risks of excessive gas buildup. That said, even the failsafe system can malfunction, so any time your pilot is out, be sure to carefully check for any strong gas odors, like the scent of sulfur or rotten eggs.
Gas Valve & Gas Supply Issues
The pilot light depends on a reliable source of gas or propane in order to stay lit. Any issues with the gas valve that supplies that gas to the flame, whether it be dirty or malfunctioning, can result in that flame going out.
Replacing a thermocouple is a relatively easy fix that can take less than two hours. This guide reviews how to replace a thermocouple to ensure gas appliances stay in good working order, as well as how to relight a pilot light.
If after following the proper steps you still can't get your pilot light to stay lit, call an HVAC pro for a furnace repair.
A faulty gas valve may extinguish your pilot light in two ways: If the gas valve doesn't open wide enough, too little gas flows to the pilot light. As a result, the pilot flame is too weak and battles to stay lit or burns feebly and erratically. In rare cases, a damaged main valve leaks gas into the pilot light.
So basically your pilot light is responsible for combusting your fuel source, which is how your furnace creates heat. If it goes out, the safety features of your furnace will not allow it to release gas into the burner, meaning that the furnace will not run at all.
Often, homeowners can relight the pilot themselves. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to relight a gas furnace's pilot light.
Thermocouples are relatively affordable components, typically ranging from $10 to $30, depending on the brand and quality. However, keep in mind that DIY replacement requires knowledge of furnace systems and gas connections, and improper installation can lead to safety hazards.
If you don't see a spark when you press the igniter button or you can't get the pilot to light, you can try to manually light it with a match or stick lighter. Once you see the pilot flame, you will need to continue to hold the control knob in for around 30 seconds.
When you need help with your heating or air conditioning system, call a HVAC technician to inspect, diagnose, and perform any repairs. Let's dig into when and why you should hire a HVAC pro to restore your home to its usual temperature.
Need Help Lighting a Water Heater Pilot Light? Call Your Local Mr. Rooter Plumber! If you are having trouble getting your water heater pilot light on, or you can't get it to stay lit for long, rely on a plumbing professional for water heater repair, maintenance, and replacement services.
Hold the Reset Button
Once the pilot is lit, hold the reset button down for a few seconds to make sure the pilot stays lit, and then release the button. Locate the reset switch, which typically has settings labeled 'On,' 'Off,' and 'Pilot. ' Typically, you should hold the furnace reset button for 30 seconds.
Having the pilot light turn off is not automatically cause for panic. If it goes out, follow your manufacturer's instructions and determine whether relighting it is safe. If relighting is not safe, or if your pilot light keeps going out, call for help from a trained technician.
The pilot light on a gas furnace can go out because of drafts. Follow these directions to relight your pilot light. The pilot light on a gas furnace can go out because of drafts. Most natural gas appliances with pilot lights are designed to shut off automatically if the pilot goes out.
Pilot lights can be a source of carbon monoxide because the by-products of combustion are released inside the home rather than vented to the outside. Gas ovens and ranges should be monitored closely and kept in good working order.