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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:
Jul 28, 2022
On coldest night of the year our furnace quit. At 8:40 in the morning Greg arrived and gave us a diagnosis and a recommendation. By 2:30 we had a new furnace and were warm again. Great company. Great customer service. Good reasonable price.
Peter, Pickering
Jul 3, 2022
Twin tech team was very efficient and prompt. They provided a quote within hours of request and got the job done on time. No disruption to home function. We would highly recommend this team. Job well done.
Jul 3, 2022
Our furnace bit the dust, and Twintech came out to troubleshoot and diagnose the problem within a couple of hours. Mitch was super helpful, patient, and answered all of our questions. When we decided to get the furnace replaced, the crew was over first thing the next morning and did a fantastic job. Not only did they complete the job in a few hours, but they cleaned up and respected our house as they went, and answered all of our follow-up questions. I've used Twintech for our HVAC needs in the past and will continue to do so. I'd recommend them to anyone, and it feels good to support a local, family-owned business.
Jul 3, 2022
Dave and the Twintech team were fabulous from day 1 and helped us through the process to identifying a new furnace and AC unit. This was our first time through this process and Dave did a thorough job explaining all the components and was very patience answering all our questions. Dave provided great insights and fair pricing.
The Twintech team did an awesome installation. Very clean and efficient. I would highly recommended their service.
Jul 3, 2022
We had a new Amana furnace installed by Twintech and we were very pleased with the installation. It is nice to have a warm house again.
Jul 3, 2022
Excellent job. Excellent service. Competitive price. Its rare to find a company with the knowledge and professional results we have experienced with Twintech. The clean and neat installation with attention to detail and drop sheers to respect our property is a clear indication of Twintechs high level of integrity. The 1-1/2 gas line upgrade they did for our pool 3 years ago was awesome. Can't say enough. Thank-you Twintech.
Jul 3, 2022
Twitch did a great job with the installation of our new furnace. I really appreciated their honesty and I could trust what they were telling me. Another company tried to suggest significantly more work at a greater cost claiming it was necessary to meet current building code. Twintech is very fair. All staff I meet were friendly, polite and trustworthy. I would recommend Twitch for a furnace.
Jul 3, 2022
This is a professional team that's easy to deal with. I would strongly recommend them
Jul 3, 2022
Very professional firm from start to finish!
They removed the old oil tank and furnace. They installed air conditioning and a new propane furnace.
Professional installation, on time and no mess.
Very pleased with their work and would highly recommend the company. Our house is three stories so they spent the time to do all the calculations to make sure we would have great performance on each floor.
Thank you again!
Jul 3, 2022
Upon a routine yearly maintenance, it was discovered there was a leak in the heat exchanger and a I needed a new furnace. I know nothing about these things and was completely stressed out. The company I had the maintenance plan with quoted me a huge number to rent a furnace, I just wanted to cry. Then I spoke to Dave at Twintech. He was so knowledgeable and calming, provided me a fair quote and within a few days I had an amazing crew show up to my house and install my new energy efficient furnace! I have already recommended these wonderful people at Twintech to a good friend of mine. Thank you Twintech!!
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