Is your furnace acting up? If it suddenly stopped working, especially during those chilly days, you might be dealing with a pilot light problem. This small flame plays an important role in getting your furnace running. If it goes out, knowing how to check and fix it can save you time and trouble.
But don’t worry! We will walk you through everything you need to know to keep your home warm and cozy. And if you are in Myrtle Beach, One Hour Magic is always available to help you with any heater repair services.
What Is the Pilot Light?
Think of your pilot light as your furnace’s match starter. In older furnaces, it’s basically a tiny flame that stays lit all the time, waiting to fire up the main burner when your home needs heat (your thermostat will signal that). Once lit, the gas heats the air that the furnace circulates through your home. Without the pilot light, the furnace cannot produce heat.
This small flame is key to the function and safety of your heating system. If it goes out, your furnace won’t be able to run. Thankfully, most modern furnaces have safety mechanisms that stop the gas flow if the flame isn’t present. This keeps your home safe from gas leaks but also means your furnace will stop working until you resolve the issue.
How to Check If Your Pilot Light Is Out
It’s actually pretty easy to check! Just look at the bottom of your furnace. You should see a small window or panel. Peek through there, and you’re looking for a small blue flame.
If you can’t see one, your pilot light is out. Likewise, if you see a yellow or flickering flame instead of a steady blue one, that’s also a sign something is not quite right. A weak flame may suggest issues with the gas supply or a dirty pilot opening. This could affect the furnace’s ability to heat your home well.
But you should get a hint that you have a broken pilot light if you find that your heating system is unresponsive. One of the first signs of a pilot light issue is that your furnace isn’t heating your home or your water heater isn’t providing hot water. Since modern furnaces are equipped with safety features that prevent the release of gas when the pilot light is out, the furnace will automatically shut down.
Common Reasons the Pilot Light Goes Out
Several common suspects can cause your pilot light to go out, and understanding them can help you prevent future problems:
1. Dirty Pilot Orifice
Over time, debris and dust can clog up the pilot orifice. This restricts the flow of gas and weakens the flame. A weak or abnormal flame may indicate the need for a cleaning.
2. Broken Thermocouple
The thermocouple is a sensor that watches over your pilot light to make sure it’s burning. If it detects no flame, it shuts off the gas to prevent leaks. A messy thermocouple may cut off the gas even when the pilot light is working.
And a malfunctioning thermostat may often mean that you need to replace it.
3. Strong Drafts
Sometimes, it’s as simple as a draft blowing out the pilot light, especially external drafts from nearby windows or doors. In these cases, we recommend adding some form of shielding around the furnace area to prevent this from happening again.
4. Gas Supply Hiccups
If your home’s gas supply is broken or weak, your pilot light might not receive enough gas to stay lit. This could be an issue with your gas provider or an internal problem with the furnace.
How to Repair a Broken Pilot Light
First things first. Before trying to fix the pilot light, always check for gas smells. If you smell gas, stop right there! Turn off the gas valve, get out of the house, and call the pros. Gas leaks are not something to mess around with.
If there is no gas smell, you may be able to relight it yourself. You can follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your specific furnace model. Or, if you’re comfortable relighting the pilot light yourself, here’s the basic game plan:
Reigniting the Pilot Light
- Turn everything off and give it a few minutes for the remaining to go away.
- Find the pilot light assembly. It usually has settings for “Off,” “Pilot,” and “On.”
- Switch the valve to “Pilot.”
- Push and hold the reset button while you light the pilot light (with a lighter).
- Keep holding that button for about half a minute for the flames to hold.
If it won’t stay lit after a couple tries, it’s probably time to call in the experts. There may be a more significant issue at play, such as a damaged thermocouple or another part that requires repair.
Dealing with an Electric Heater Pilot Light
Electric heaters do not use gas-powered pilot lights like older furnaces. Instead, they have electric ignition systems, which can sometimes act up.
If your electric heater isn’t working, check the circuit breaker and reset the system if needed. If this doesn’t resolve the issue, it’s best to have a qualified tech inspect the heater to prevent potential damage or danger. You can always call us at One Hour Magic for any heater repair issues, and we’ll get your pilot light back in no time.
Is It Dangerous If the Pilot Light Goes Out?
A pilot light going out usually isn’t dangerous, but it can be in some circumstances. If gas continues to flow into the furnace without igniting, it can gather around and pose a safety risk. Fortunately, modern furnaces include automatic shut-off valves that stop the gas flow when the pilot light is out, preventing gas from entering your home.
Even with these safeguards, you should be aware of gas odors. If you smell gas, leave your home immediately and call emergency services or a professional technician.
Is Your Pilot Light Not Working? Call One Hour Magic
Your pilot light seems like a small thing, but it’s pretty important for keeping your home warm and safe. While many pilot light problems are simple fixes, feel free to call for help if unsure. While it’s great to be handy around the house, sometimes you need backup. That’s what the pros are there for!
Need some help in Myrtle Beach? One Hour Magic’s team of certified experts is ready to jump in and get your heat back up and running. Your safety and comfort are our top priorities, and we’re here to help you with all your heating needs. Let One Hour Magic care of your furnace so you can stay worry-free during the colder months.