Pilot light issues and associated underlying problems are some of the most common reasons a furnace stops working properly. At Spencer Home Services, we offer high-quality solutions to HVAC issues including pilot light problems and installation services in Peabody, MA. If your pilot light won’t stay lit, don’t hesitate to call us. With reliable same-day heating services, expert heating repair, and long-term peace of mind with our lifetime workmanship warranties, you’re in good hands with Spencer Home Services.
In this article, we’ll explore answers to questions like:
- What does a pilot light do?
- Why does a pilot light go out?
- What should my pilot light flame look like?
- When should I call Spencer Home Services for pilot light problems?
What the Pilot Light on a Gas Furnace Does
The pilot light on a gas furnace is a small blue flame that burns continuously inside the combustion chamber. It’s there as the ignition source for the gas burners, which turn on when more heat is required.
Can’t find your pilot light? Pilot lights are usually used in older gas furnaces, while many modern furnaces use an electric igniter instead. If you have a gas furnace, and you’re not sure where your pilot light is, or how it works, check out your owner’s manual, or contact Spencer Home Services for professional assistance.
Why Your Furnace Pilot Light Keeps Going Out
There are several reasons why your pilot won’t stay lit. Some possibilities are:
- Faulty thermocouple: If the thermocouple is malfunctioning, it won’t tell the gas valve to stay open, and will shut off the gas supply, cutting off the flame’s fuel source.
- Poor ventilation: Without enough oxygen, the flame won’t be able to continue burning. Dirty furnace filters, blocked vents, a cracked heat exchanger, clogged ductwork, or a failing blower motor could all cause airflow restrictions.
- Drafts: Any strong air currents in the room may blow the pilot light out.
- Clogged or faulty intake (gas) valve: This valve needs to function properly to supply enough gas to keep the pilot light lit.
- Clogged pilot tube: If dirt, soot, or debris clog the pilot tube, it’ll block the gas flow, extinguishing the flame.
- No fuel: An insufficient gas supply means the pilot light won’t have enough fuel to stay lit.
At Spencer Home Services, we provide professional diagnoses and repairs for all types of heater troubles. If your pilot light keeps going out at night, or you can’t get it to stay lit at all, give us a call right away. We’ll make sure you’re not in danger of a gas leak, furnace breakdown, or other issues.
Signs Your Pilot Light or Furnace Needs Professional Attention
Along with the pilot light going out, other signs it’s time to schedule professional furnace repair include:
- A weak or flickering pilot light: If the flame isn’t steady, it may mean there’s soot or dirt in the pilot tube, or there’s another issue with the gas supply.
- A yellow or orange flame: The pilot light flame should be blue. If it’s not, this indicates that combustion isn’t complete, meaning excess gas may be leaking from your furnace.
- Signs of a gas leak: If you smell a foul odor, see rust on the pipes, or have been experiencing unexplained health issues, these may be signs of dangerous gas leaks.
Do not put off addressing these issues. Your safety, and your home, may be at risk.
What to Do When Your Pilot Light Goes Out
The first step to gas furnace pilot troubleshooting is re-lighting the pilot light by following these easy steps:
- Step 1: Check the owner’s manual to ensure you follow guidelines. This will keep you safe, and prevent accidental damage to your furnace.
- Step 2: Turn the gas valve off. It should turn easily. If it’s stuck, don’t try to force it. Call an HVAC professional for assistance.
- Step 3: Wait three to five minutes for the gas to fully dissipate.
- Step 4: Turn the gas valve to the “pilot” setting, and hold a flame to the nozzle. Push and hold the reset button until the pilot flame burns blue.
- Step 5: Once the flame is lit, turn the valve to the “on” position. Make sure the furnace starts.
- Step 6: Watch to make sure the pilot light continues to burn. If it goes out again, it could be due to a clogged nozzle, or a bigger issue at play.
If you suspect something’s wrong with your furnace, or if you’re not comfortable relighting your pilot light on your own, call Spencer Home Services. We can often be at your home for same-day services, so you can enjoy safe come comfort ASAP.
When It’s Time to Call for Furnace Repair in Peabody, MA
Massachusettans in Essex County can call Spencer Home Services for effective furnace repairs. Schedule service for your furnace for:
- Inconsistent or weak heat: Call us if your heater isn’t keeping your home consistently comfortable in every room.
- Thermostat problems: We can resolve anything from improper settings to full thermostat replacements.
- Unusual sounds: Sounds like loud buzzing, grinding, booming, rattling, or frequent clicking all require professional diagnosis.
- Poor airflow from the vents: Dirty air filters, leaky ducts, obstructed vents, and other issues could stop warm air from flowing properly.
- Bad smells: Unpleasant furnace smells may indicate anything from mold growth to a dangerous gas leak, and should be addressed immediately.
- Frequent (short) cycling: If your furnace turns on and off too quickly, without completing a cycle, it could be due to several different causes. Call us to prevent excess wear, discomfort, and high energy bills due to inefficiencies.
How to Prevent Pilot Light Issues in the Future
To prevent future pilot light problems, you can:
- Keep the area around your furnace clean: Dust and other debris accumulating around the combustion chamber can clog the gas line.
- Check for, and resolve drafts: Poorly sealed windows and doors, or other drafty areas may be the reason your pilot light keeps going out.
- Routine professional maintenance: Regular furnace maintenance is the best way to prevent future pilot light problems. At Spencer, we offer annual inspections, cleaning, and repairs as needed to keep your pilot light burning properly, and prepare your furnace for the incoming cold.
Contact Spencer Home Services for All Your HVAC Needs
At Spencer Home Services, we offer Peabody residents industry-leading warranties and high-quality, lasting solutions. We’ll go the extra mile to ensure your furnace is working safely. Our technicians are skilled, certified, and hardworking. You can count on us to do the job properly, with no shortcuts.
Our HVAC techs are available in communities throughout the North Shore region. Whether you need furnace repair in Salem, heating maintenance in Danvers, or pilot light services near you in Peabody, we’ve got you covered.
Contact us today for all your home service needs. We’ll solve your pilot light issues and other HVAC problems. We also provide expert plumbing and electrical services, making us your one-stop shop for all your home needs. Peabody residents have trusted us for dependable solutions for decades. Call today, and enjoy peace of mind, knowing your home is in good hands.
