How Do I Relight My Pilot Light?

The furnace’s pilot light works to ignite the burners to start the heating process. Pilot lights were once standard on all gas furnaces, but newer systems don’t always contain pilot light ignition systems – some newer furnaces utilize electronic ignition systems.

If your pilot light goes out, your furnace will not be able to produce heat, as its burners will not ignite. Often, homeowners can relight the pilot themselves. Follow these instructions to relight a gas furnace’s pilot light.

Find the pilot light assembly and its reset switch

The furnace’s pilot light is normally positioned at the bottom, by a knob. The knob is usually marked with three settings: Pilot, On, and Off. If you can’t easily find the pilot light and reset switch, look in your furnace’s manual for a diagram which indicates its location.

Set the reset switch to off

Turn the knob to the Off setting – you should be able to adjust it easily using your fingers. This stops the flow of gas.

Wait a moment

It’s important to allow a bit of time to pass from turning off the pilot before attempting to relight it. This allows gas to dissipate from the chamber so you don’t ignite excess gas when relighting the pilot light. A minute to two minutes is sufficient.

Relight the pilot light

Turn the knob to Pilot, allowing gas to flow to the pilot. Light a lighter or match then push in the reset button, and hold your flame to the pilot light’s opening. Keep the reset switch depressed until the pilot light is burning steadily. Then release the button.

Observe the furnace

Once the pilot light is relit and you’ve released the reset button, your furnace should fire up automatically. Observe the pilot light for a few moments to ensure it stays lit. Check the surrounding areas for drafts or other air sources which could have extinguished the pilot light initially.

If you cannot relight the pilot light, or are uncomfortable performing the steps above on your own, call an HVAC technician for furnace repair.

For friendly and professional advice on the sales, service and maintenance of HVAC equipment; contact Parkers Heating and Cooling today or call us at (615) 355-9137.