HOW DO I RELIGHT MY FURNACE’S PILOT LIGHT?  

Jan 1, 2023 | Cool Air, Furnace, HVAC, Lancaster, Ohio, Thermostat

Perhaps you’re here reading this blog because you’re currently needing to relight your furnace’s pilot light. If that’s the case – no need to worry; we know how irritating this can be! However, relighting a furnace pilot light is easy enough. Lancaster Furnace & Air Conditioning has provided the steps below for your convenience.  

WHAT ARE THE STEPS TO RELIGHTING A FURNACE’S PILOT LIGHT?

  • Step One: The first thing we need to do is find the pilot light. Even though it’s out right now, it shouldn’t be too hard to find the burner and pilot light opening. Usually, it’s hidden behind a metal door or panel called the burner cover. If your furnace has one, you will need to take off the burner cover so you can gain access to the pilot light. 
  • Step Two: Before you start to relight the pilot light, ensure that you have turned off your furnace at the power source. You can likely find the power switch at the bottom of your furnace.  
  • Step Three: Turn your gas supply off at the source. The gas valve for your furnace should not be located far off. Then wait five minutes before proceeding to the relighting process. By giving the gas time to clear out before restarting work with it again, you will be working in a safe environment. If you don’t wait and give the gas enough time to dissipate before relighting the pilot flame, you’re risking harm to yourself, your family, and your home.    
  • Step Four: For the next few minutes, you’re going to clean the pilot light and its surrounding area. Ensure that there is no debris. You can use a small brush, toothbrush, or cotton swab. After completing this (which may seem tiny and unimportant), know that it will be significantly easier for the flame to reignite and stay burning.  
  • Step Five: Now, it’s time to look for the pilot light assembly. This is knob-like control that has the words “pilot, reset, or on/off.” Keep in mind that the wording on the assembly may vary according to your furnace model. 
  • Step Six: Once five minutes have passed by, go ahead and turn the “pilot” setting on the pilot light assembly. Then press and keep holding down the “reset” setting while you simultaneously use your other hand to ignite your lighter and slowly bring it closer to the pilot light burner. When you are in close enough proximity, the pilot flame should ignite. Once you see the light blaze up, you can let go of the “reset” switch. At this point, your pilot light should remain ablaze.  
  • Step Seven: If you did have to remove a burner cover from your furnace, make sure it is returned to its original spot. 
  • Step Eight: Lastly, don’t forget to put the burner cover back where it originally was! 

Igniting your furnace pilot light may seem like a daunting task, but with our guide, you’ll be able to get it done quickly and easily. Just follow the steps below. If, after going through this guide step-by-step, you find that the pilot light ignites but then goes out as soon as you release the button, there may be another issue with the component. In that case, please give us a call! 

If you’re unsure about relighting your pilot light, always contact an HVAC professional from Lancaster Furnace & Air Conditioning. Contact us today at (740) 625-2320, or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here

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