When the chill of winter sets in, a functioning furnace is essential for keeping your home warm and comfortable. But what happens when your furnace pilot light goes out?
In this article, we’ll guide you through the steps to relight your furnace safely and efficiently. Whether you’re a first-time homeowner or simply looking to troubleshoot your heating system, this guide will provide you with the knowledge and confidence to handle this common issue. From understanding the basics of your furnace to step-by-step relighting instructions, we’ve got you covered.
Let’s dive in and ensure your home stays cozy all season long!
What is Furnace?
A furnace is a heating system commonly used in homes and buildings to provide warmth during colder months. It works by generating heat and distributing it throughout the space via ducts, vents, or radiators. Furnaces can be powered by various energy sources, including natural gas, oil, electricity, or propane, with natural gas being the most common in many households.
Why Relighting Your Furnace is Essential
When the temperature drops, a properly functioning furnace isn’t just a luxury—it’s a necessity. Knowing how to relight your furnace is a crucial skill that can save you from uncomfortable cold snaps, costly repair bills, and unnecessary stress.
A furnace pilot light that goes out can disrupt your home’s heating system, leaving you and your family in the cold. Instead of waiting for a professional or risking further damage by ignoring the issue, learning to relight your furnace ensures you can quickly restore warmth and comfort to your home.
Beyond convenience, relighting your furnace safely can prevent potential hazards, such as gas leaks or carbon monoxide buildup. Regular maintenance, including knowing how to handle a pilot light outage, also extends the lifespan of your heating system, saving you money in the long run.
In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps to relight your furnace efficiently and safely, empowering you to tackle this common issue with confidence. Don’t let a minor problem leave you in the cold—take control of your home’s heating today!
How do you relight your furnace? 7 Easy Steps
1. Cut Power
Turn off the power to the furnace at the electrical panel to avoid equipment damage and electrical shock.
2. Shut Gas Flow
Turn the gas control knob to the “OFF” position on the furnace gas supply line.
3. Clear Remaining Gas
Wait 5-10 minutes for gas to dissipate. If you smell gas, turn it off, ventilate, and call a professional before proceeding.
4. Locate Pilot Light
Find the pilot light at the furnace bottom and set the gas valve to “PILOT.”
5. Ignite Pilot Light
Press and hold the reset button, then use a match or lighter to ignite the pilot.
6. Hold Reset Button
Keep the button pressed for 30 seconds to ensure the pilot stays lit.
7. Restore Power
Turn the furnace power back on and ensure the thermostat is properly set.
Tools and Equipment Needed to Relight Your Furnace
- Long-Reach Lighter or Matches
- Flashlight
- Screwdriver (Flathead or Phillips)
- Protective Gloves
- Cleaning Brush or Compressed Air
- Safety Glasses
Relighting the Furnace – Step-by-Step Guide in 7 Simple Steps
If your furnace isn’t heating properly, it may be time to relight the pilot light. The process is fairly straightforward but must be done safely. Begin by checking if the flame is out, which can happen in older models that rely on a standing pilot system. Locate the access door and gently remove it.
This task may take a few minutes, but follow the tips from your owner’s guide or instruction manual to complete it successfully. If certain components vary by model, don’t hesitate to encourage yourself with guidance from pros to maintain safe operation of your furnace. Keeping these steps in mind ensures you can restore warmth to your home without hassle.
1. Cut Down Power Before Starting
It is important to turn off the power to the heating system to ensure safety when preparing to relight the furnace. Locate the switch on the electrical panel that controls your furnace, and ensure it’s in the off position. This step helps you avoid damage to your equipment and prevents potential injury from an electric shock.
It’s a simple action, but it makes the process much safer and allows you to focus on getting the system running efficiently again. Following this advice will not only protect your furnace but also provide peace of mind during the relighting process.
2. Shut Down the Gas Flow
To safely relight your furnace, begin by turning off the gas supply. Locate the valve on the gas supply line connected to your natural gas system. Turn the fuel door control to the “OFF” position. This stops the flow of gas into the unit. You’ll find the knob inside the furnace at the end of the gas pipe with options for “ON,” “OFF,” and “PILOT.” Make sure it’s set to “OFF” before proceeding.
3. Ensure Gas Clears Before Proceeding
When attempting to turn the furnace back on, it is important to wait at least a few minutes to ensure that any remaining gases have had time to dissipate. Depending on the size of your furnace, this usually takes around 5-10 minutes. If you notice an unpleasant smell in your room, it could be the result of a leak.
In this case, immediately turn off the gas and call a professional for assistance before proceeding to the next step. To be extra cautious, it’s necessary to open a window to let fresh air in and make sure the gas smells are completely gone. Only then should you attempt to continue, ensuring no risks remain. Remember, safety is key, and taking a little more time now will give you peace of mind later.
4. Finding the Pilot Light
Once the gas has completely dissipated, look closely at the bottom of the stove and see a pilot light. To understand how to light it, find the gas valve and turn it to the pilot position.
Use a match or lighter to show the driver that you are holding down the reset button. If the pilot light doesn’t stay lit, check for drafts or blockages causing the issue.
5. Ignite the Pilot Light
When your furnace stops working, the first step is to relight the pilot light. Start by turning the button to the pilot setting.
Press and hold firmly to ensure stable control. Using a long match or lighter, ignite the gas at the pilot light assembly. The process is simple but requires attention to detail and patience.
6. Press and Hold the Reset Button
To relight the pilot, first locate the reset switch with settings labeled as ‘On,‘ ‘Off,‘ and ‘Pilot.’ Firmly press the button to reset the furnace and hold it for 30 seconds. This will make sure the pilot stays lit. If you release the button too soon, the pilot may go out, and you’ll need to start over.
7. Powering Your Furnace for a Warm Home
Ensure the power to your furnace is on by checking the electrical panel. Once active, it should fire up quickly and begin warming your home. If there are still issues, verify the thermostat is set properly. For persistent problems, contact a professional HVAC technician for assistance.
Read More: Why Is My Furnace Not Kicking On? Quick Fixes & Pro Solutions!
Common Issues When Relighting Your Furnace
If your furnace fails to work, there could be several reasons behind the problem. Here’s how to address these issues step by step, based on personal experience and practical expertise.
1. Pilot Light Keeps Going Out
If your pilot light keeps going out, it’s frustrating and can leave your home cold. Here’s what could be occurring and how to resolve it:
- Improper venting can starve the flame of oxygen, causing it to die. Check your vents for damage and repair or replace them if needed.
- Drafts near your furnace can cause gusts of air that may blow out the flame. Identify the source of air infiltration and direct it away or repair the draft.
- A faulty thermocouple might fail to keep the internal gas valve open. If this is the case, have it serviced or replaced.
- The buildup of condensation can drip onto the pilot light and put it out. While the Concord area is a low-humidity region, cooler winters and rain can sometimes cause this issue. If condensation build-up is frequent, it might indicate a bigger problem in your home.
Solutions:
- Inspect and clean the air intake valve and air filter to prevent dust from accumulating.
- Keep the area around the furnace clear to maintain proper airflow.
2. Pilot Light Flame is Weak or Flickering
A weak or flickering flame is a sign that something’s off. Here’s what to look for:
- Dirt in the tube can obstruct gas flow, causing the flame to flicker or sputter.
- Poor airflow can starve the flame of oxygen, making it struggle to stay alive.
Solutions:
- Call an HVAC pro to clean the tube and air intake valve to restore proper gas flow and airflow.
- Schedule regular furnace maintenance and cleaning to prevent dirt buildup.
3. Pilot Light Flame is Orange or Yellow
An orange or yellow flame is a red flag. Here’s why:
- A dirty or clogged air intake valve limits airflow, causing the flame to burn inefficiently.
- This type of flame produces carbon monoxide, a dangerous gas that can build-up in your home.
- It’s also not hot enough to heat the thermocouple, preventing the gas valve from fully opening.
Solutions:
- Ensure your furnace is inspected annually to avoid carbon monoxide risks.
- Restore airflow by having the air intake valve cleaned regularly.
4. Pilot Light Won’t Stay Lit
If your pilot light won’t stay lit, it’s often due to one of these issues:
- A dirty or damaged thermocouple won’t keep the valve open.
- A clogged or kinked gas tube can restrict gas flow, starving the flame.
- A faulty pilot control knob might decrease or halt gas flow, causing the flame to go out.
Solutions:
- Have the thermocouple, valve, and tubing cleaned.
- Replace any kinked lines or damaged lines.
- Service the pilot control knob to ensure it’s functioning properly.
When to Call a Professional
When it comes to keeping your home warm and cozy, C & C Heating & Air Conditioning has been a trusted name for years in Macomb Township, MI. Their technicians, known for being highly trained, are ready to handle any problem with your HVAC system, whether it’s broken ducts or malfunctioning thermostats. If you’re installing a furnace or even upgrading your air conditioner, their services extend beyond just repairs.
FAQs
What are the signs that your furnace requires relighting?
If your furnace is blowing cold air instead of heat, or if you notice a smell of gas, it’s time to check the pilot light. A yellow burner flame instead of blue is another sign that your furnace needs to be relit.
When the air from your vents doesn’t feel warm or cozy, your home might not be as comfortable as it normally is. This could be your chance to quickly relight your furnace and restore comfort.
What steps should I follow to turn the furnace on?
Locate the switch typically found at eye level or slightly higher near the bottom of the basement stairs or in the furnace room. Set the switch “ON” and adjust the thermostat to the desired position.
How long does it take to relight a furnace?
Relighting your furnace is a quick and easy process that takes less than an hour. This job doesn’t usually require anything complex, just a few simple tools you likely have on hand. From start to finish, the whole task is straightforward and hassle-free.
How Long Does It Take to Warm Your Home?
The time it takes depends on how warm your house is. If it’s already cozy, it might only take 20-30 minutes to get the temperature up. However, if you’re starting from a cold space, it could require 45 minutes to an hour or more to fully warm up. Using an alternative heat source, like electric space heaters, can help until the house is warm enough.
Can You Safely Relight the Pilot Light?
It’s safe to relight your furnace’s pilot light by yourself. While it might feel scary at first, once you know how it works and have done it a few times, it becomes second nature. If not confident, call a technician for help.
