Categories
- AC Filters
- AC Repair
- Air Conditioner Maintenance
- Air Conditioner Repair
- Air Conditioners
- Air Conditioning Services
- Air Quality
- Cleaning Tips
- Cooling
- Duct System
- Ducted Air Conditioner
- Ductless Air Conditioner
- Emergency Repairs
- Energy Costs
- Expert Help
- Fans
- FAQ
- Filters
- Fireplaces
- Fun
- Furnace Installations
- Furnace Repairs
- Furnaces
- Gas Fireplaces
- Gas Line
- Gas Line Installations
- Heat Pumps
- Heating
- Heating and Cooling
- Heating Contractors
- heating system
- Heating Technicians
- Humidity
- HVAC
- HVAC Contractors
- HVAC experts
- HVAC Noises
- HVAC professionals
- HVAC Repairs
- HVAC Service
- Insulation
- Maintenance
- Natural Gas
- Pestibulum molestieenean
- Saving Money
- Water
- Water Heaters
- Work
[BACK]
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.
-
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.
-
Drafts or Airflow Problems
Strong drafts near the furnace can blow out the pilot light.
-
Gas Supply Issues
Insufficient gas pressure or a gas valve issue can prevent the pilot from staying lit.
-
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.
[BACK]
See What Our Customers Are Saying:
Jul 2, 2017
Very impressed they arrive to quote even though I had forgotten to call them back to confirm date & time. They showed the day before installation to deliver the unit. Returned the next day as promised at 9am. Project was completed in a professional manner. They even fixed a few things that they noticed were not installed correctly, or to code by previous heating & air contractors we had at our residence before. Would recommend this company to everyone!
Jun 29, 2017
Greg removed old oil furnace and oil tank from basement relocated new Napoleon propane furnace to allow duct work to be rerouted to a much more suitable location. Moved air conditioner to the new furnace. Dave recommended two available grants to assist with cost. They kept to their original quoted price which was substantially lower than a competitors for the same furnace and work. They completed the work as stated when stated and left the area clean and tidy. We are very pleased with the outcome.
Jun 28, 2017
Twintech installed a Goodman furnace and ac init. Very professional install, both units are working well.
Jun 28, 2017
We had Grant and Greg Dainty quote to replace our 20 yr old furnace. I have known them for years and have had other jobs done by them ( AC and Pool Htr). The price was very reasonable and the job was completed in one day.
Jun 23, 2017
TwinTech was the right choice. Our consultation with Dave set the tone. Professional and knowledgeable, we even received a follow-up call within hours of our install completion, wow! TwinTech arrived as scheduled to install our A/C unit. Within minutes of arrival Greg noted and explained a few out of code faults on our furnace installed by another company, problems fixed, thanks TwinTech. Greg, Grant and "Subaru" Pete were meticulous start to finish. Highly recommended!
Jun 13, 2017
Twintech replaced our aging +20 yrs old Furnace & AC with the variable high efficiency Napoleon Furnace matched with the Goodman AC. Sales guy ,Dave was great, gave a no pressure estimate, explained about the Government Rebate program which they took care of completely including arranging the home energy audit. On the scheduled day Greg and his team arrived on time, did a great job and completed the same day , extremely professional and courteous, cleaned up everything , tested the system, Greg took his time to explain the setup. Very impressed with the Napoleon Furnace 9600 which did a great job in maintaining a comfortable temperature last winter and now with the hot weather the Goodman AC cooled the house in much less time than the old AC unit could ever. From start to finish Twintech were great and have no hesitation in recommending them 100%.
Jun 13, 2017
The Twintech team did an excellent job installing our new Goodman air conditioner. They were polite and professional. Greg was knowledgeable and clearly experienced. Thank you Twintech for bringing our cooling system up to current regulations. Job well done!
Jun 11, 2017
Dave from TwinTech was very knowledgeable, professional and thorough in the buying process. He helped us to identify the best furnace for our home and our budget. When we needed a new filter a year later and seemed to have a problem finding the right one, I called Dave up and he delivered a filter to me the next day! The cost was on par with other retailers, but it was this unexpected personal service that really was impressive. The furnace? Works like a charm.
May 27, 2017
Imagine, it's 5 minutes after the midnight countdown New Year's eve and the furnace quits. We called TwinTech fully expecting to leave a message and actually spoke with Greg, one of the owners! We had an immediate repair early the next morning & a new furnace within the week. We have entrusted TwinTech with all our home HVAC service needs for over 6 years. That's why this week with an opportunity to purchase a new BBQ, we called them 1st to see about a gas line install. It's chicken on the grill tonight! They are efficient, reliable, honest, hard working, and -- attentive is an understatement.
Jan 19, 2016
Wonderful customer service, starting from the job quote (Dave), to the clean install, to the follow-up. Twintech is a small company which installed my Napoleon furnace, A/C, John Wood tank, and ran the line for my gas dryer. The installation was completed as promised in one day. The work area was kept very clean, and they even took care of my old rental tank. The professionalism and wonderful customer service is second to none. They completed all of my rebate paperwork, and now I'm getting $2000 back! You will not be disappointed if you hire this company for your project.
Related Links:
oshawa gas furnace problems, ajax furnace inspection, whitby furnace replacement, furnace repairs pickering, oshawa hvac furnaces, pickering gas furnace problems, whitby furnaces, residential furnace, pickering hvac furnace, pickering furnace service, pickering furnaces, oshawa furnace inspection, oshawa furnaces, gas furnace problems, furnace services oshawa, furnace maintenance near me, furnace repair ajax, furnace repair pickering, furnace repair oshawa, furnace replacement, furnace repairs, furnace repair, furnace installations ajax, furnace installations pickering, furnace installations oshawa, furnace inspection,