Relight Your Furnace Pilot Light Step-by-Step

When frigid winter weather arrives, having a working furnace is essential. But sometimes, even well-maintained furnaces encounter issues. A common problem is the pilot light going out, stopping the furnace from firing up and leaving you without heat.

Relighting a furnace pilot light might seem complicated, but it can be easy with the right guidance.

Gather the Necessary Furnace Pilot Light Tools

Before getting started, make sure you have gathered a few key items:

• A flashlight - To easily see the small pilot assembly area
• Long fireplace matches or a gas lighter - Provides the necessary extended reach
• Your furnace manual or label with instructions - For specific details on your model
• Adjustable wrench - For loosening bolts to access pilot area

Safety is also imperative when dealing with gas appliances. Make sure all windows and doors in the vicinity are opened and there is proper ventilation. Have a cell phone nearby in case of emergencies. And remove any flammable objects from the area.

Calling in a Professional

If your furnace pilot light repeatedly goes out or there are other underlying issues, you may need professional HVAC technician assistance. They have specialized training and equipment to fully diagnose and provide repairs.

Locate the Gas Valve and Pilot Light Area

Furnace pilot lights are typically located near the main gas valve and burner assembly. But designs can vary across models. Check your owner's manual to determine exactly where the pilot should be.

There may be a small viewing window that allows you to see the pilot light. If not, you will need to remove panels from the furnace cabinet to access it. Use caution when doing this, making sure not to touch internal components.

Helpful Furnace Pilot Light Tips

• Use a flashlight for better visibility
• Do not force parts loose or touch hot surfaces
• Refer to manual labels for model-specific component locations

Shut Off the Gas Supply Valve

Your next step is to turn the gas supply off at the valve before attempting to relight the pilot. Look near the main gas line entering the furnace for a shut-off valve. Use the adjustable wrench to turn the valve a quarter-turn perpendicular to the line.

With the gas off, wait 5 minutes for any residual gas to dissipate before moving to the next steps. This prevents possible ignition while working near the pilot assembly.

Warning Signs of Gas Leaks

• Rotten egg smell
• Hissing or whistling noise
• Dead vegetation near appliances
• Dirt blowing near gas lines

If you detect leaks, leave the building immediately and call emergency services.

Remove Heat Shields Protecting Pilot

Furnace pilots are often covered by thin metal shields that deflect heating airflow. You will likely need to detach these shields to clearly view the pilot. They may be held on by bolts or bent tabs.

Use gentle caution when removing shields, being careful not to bend or warp them. Set them aside carefully for later reinstallation after the pilot is lit.

Tips for Accessing Stubborn Furnace Pilots

• Avoid forcing metal coverings
• The furnace may need pulled from the wall slightly
• Shield bolts can be very tight or rusty

Clean Pilot Nozzle and Igniter Areas

Before attempting to ignite, use a clean cloth or brush to gently clear any debris near the pilot light nozzle and igniter pad. Buildup here is a common culprit for pilot light outages.

Make sure not to damage any components. Wipe down to a shiny surface. Any dirt, grease, or residue left behind can prevent the pilot from catching and holding a flame.

Causes of Furnace Pilot Light Problems

• Dirty or blocked pilot assembly
• Gas valve defects
• Weak igniter spark
• Thermocouple failure

depress Reset Button and Light Pilot

You are now ready to attempt lighting the pilot. Locate the reset button near the gas valve. It may be an actual button or pin device. Hold it down while quickly triggering your igniter multiple times near the pilot.

Position the match or lighter flame against the igniter and nozzle. Hold it there steadily, continuing to press the reset for about 60 seconds after the pilot lights and stays lit on its own.

If the pilot does not initially light, wait a few minutes before repeating attempts. Sometimes there is residual gas or fumes that need to fully dissipate.

What Causes Pilot Lights to be Temperamental?

• Thermocouples wearing out
• Weak igniter spark
• Poor gas pressure
• Air drafts blowing out flame

Release Gas Valve and Check Pilot

After holding the reset for 60 seconds, release it. The pilot should remain lit. If not, repeat the previous step. With power and gas still off, observe the steady pilot for 2-3 minutes.

Check that it is blue in color and covers approximately 50-60% of the thermocouple tip above it. If needed, adjust the pilot screw to alter the flame size to meet specifications.

Reasons Newly Lit Pilots Go Back Out

• Thermocouple failure
• Low gas pressure
• Pilot flame too small
• Reset not held long enough

Replace Shielding and Reconnect Power

If the new pilot flame remains lit and steady after several minutes, you can replace the protective heat shields around it. Reconnect any wiring harnesses that were detached and return any furnace doors or panels to their closed position.

Lastly, turn the gas valve back on to supply fuel to the burner assembly and reconnect electrical power. Set your thermostat 5 degrees higher to trigger the furnace and ensure it fires up with your relit pilot.

Closely monitor the system for several heating cycles. Check for any new noises, smells, or issues - which would indicate a remaining problem requiring HVAC technician inspection.

What to Do if Your Furnace Still Has Problems

• No heat - check circuit breaker/filter status
• Loud banging or rumbling - shut off and call for repairs
• Burning smells - pilot may be too large
• Continuous blowers - possible sensor issue

Having to relight your furnace pilot can be inconvenient, but is relatively easy with the right guidance. To prevent regular repetitions, ensure your unit receives annual maintenance and repairs for detected component wear before issues escalate.

Keep this newly relit pilot procedure on hand for the next time your heat cuts out unexpectedly. And as winter weather continues, give your faithful furnace some added attention to keep it running reliably all season long.