Pilot lights do go out occasionally. Some people even shut them off in the summer. Every homeowner should know how to light his or her pilot. It isn't too difficult and there are usually instructions printed on the equipment itself. (Sometimes on the back of the furnace door.)
* Remember, this is for standing-pilot systems only. Many of today's systems don't have a pilot light, they use spark or electronic ignition.
Here is a brief guide: But always follow the instructions on the appliance before anything else.
Turn off furnace, boiler, or water heater at thermostat or power switch.
Locate the gas valve and turn knob from "on" or "off" (depending where it was) to "pilot" position.
Hold down red button, which sends gas to the pilot burner.
At the same time hold match to pilot burner. (Just follow the small pilot tubing to end. Sometimes a long match is needed, you can use needle nose pliers to hold match.
On some equipment, you may need to move a small metal door or panel for access.
Light the pilot but do not let go of button.
Continue holding button for 60 seconds.
Now let go of button, pilot should stay lit.
If not, you need to call for service.
Turn gas valve knob back to the "on" position.
Turn on appliance, turn up thermostat, main gas should light.
Remember to put back metal cover if your system had one.
If your pilot light goes out more than once a season there could be a problem. Possible causes could be:
Bad or loose thermocouple
Bad gas valve
Poor pilot flame - low gas pressure or blocked orifice
High winds or downdraft
Badly cracked heat exchanger
Improper venting; flue or chimney problems
Gas shut off or out of propane
So, if your pilot goes out, follow the instructions and try lighting it yourself. If it doesn't light or stay lit then call for service. Hope this helps, remember - these are just rough guidelines and not all possible situations are covered.
Hannabery HVAC is registered with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania's Office of Attorney General: PA#8215
