Reset Pilot Light on Furnace: Quick & Easy Steps

Last Updated on October 29, 2023 by Albert Duke

To reset the pilot light on your furnace, turn the knob to “Pilot” and hold down the “Reset” button. Use a long lighter to bring the flame close to the pilot opening and ignite it.

Once the pilot is lit, release the reset button. Make sure to observe the pilot light for a few minutes to ensure it stays lit. Resetting the pilot light on your furnace is a straightforward process that can save you time and money.

When the pilot light goes out, it’s essential to relight it promptly for your furnace to function properly. In this guide, we will provide you with simple steps to reset the pilot light on your furnace and ensure its safe operation. By following these instructions, you can quickly get your furnace up and running again. So, let’s dive into the steps needed to reset the pilot light on your furnace efficiently.

Understanding The Importance Of A Pilot Light

Restarting a pilot light on a furnace is crucial for efficient and safe operation. By following a few simple steps, such as identifying the pilot, ensuring safety measures, and relighting the pilot, homeowners can maintain their furnace’s functionality. Seek professional assistance if the pilot light continues to go out.

A furnace system plays a crucial role in providing cozy warmth during the cold winter months. At the heart of the furnace lies a tiny but mighty pilot light, serving as the ignition source for your furnace’s heating process. It may seem insignificant, but the importance of a pilot light cannot be underestimated.

In this section, we will explore what a pilot light is, how it works, and why it is essential to keep it lit for efficient furnace operation.

What Is A Pilot Light And How Does It Work?

A pilot light is a small, continuously burning flame that ignites the main burner in a furnace. It serves as a source of ignition in the combustion process, allowing the furnace to generate heat. The pilot light is typically fueled by natural gas or propane, depending on the type of furnace.

To understand how a pilot light works, let’s break it down into a few key steps:

• Gas flow: When the furnace is turned on, a control valve allows a small amount of gas to flow to the pilot light assembly.
• Ignition: Once the gas reaches the pilot light assembly, an ignition source, such as a spark or a flame from a pilot light, ignites the gas, creating a small flame.
• Flame sensor: A flame sensor, located near the pilot light, senses the presence of the flame. If it detects a flame, it signals the control valve to keep the gas flowing.
• Main burner ignition: Once the pilot light is lit, it serves as a reliable ignition source for the main burner in the furnace. The main burner then ignites, producing the heat that warms your home.

The Role Of The Pilot Light In A Furnace System

Now that we understand how a pilot light works, let’s dive into its role in a furnace system. The pilot light serves three primary purposes:

• Continuous ignition: As mentioned earlier, the pilot light’s main job is to provide a continuous flame, ensuring a reliable ignition source for the main burner. This consistent flame is crucial for proper furnace operation.
• Safety control: The pilot light serves as a safety control mechanism. If the pilot light goes out unexpectedly, it indicates a potential issue with the furnace, such as a gas leak or a faulty thermocouple. In such instances, the pilot light’s extinguishment triggers a safety shutdown, preventing gas from flowing into the furnace.
• Energy efficiency: Keeping the pilot light lit is vital for energy efficiency. A lit pilot light eliminates the need for the furnace to repeatedly ignite the main burner from scratch, which can be energy-intensive. By maintaining a steady flame, you can reduce energy consumption and ultimately save on your heating costs.

Importance Of Keeping The Pilot Light Lit For Efficient Furnace Operation

Now that we understand the role and functioning of a pilot light let’s delve into why it is crucial to keep it lit for efficient furnace operation. Here are a few reasons:

• Optimal heating performance: A lit pilot light ensures that the furnace is ready to generate heat whenever needed. Without a functional pilot light, you may experience delays in heating or no heat at all, leaving you shivering in the cold.
• Safety: A consistently burning pilot light indicates that the furnace is functioning correctly. If the pilot light goes out, it can be indicative of a malfunction or a potential safety hazard, such as a gas leak. Regularly monitoring and keeping the pilot light lit is crucial for maintaining a safe and reliable heating system.
• Energy savings: By keeping the pilot light lit, you can maximize energy savings. As mentioned earlier, a lit pilot light eliminates the need for the furnace to ignite the main burner from scratch repeatedly. This reduces energy consumption and translates into lower utility bills.

Understanding the importance of a pilot light can help you ensure efficient furnace operation and a cozy, warm home. Regularly check and maintain your pilot light to enjoy optimal heating performance, safety, and energy savings.

Signs And Reasons For A Pilot Light Malfunction

If your pilot light on the furnace is malfunctioning, it could be due to various signs and reasons. To reset the pilot light, turn the knob to “Pilot” and hold down the “Reset” button while igniting the pilot with a long lighter.

Common Signs That Indicate A Pilot Light Issue:

• Pilot light keeps going out
• Furnace fails to ignite
• Weak or yellow pilot flame
• Unusual sounds coming from the furnace

Possible Reasons For A Pilot Light Not Staying Lit:

• Faulty thermocouple: The thermocouple is a safety device that detects the pilot flame. If it is defective, it may shut off the gas supply to the pilot light.
• Dirty or clogged pilot orifice: Dust, debris, or soot can accumulate in the pilot orifice, blocking the flow of gas and causing the flame to go out.
• Improperly adjusted pilot light: If the pilot light is not properly adjusted, it may not generate a strong enough flame to stay lit.
• Gas supply issues: Low gas pressure or a malfunctioning gas valve can prevent the pilot light from staying lit.
• Drafts or air flow issues: Strong drafts or poor airflow around the furnace may cause the pilot flame to flicker or go out.

Understanding the importance of troubleshooting the pilot light is crucial to ensure the proper functioning of your furnace. Ignoring pilot light issues can lead to decreased energy efficiency, higher utility bills, and even potential safety hazards. It is recommended to address any pilot light problems promptly to prevent further damage and inconvenience.

Step-By-Step Guide To Resetting The Pilot Light On Furnace

Learn how to reset the pilot light on your furnace with this step-by-step guide. Discover the safety precautions and instructions to relight the pilot light accurately and efficiently in order to keep your furnace running smoothly.

Step 1: Safety First

Before attempting to reset the pilot light on your furnace, it is crucial to prioritize safety. Follow these important precautions to ensure a safe process:

• Turn off the furnace: Locate the main power switch for your furnace and turn it off. This will prevent any accidental ignition or other mishaps while working on the pilot light.
• Allow time for cooling: Give the furnace enough time to cool down. This will minimize the risk of getting burned while working on the pilot light assembly.
• Familiarize yourself with the furnace manual: Take the time to read through the manufacturer’s manual for your specific furnace model. This will provide important safety information and specific instructions for resetting the pilot light.
• Wear protective gear: Put on safety gloves and goggles to protect yourself from any potential hazards.

Step 2: Locating The Pilot Light Assembly

To reset the pilot light on your furnace, you first need to locate the pilot light assembly. The method will depend on the type of furnace system you have. Here’s what you need to know:

• Standing pilot light: Look for a small, continuously burning flame near the burners. This type of furnace has a standing pilot light assembly, usually located near the bottom of the furnace.
• Electronic ignition: If your furnace has an electronic ignition system, you won’t see a visible flame when the furnace is not running. Instead, there will be ignition control modules or spark electrodes responsible for lighting the burners.
• Consult the furnace manual: To determine the exact location of the pilot light assembly in your furnace, refer to the manufacturer’s manual.

Step 3: Relighting The Pilot Light

Now that you’ve located the pilot light assembly, it’s time to relight the pilot light. Follow these step-by-step instructions for a safe and effective process:

• Find the pilot control knob: Look for a knob or switch labeled “Pilot” or “Pilot Light” on the furnace control panel. This control knob will have three positions: “Off,” “Pilot,” and “On.”
• Set the control knob to “Off”: Start by turning the control knob to the “Off” position. This will ensure that the gas supply to the pilot light is shut off.
• Wait for the gas to dissipate: Give the furnace a few minutes to allow any lingering gas to dissipate before proceeding.
• Set the control knob to “Pilot”: Turn the control knob to the “Pilot” position while simultaneously pressing down on the knob. This will allow gas to flow to the pilot light.
• Ignite the pilot light: Use a long fireplace match or a long-reach lighter to ignite the pilot light flame. Insert it next to the pilot assembly and carefully light the flame.
• Hold the control knob in: While keeping the control knob depressed, continue to hold it in for about one minute to ensure the pilot light stays lit.
• Set the control knob to “On”: After one minute, release the control knob and set it to the “On” position. The pilot light should remain lit, and the burners will ignite when the furnace is turned on.
• Test the furnace: Finally, turn on the furnace and check if it ignites properly. If everything is functioning as it should, you have successfully reset the pilot light.

Step 4: Review Of Relighting Procedures

Let’s quickly review the steps we’ve taken to relight the pilot light on your furnace:

• Prioritize safety: Turn off the furnace, allow it to cool, and familiarize yourself with the furnace manual. Wear protective gear.
• Locate the pilot light: Identify the pilot light assembly based on your furnace system (standing pilot or electronic ignition).
• Follow relighting instructions: Find the pilot control knob, set it to “Off,” wait for the gas to dissipate, set it to “Pilot,” ignite the pilot light, hold the control knob in for a minute, and set it to “On.”
• Test the furnace: Turn on the furnace and ensure it ignites properly.

If you encounter any issues during the process, here are some troubleshooting tips:

• Check for gas supply: Ensure that the gas supply to the furnace is turned on and that there are no gas leaks.
• Clean the pilot assembly: If the pilot light does not stay lit, it could be due to a dirty or clogged pilot assembly. Clean it using a small wire brush or compressed air.
• Seek professional assistance: If you are unable to relight the pilot light or if any other problems persist, it’s best to contact a professional HVAC technician.

By following these step-by-step instructions and troubleshooting tips, you can safely and successfully reset the pilot light on your furnace. Stay warm and comfortable throughout the winter season.

Credit: www.onehourheatandair.com

Additional Tips And Precautions For Maintaining A Reliable Pilot Light

For reliable pilot light maintenance, follow these additional tips and precautions when resetting the pilot light on your furnace. Remember to turn off the gas for several minutes before attempting to relight the pilot, and consult the appliance’s instructions for guidance.

Importance Of Regular Maintenance And Inspection Of The Pilot Light:

• Regular maintenance and inspection of the pilot light is crucial for ensuring the smooth operation of your furnace. Here are some reasons why it is important:
• Safety: A well-maintained pilot light reduces the risk of gas leaks and potential fire hazards.
• Efficiency: A clean and well-functioning pilot light ensures that your furnace operates at its optimal efficiency, saving you energy and money.
• Reliability: Regular maintenance helps prevent unexpected breakdowns and extends the lifespan of your furnace.
• Peace of mind: Knowing that your pilot light is regularly inspected and maintained provides you with peace of mind, especially during the colder months when your furnace is in constant use.

Tips For Preventing Future Pilot Light Malfunctions:

• To avoid pilot light malfunctions in the future, here are some useful tips to follow:
• Keep the area around the furnace clean and free from dust and debris.
• Regularly check for any signs of wear or damage on the pilot light assembly, such as corrosion or loose connections.
• If you have a standing pilot light, make sure it is properly aligned and fully engulfing the thermocouple or flame sensor.
• Use a soft brush or a vacuum cleaner to gently clean the pilot light assembly to remove any dirt or soot buildup.
• Ensure that the gas supply to the furnace is uninterrupted and the gas valve is fully open.
• If you notice any irregularities in the pilot light flame, such as flickering or a yellowish color, it may be a sign of a malfunction. In such cases, it is important to seek professional assistance.

When To Seek Professional Assistance For Pilot Light Issues:

• While some pilot light issues can be resolved through DIY methods, there are certain situations where it is best to seek professional assistance. Here are some indicators that you may need to call a professional:
• If you are unable to relight the pilot light following the manufacturer’s instructions or if the flame keeps going out.
• If you notice a strong gas smell coming from the furnace or suspect a gas leak.
• If the pilot light flame appears abnormally large or erratic.
• If you are experiencing frequent pilot light malfunctions despite regular maintenance.
• If you are unsure about how to properly inspect or troubleshoot pilot light issues.

Remember, safety should always be your top priority. If you have any doubts or concerns about your pilot light, it is always best to consult a qualified HVAC technician who can diagnose and resolve the issue effectively.

By following these additional tips and taking necessary precautions, you can maintain a reliable pilot light and ensure that your furnace operates efficiently throughout the year.

Frequently Asked Questions For Reset Pilot Light On Furnace

How Do You Relight An Automatic Pilot Light?

To relight an automatic pilot light, follow these steps: 1. Turn the knob to “Pilot” and hold down the “Reset” button. 2. Use a long-stemmed lighter to ignite the pilot opening. 3. Once the pilot is lit, release the reset button.

4. Monitor the pilot light to ensure it stays lit.

Is It Safe To Relight A Pilot Light?

Yes, it is safe to relight a pilot light. If the pilot light goes out, turn off the gas for several minutes before relighting it. Follow the instructions attached to the appliance.

Why Wont My Pilot Light Relight On My Furnace?

If your pilot light won’t relight on your furnace, it may be due to a broken gas valve. Contact professionals for diagnosis and possible replacement.

How Do You Relight An Hvac Pilot?

To relight an HVAC pilot, turn the knob to “Pilot” and hold down the “Reset” button. Use a long lighter to ignite the pilot opening. Once the pilot is lit, release the reset button. Make sure the pilot stays lit.

Conclusion

Relighting the pilot light on your furnace is a simple task that can save you time and money. By following the proper procedures, you can ensure that your furnace is running efficiently and safely. Remember to always prioritize safety by turning off the gas at the appliance for several minutes before relighting the pilot light.

Additionally, be sure to consult the appliance’s instructions for specific guidelines. If the pilot light continues to go out or won’t stay lit, it may be necessary to contact professionals for further diagnosis and possible replacement of the gas valve.

By taking proper care of your furnace and regularly relighting the pilot light as needed, you can keep your home warm and comfortable during the colder months.