Modern furnaces no longer use standing pilot lights primarily because they constantly waste fuel, lowering overall efficiency. Instead, they use safer, more reliable electronic ignition systems. These systems—such as hot surface igniters or intermittent pilots—only consume gas or electricity when a heating cycle demands it.
The $5,000 rule is a guideline to help homeowners decide whether to repair or replace their HVAC system. You multiply the age of your unit by the cost of the needed repair. If that number exceeds $5,000, replacing your HVAC system is often more cost-effective.
No, almost all new gas furnaces do not have traditional pilot lights. Instead, they use electronic ignition systems, which are safer, more energy-efficient, and don't waste gas keeping a continuous flame lit.
Furnaces stopped using continuously burning "standing" pilot lights in the early 1990s. Following updated efficiency standards, manufacturers largely phased them out in 1992. Since then, modern furnaces have used electronic ignition systems like Hot Surface Igniters (HSI) or intermittent pilots.
Furnaces typically last 15 to 20 years, but well-maintained units can often operate longer. If your furnace is 25 years old, it likely means you've been maintaining it properly by scheduling annual maintenance and routine care. However, its age puts it at a higher risk for increased repairs and a complete breakdown.
You may be able to improve efficiency by replacing a part, but if your furnace is 15+ years old, a new furnace will be more efficient and more cost-effective. You'll save money on repair bills and future energy bills. Learn about American Standard's Best Furnaces.
Yes HVAC prices have steadily increased over the past few years, and 2026 is no exception. These increases are affecting everything from entry-level systems to high-efficiency units, making it more expensive than ever to install or replace HVAC systems.
It's sometimes called the “flame sensor.” It shuts the gas off if the pilot goes out. Gas that flows through your furnace could enter your house if the thermocouple fails to turn it off. Protecting your home from gas buildup is the thermocouple.
The heat exchanger is often considered the most costly part of a furnace to repair or replace. It is a critical component that transfers heat from the combustion process to the air that circulates throughout your home.
Whether your furnace can run without a pilot light depends on how it is designed. Older systems absolutely need a lit pilot, but modern gas furnaces do not have pilot lights at all. Instead, they use electronic igniters that automatically spark or glow red-hot only when the heating cycle begins.
In reality, modern gas furnaces are equipped with several safety features designed to protect your home from potential hazards, including fires, gas leaks, and carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning.
To check your furnace's pilot light, first determine if your system has a standing pilot or a modern electronic ignition (which glows red hot instead of using a constant flame). For older units with a standing pilot, a visual inspection involves removing the access panel and looking for a small, steady blue flame.
The "two-foot rule" in HVAC is a duct design and installation guideline that requires a minimum of 24 inches of straight, uninterrupted space between branch take-offs (where air taps off the main trunk). It is also applied to spacing branches away from end caps, transitions, and the main plenum.
The best time to buy a furnace is during the off-season, specifically late spring (April-May) or early autumn (September-October), when HVAC companies are less busy and offer lower prices, rebates, or promotions. Purchasing in these shoulder seasons ensures faster installation times and better negotiating power compared to winter peak season.
Many Amish homes are built with plenty of windows to help circulate the air and bring in the cooler overnight temperatures. They open the windows on the top floors to help the heat escape while the family retreats to the lower grounds within their homes for comfort.
A furnace typically lasts between 15 and 20 years. However, the exact lifespan varies based on the type of unit and how well it is maintained.
Typically, a furnace should cycle 3 to 8 times per hour, running for about 10 to 15 minutes each time. If it's cycling more frequently (short cycling) or running for 20+ minutes straight regularly, something's not right.
Sleeping in the same room as an open flued gas appliance (back boiler or gas fire) contravenes the gas safety regulations and puts your life in danger. If you are found to be sleeping in the same room as an open flued appliance during one of our visits, your gas heating appliance will be capped off for safety reasons.
Pilot Light Issues: If the pilot light is not burning efficiently or has gone out, it can result in the release of a small amount of gas, leading to a faint odor.
Federal tax credits for residential furnaces and HVAC systems expired at the end of 2025. If your furnace was installed and placed in service in 2026, it no longer qualifies for the Section 25C Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit.
In short, the 20-degree rule of air conditioning states that you should always keep your AC unit at no more than 20 degrees lower than the outside temperature. It means that, if the outdoor conditions are at 95 degrees, you should set your thermostat at no less than 75 degrees.
Hyperscale data center services, biotechnology, and renewable energy are among the fastest-growing industries in 2026. Driven by surging demand for AI infrastructure, medical breakthroughs, and sustainability initiatives, these sectors offer massive opportunities for expansion and investment this year.