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How to Relight the Pilot Light on Your Furnace

A Step-by-Step Guide

Is your old furnace giving you trouble? If you’ve noticed that your heating system isn’t turning on or is not producing heat, it might be time to check the pilot light. Many homeowners struggle with relighting their furnace pilot light, but don’t worry—it’s a simple process that you can do yourself if you follow the right steps. Let’s walk through the process of how to relight the pilot light on an old furnace and troubleshoot any common issues along the way.

Understanding the Pilot Light

Before diving into the steps, it’s essential to understand what the pilot light is and why it’s important. The pilot light is a small flame that ignites the gas in your furnace. If it goes out, your furnace will not produce heat. Typically, old furnaces have a standing pilot light, which remains on continuously. When it goes out, it’s often due to draft issues, dirt buildup, or mechanical failure.

How to Relight Pilot Light on Old Furnace

Here’s a step-by-step guide to relighting the pilot light on your old furnace:

  1. Turn Off the Gas: Start by turning off the gas to your furnace. This is crucial to avoid any risks associated with gas leaks. Wait about 5 minutes to let any gas disperse.
  2. Locate the Pilot Light: Look for the pilot light assembly inside your furnace. The pilot light is usually located near the burner area. You may need to remove a small access panel to reach it.
  3. Set the Furnace to Pilot Mode: Find the gas control knob. Turn it to the “Pilot” setting. This allows gas to flow to the pilot light but not to the burners.
  4. Light the Pilot: Use a long lighter or match to ignite the pilot light. While holding down the control knob, light the pilot light. You should see a small blue flame. Keep holding the knob down for about 30 seconds to allow the thermocouple to heat up and maintain the flame.
  5. Turn the Gas Back On: Once the pilot light is lit, turn the gas control knob to the “On” position. The furnace should now be operational and ready to heat your home.
  6. Check for Problems: If the pilot light doesn’t stay lit or relighting doesn’t work, you may be dealing with a faulty thermocouple, gas valve issues, or dirty burners. In these cases, it’s best to contact a professional like Arctic Air for furnace repair.

When Should You Call a Professional?

If relighting the pilot light doesn’t solve the issue, or if you’re unsure about any of the steps, it’s time to call in the experts. Furnace issues, especially with older systems, can be complex, and safety is a top priority. At Arctic Air, we offer comprehensive furnace repair services to ensure your heating system is running smoothly. Whether it’s a malfunctioning pilot light, clogged burners, or an outdated thermostat, our team can quickly diagnose and fix the issue.

Why Choose Arctic Air for Furnace Services?

Arctic Air has been serving homeowners in areas like Palmdale, Lancaster, Quartz Hill, Rosamond, Acton, Tehachapi, Pearblossom, Littlerock, and Mojave for over a decade. We specialize in furnace repair, installation, and maintenance. If you’re dealing with pilot light problems or need any other furnace services, our team is here to help.

Our certified technicians are experienced in troubleshooting old furnaces and providing reliable, long-lasting solutions. We offer upfront pricing, ensuring there are no surprises on your bill. Additionally, we provide flexible financing options, so you don’t have to worry about putting off essential repairs.

Contact Arctic Air Today for Furnace Help

If you’re struggling with your furnace or need assistance relighting the pilot light, don’t hesitate to contact us at Arctic Air. We offer fast, reliable service to get your heating system up and running. Call us at (661) 550-1364 or fill out an online form to schedule a service appointment today!

FAQs

Why is my old furnace not igniting?

If your old furnace isn’t igniting, common causes could include a faulty pilot light, dirty burners, or a malfunctioning thermocouple. The pilot light may have gone out due to drafts or a gas supply issue. If the pilot light is still lit, the thermocouple could be preventing your furnace from igniting. This device detects the pilot light and signals the gas valve to open. If it’s dirty or broken, it can stop the furnace from firing up. If relighting the pilot doesn’t work, professional inspection is recommended.

Can I relight the pilot light by myself?

Yes, you can relight the pilot light on your old furnace. Start by turning off the gas and allowing it to clear for a few minutes. Then, set the gas control valve to the “pilot” position, and use a match or lighter to reignite the pilot. Hold the valve down for about 30 seconds to ensure the thermocouple heats up and stays lit. If the pilot light continues to go out, it’s a good idea to have a professional inspect the furnace.

Where is the reset button on my old furnace?

The reset button on an older furnace is usually located near the burner assembly or on the control board. It is often red or orange and labeled “reset.” Pressing this button can help restart the furnace if it’s not igniting or there is an issue with the pilot light. If pressing the reset button doesn’t fix the problem, it may be time to call a technician to further assess the issue.

Can I manually ignite my furnace?

Yes, you can manually ignite your old furnace by turning the gas control valve to the “pilot” setting, holding it down, and using a lighter or match to ignite the pilot. Once lit, hold the valve for about 30 seconds to ensure the thermocouple stays engaged. If the pilot light keeps going out, the thermocouple or another component may need replacement.

What year did furnaces stop using pilot lights?

Furnaces stopped using pilot lights in the early 1990s when they were replaced with more efficient electronic ignition systems. These newer systems, such as hot surface ignition or intermittent pilot ignition, provide more energy-efficient operation by not keeping the pilot light burning constantly. If your furnace still uses a pilot light, it’s likely an older model that may require additional maintenance or replacement.