If your furnace has a standing pilot light that keeps going out, the problem may be more than a one-time interruption. Drafts, a dirty pilot assembly, a thermocouple problem, or another issue with the furnace can prevent the pilot from staying lit.
Not every gas furnace has a standing pilot light. Many newer furnaces use electronic ignition instead. If you are unsure which type of ignition system your furnace uses, check the manufacturer’s instructions before attempting to troubleshoot it.
Why Does a Furnace Pilot Light Go Out?
A standing pilot provides the flame needed to ignite the burners on furnaces designed to use this type of ignition. When the pilot goes out, the furnace cannot heat normally.
Several conditions can cause a pilot light to go out repeatedly.
Drafts or Air Movement
Air moving around the furnace can sometimes interfere with a standing pilot flame. If the problem happens repeatedly, however, it is worth having the furnace evaluated rather than assuming a draft is always responsible.
A Dirty or Obstructed Pilot Assembly
Dirt or debris affecting the pilot assembly can interfere with the flame. Because the pilot is part of a gas-burning appliance, cleaning or adjusting its components is best left to a qualified HVAC professional.
A Thermocouple or Safety-Component Problem
Older furnaces with standing pilots commonly use a thermocouple or similar safety device to verify that a flame is present. If the system does not properly detect the pilot flame, it can shut off the gas supply to the pilot.
A technician can determine whether the problem is with the safety component itself or another part of the ignition system.
A Gas-Supply or Furnace Problem
A pilot that will not stay lit can also indicate an issue involving gas flow, the gas valve, or another furnace component. These are not problems homeowners should attempt to diagnose or repair themselves.
What Can You Safely Check Yourself?
Before requesting service, there are a few basic things you can check without taking apart the furnace.
First, determine whether your furnace actually has a standing pilot light. If it uses electronic ignition, troubleshooting instructions for a traditional pilot light will not apply.
Next, review the manufacturer’s instructions for your specific furnace. If those instructions include a homeowner procedure for relighting the pilot, follow them exactly rather than relying on a generic procedure for another model.
You can also take note of what the furnace is doing. Does the pilot light briefly and then go out? Does the furnace fail to produce heat afterward? Has the problem happened more than once?
Those observations can be useful when the system is professionally evaluated.
When Should You Stop Troubleshooting a Pilot Light?
A pilot light that repeatedly fails to stay lit is a reason to look beyond a one-time interruption.
If the pilot continues to go out after following the manufacturer’s instructions, the underlying cause should be diagnosed rather than repeatedly relighting it. You should also stop troubleshooting if you are unsure how the furnace operates or notice anything that suggests a problem with combustion or the gas supply.
If you smell gas, do not continue trying to operate or relight the furnace. Leave the area and follow the safety instructions provided by your gas utility or local authorities.
Does a Pilot Light Problem Mean You Need a New Furnace?
Not necessarily.
A pilot or ignition problem does not by itself determine whether a furnace should be repaired or replaced. The condition of the equipment, the cause of the problem, and the needs of the home all matter.
A professional evaluation can identify what is preventing the furnace from operating correctly and help determine what type of service is appropriate.
Furnace Service From UG Nasons
If your furnace is not heating properly or a pilot or ignition problem keeps returning, you do not need to diagnose the equipment yourself.
UG Nasons provides furnace maintenance, evaluation, and repair throughout Newport County, Washington County, Bristol County, East Greenwich, and West Greenwich.
Homeowners in Portsmouth can learn more about furnace service and repair in Portsmouth, RI. If you are not sure whether the furnace itself is responsible for the problem, UG Nasons can also evaluate the broader heating system and determine what requires attention.
Contact UG Nasons to request furnace service and have the system professionally evaluated.