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Furnace Pilot Light Malfunctioning

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Furnace Pilot Light Malfunctioning

Posted On: December 29, 2024

Furnace Pilot Light Malfunctioning

If your furnace pilot light is malfunctioning, it can prevent your heating system from working effectively. Here’s a detailed guide to identify and resolve common pilot light issues:


1. Understand the Problem

The pilot light is a small flame that ignites the burners in your furnace. If it’s malfunctioning or won’t stay lit, your furnace may not generate heat.



2. Common Causes

  1. Dirty Pilot Orifice
    Dust, debris, or soot can clog the pilot orifice, reducing or extinguishing the flame.


  2. Thermocouple Issues
    The thermocouple is a safety device that shuts off the gas supply if the pilot light goes out. If it’s faulty or misaligned, the pilot may not stay lit.


  3. Drafts or Airflow Problems
    Strong drafts near the furnace can blow out the pilot light.


  4. Gas Supply Issues
    Insufficient gas pressure or a gas valve issue can prevent the pilot from staying lit.


  5. Malfunctioning Gas Control Valve
    If the gas valve is faulty, it may not release enough gas for the pilot light to ignite.



3. Troubleshooting Steps

a. Inspect the Pilot Light

  • Check if the flame is burning. A healthy pilot light should be steady and blue. If it’s yellow or flickering, it may indicate a problem with the gas mixture or airflow.

b. Relight the Pilot Light

  1. Turn off the furnace and wait for gas to dissipate (5-10 minutes).
  2. Locate the pilot light assembly and turn the gas control knob to "Pilot."
  3. Hold down the reset button and use a long lighter to ignite the flame.
  4. Release the button slowly after 30-60 seconds.

c. Clean the Pilot Orifice

  • Turn off the gas supply and use a needle or compressed air to remove debris from the pilot orifice.

d. Test the Thermocouple

  • Ensure the thermocouple is in direct contact with the flame. If misaligned, adjust its position.
  • If it’s worn out, replace the thermocouple.

e. Check for Drafts

  • Seal any openings near the furnace to prevent drafts from blowing out the flame.

f. Inspect Gas Supply

  • Verify that the gas valve is open and gas is flowing properly. Consult a professional if there’s a suspected gas pressure issue.

4. When to Call a Professional

  • If the pilot light still won’t stay lit after troubleshooting.
  • You suspect a gas leak or faulty gas valve.
  • There’s a persistent yellow or weak flame.

5. Maintenance Tips

  1. Schedule annual furnace maintenance.
  2. Keep the pilot light assembly clean.
  3. Regularly check for drafts and airflow issues.
  4. Monitor your furnace’s performance during the heating season.

Addressing a malfunctioning pilot light promptly ensures a warm and safe home. If in doubt, always consult a licensed HVAC technician.



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by Anna Chin, Ajax on Twintech Heating and Cooling

On one of the coldest days of winter, our furnace stopped working. Our regular furnace company came and told us we had a CO2 leak and shut us off. Their quote for a new furnace was way too high and they couldn't even install it on the same day. TwinTech was recommended to us by a friend. We called and spoke to Dave who was very nice and knowledgeable. Grant showed up a short time later and a new furnace was installed the same day with no troubles at all. Best of all, we received a higher-end furnace than what was offered by our previous company and at a cheaper price. I would recommend TwinTech with no hesitation at all.

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Had new furnace installed and ran into some difficulties but the contractor responded in a timely and efficient manner - after further service calls were made, a reasonable resolution was found.

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The work was done quickly efficiently neatly and professionally. Pleased with the service, information, product, and the company.

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Great sales member named Dave came in told us some amazing items and how they would be priced installed an all. We couldn’t believe it! The next day the ac was installed, that day one employee named Greg told us that our furnace was working way to hard and was causing us to use way too much gas. So two days later they came in an installed a new furnace!

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Installation was done quickly and professionally. The new furnace is quiet and provides even heat.

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They removed and discarded old furnace. Installed new furnace. Installed air intake pipe, that had never been installed by builder, no charge. Replaced loose hose on floor with hard pipe and rerouted it to drain, no charge. Almost 33% cheaper then quote from Enercare, which was the company we dealt with and had insurance with for 8 years. No yearly fee for cleaning/insurance, saves 300 a year. Courteous, professional, fast, and friendly. My wife and I have been recommending them to everyone we know and meet, and will continue to do so. Thanks for everything, Twintech!!!

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This company was great to deal with. Our furnace went down and they installed a new furnace the next day with a lot of professionalism!

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Finally! An honest company with highly knowledgeable and informative staff. Had a furnace service and found multiply errors in our system from an amateur installer. Very fair price to correct problems and will definitely use again.

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by Aaron on Twintech Heating and Cooling

We are very happy to recommend this company to everyone. Our furnace broke down on Sunday morning. We phoned them and before noon Grant the owner showed up. He worked on the furnace for about a hour not wanting to give up to fix the problem. The furnace was 17 years old. I was the one talking about replacing it. End result was the next day it was all done. On the Sunday Bob came over with heaters to warm up the house. We decided to replace the water heater at the same time. Thanks Grant for the excellent work. Thumbs up.

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We were new homeowners in need of a second opinion. TwinTech Heating & Cooling were Amazing and professional. Very knowledgeable and great service all around. Recommend to anyone looking for honest and reliable services. Treated with respect and care. Thank you Greg, Mitch and Bob!

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