How To Restart a Furnace Pilot Light in Five Steps

For reliable furnace repairs, reach out to the HVAC technicians at Fast Air Repair. Call today for superior service. 

Does your furnace fail to produce heat and leave you in the cold? Before contacting an expert for furnace repair, look to see if your pilot light is out. This crucial part of a gas furnace triggers the entire heating process and may have trouble staying lit. 

Learn how to restart a furnace pilot light in a few simple steps so you can heat your home without issue. If troubleshooting your pilot light doesn’t solve your problem, it’s time to call the team at Fast Air Repair. We specialize in all things heating and cooling in Ocala. Our technicians are happy to inspect your HVAC system and address any issues. 

Why Pilot Lights Go Out

Your furnace’s pilot light is the small blue flame that heats the burner and starts the combustion process. Without the pilot light, you won’t be able to heat your home through the furnace. Restarting the pilot light is simple, but what causes it to go out in the first place?

The following issues are the biggest reasons you may need to relight the pilot light. 

Strong Drafts

Your pilot light may go out if you have drafty windows or doors near the furnace. A strong gust could blow out the pilot light and cut off your heat supply. Try to eliminate drafts when possible so the pilot light stays on consistently. 

Dirty Air Filters

Your HVAC air filter collects dust and allergens to help you maintain healthy indoor air quality. When the filter clogs, it restricts airflow and may even stop the furnace from producing heat. Don’t forget to change the filter regularly to prevent significant furnace repairs and pilot light issues. 

Underlying Furnace Issues

If your furnace is on the brink of breaking down, you might notice that the pilot light starts going out frequently. Contact a furnace repair contractor at the first sign of trouble before the problem escalates. Faulty furnaces can impact indoor air quality and energy costs, so it’s best to address any mechanical issues immediately. 

How To Restart a Furnace Pilot Light

Many older, less efficient furnaces contain a pilot light that may go out for different reasons. Don’t panic if yours goes out. Follow these simple steps instead:

1. Gather the Necessary Supplies

You’ll need to gather a flashlight and a long-stemmed lighter or match. If you have your furnace owner’s manual, refer to that for specific information about your model, including where to find the pilot light and power knob. 

2. Turn the Furnace Off

Once you locate your furnace’s power knob, turn it to the “off” position. Doing so stops the flow of gas so you can safely reset the system. 

3. Let the Gas Dissipate

Wait five minutes so there are no traces of gas around the furnace. Never skip this step; reigniting the pilot light too soon could spark a dangerous fire. 

4. Adjust the Knob and Reignite the Pilot Light

The next step is to turn the knob to “pilot” instead of “off.” A small reset button should be nearby. Hold down this button and use the lighter or match to spark the light. 

Release the button as soon as the flame holds. 

5. Monitor the Furnace

Keep a close eye on your furnace to see whether the pilot light stays lit or continues to go out. Consistent issues with the pilot light may call for furnace repairs. 

When To Call a Professional

Restarting a pilot light is simple, but don’t hesitate to call local heating contractors in certain circumstances. Sometimes, you need a professional to inspect the furnace and rule out major concerns. Below is a breakdown of situations when you’ll need an expert on your side. 

You Smell Gas

Even if you know how to restart a furnace pilot light, never attempt it if you smell natural gas odors. You likely have a gas leak that can turn extremely dangerous if you try to ignite your furnace’s pilot light. Don’t try to locate or fix the source of the leak yourself. 

In this scenario, the best thing to do is call an HVAC technician who can inspect the system and stop the leak. Turn off the furnace until help arrives since this can be a fire hazard. You should also evacuate the home until the danger subsides. 

Your Restarting Attempts Fail

It shouldn’t take more than two attempts to relight your furnace’s pilot light. If you’re still in the cold after some DIY measures, there’s likely a bigger problem with the furnace in need of attention. Reach out to an experienced contractor who can inspect your furnace in greater detail. 

A professional can identify potential issues that prevent the furnace from functioning properly, such as:

• A faulty thermocouple
• Grime buildup inside the furnace
• Clogged air filter

You Want Peace of Mind

As long as you follow the steps above exactly, you shouldn’t have an issue restarting your pilot light. However, some homeowners don’t feel comfortable dealing with major appliances, especially those requiring a gas line and a flame. You can leave this task up to the experts if it gives you peace of mind. 

Having a specialist restart your pilot light ensures your safety. If they spot something wrong with your furnace during this appointment, you can address it so the issue doesn’t worsen. 

Contact the Local Furnace Repair Experts at Fast Air Repair 

Now that you know how to restart a furnace pilot light, you can keep your home’s heating system working as it should. When the furnace smells like burning substances or starts to malfunction, turn to the knowledgeable technicians at Fast Air Repair. We specialize in air conditioning and furnace repair services and promise to get your HVAC system working properly. 

Call (352) 290-7968 to schedule an appointment at your home. We can answer all your questions and offer the most economical solution.