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Furnace Pilot Light Malfunctioning
Posted On: December 29, 2024
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
-
Dirty Pilot Orifice
Dust, debris, or soot can clog the pilot orifice, reducing or extinguishing the flame.
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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.
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Drafts or Airflow Problems
Strong drafts near the furnace can blow out the pilot light.
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Gas Supply Issues
Insufficient gas pressure or a gas valve issue can prevent the pilot from staying lit.
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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
- Turn off the furnace and wait for gas to dissipate (5-10 minutes).
- Locate the pilot light assembly and turn the gas control knob to "Pilot."
- Hold down the reset button and use a long lighter to ignite the flame.
- 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
- Schedule annual furnace maintenance.
- Keep the pilot light assembly clean.
- Regularly check for drafts and airflow issues.
- 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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See What Our Customers Are Saying:
Feb 13, 2019
Fantastic team. Completed the job as per the specifications and in under 3 hours. Highly recommended Twintech.
Jan 30, 2019
During the summer, I previously hired TwinTech to replace my air conditioner when it failed. They did an excellent job so when I decided to proactively replace the furnace I contacted them. The furnace I had was 22 years old and showed signs of internal leakage. It still worked but rather than wait to have it fail in cold weather, I decided to purchase a higher efficiency model before it failed and take advantage of energy efficiency rebates. TwinTech offered very useful advice on the make and model of furnace to choose including high efficiency and variable speed motor. The price was reasonable, TwinTech arrived at the allotted time, installed the new furnace (including some re-routing of exhaust lines since the existing ones were too close to other vents), removed the old furnace, tested the installation and cleaned everything up. Overall, it was a good experience, they did a great job and the new furnace is working well.
Jan 26, 2019
Greg came over at 9:30pm to rescue my daughter and I from a horrible experience with Enercare that evening. He was professional. Kind. And got us what we needed quickly and at an afford price. I would 100% recommend calling on Greg and his team for any of your heating and cooling needs in the future!!
Jan 24, 2019
Installed a great hot water heater when our old one failed. When my furnace died during cold weather they showed up quickly and my house was warm before my wife got home. :)
Jan 14, 2019
I dont usually right reviews but when you receive service like this I felt it was a must. Honest and fair. I Have 4 children and on Xmas eve my furnace stopped working and a gentleman came out and got me up and running so at least we would have heat for the holidays. As promised he would replace my furnace early in the new year. The job was completed on time, great price for quality furnace and extremely clean and professional job. Would have never known anyone was in the house. Not a spec of dust or mess from lugging out an old rusty furnace. If you have any ac or heating concerns twintech is your only option. I was royally impressed with and Im sure you will be too.
Jan 14, 2019
Class Act ! These guys were professional right from the quote stage through to installation. They know their stuff and took their time to help educate me. They take pride in their work and it shows. I would recommend TwinTech Heating and Cooling to anyone. Keep up the great work !!!
Dec 28, 2018
This Company is terrific. No high pressure sales and they deliver exactly what they promise to deliver. The new furnace is great and we now get consistent temperatures throughout the house. The installers were great and very efficient and completed the work on schedule on the promised day. Everyone representing this company was very aware of their presence in our house and worked diligently to keep our home as uninterrupted and as clean as was humanly possible. We did not need to go around the house to clean up after they left, what a nice surprise. We have had follow up by the company to ensure everything is to our satisfaction. How unusual in today's environment. The impression left by Twintech is that they care about us and our home. This is so refreshing in today's high tech world. Out thanks go out to Dave in sales and G, G, and P (the installers).
Dec 21, 2018
They were Timely and professional. They were very Knowledgeable with answering all of my questions.
Dec 23, 2018
The entire process was prompt and professional, from the initial quote to the installation of the new furnace. The team installed the new furnace and removed the old one in approx. 4 hrs. The guys were very knowledgeable and gave me lots of information. I have used Twintech before for a new A/C installation and new I was in good hands.
Dec 9, 2018
The overall experience dealing with this company was great from start to finish when getting a new furnace and ac this year. Everything was clearly explained to us during our consultation with Dave and there were no surprises with added costs. The work was done as expected and their response time to inquiries were very timely generally within a few hours or less. They are all very professional and was a pleasure to do business with them. Highly recommend to anyone looking for honest quality professional service.
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