If you’re feeling a cool blast of air coming from your HVAC vents instead of the heated air you were expecting, it’s likely because your pilot light has been extinguished. But If you don’t quite know how to relight a pilot light – no need to worry! Newark-Heath Heating & Cooling is here for you! Luckily, we have put together a guide to simplify the step-by-step process of relighting your furnace’s pilot light.
WHAT IS THE PROCESS TO RELIGHT A FURNACE PILOT LIGHT?
- PLEASE CHECK THE SIDE OF YOUR FURNACE – When possible, it’s always best to first refer to the manufacturer’s instructions as they are designed for your specific furnace model. Most furnaces have manufacturer’s instructions placed on the side of the heating unit. If, however, they’re in a difficult-to-reach place or you can’t read them for some reason due to insufficient lighting, follow the steps below for general guidance.
- IT IS IMPORTANT TO HAVE A LONG-REACHING LIGHTER OR MATCHSTICK – Before you start, ensure the lighter in your hand is long enough to reach the pilot light. Keeping your hands away from the burner as much as possible is ideal.
- REMOVE THE BURNER COVER – The pilot light can be properly viewed and accessed by removal of the burner cover, which is the metal faceplate that covers and protects the opening where the pilot light is located. This may or may not apply to your furnace model (not all furnaces have burner covers.)
- TURN OFF THE GAS SUPPLY – This is vital for safety reasons.
- WAIT FOR FIVE MINUTES – Don’t proceed to the next step for at least five minutes after you turn your furnace off; this allows the gas time to dissipate and prevents any safety hazards or damage to your home.
- SWITCH THE FURNACE OFF – The furnace’s power button is usually located at the base of the unit.
- FIND THE PILOT LIGHT ASSEMBLY – Now, look for the pilot light assembly. It’s a knob that you turn and is typically labeled with the words “pilot,” “reset,” or “on/off.” Wording may vary depending on your furnace model.
- RELIGHT THE PILOT LIGHT – Set the knob to “pilot” after five minutes have elapsed. This will release gas to where the pilot light is, preparing it for its ignition again. While pressing and holding down on the “reset” button, bring an ignited lighter close to where the pilot burner. Once you’re close enough, the flame should ignite. If things go as planned, your newly kindled pilot light should now remain steadily aglow. After you relight the pilot light, release your hold on the “reset” button.
- GIVE IT SOME TIME – In addition, your furnace will need some time to warm up again. So, give it some time before you feel a stream of warm air coming from your system’s vents.
- TURN THE GAS SUPPLY BACK ON – Don’t forget the gas supply will need to be turned back on.
- PUT THE BURNER COVER BACK ON – Be sure to put the burner cover back on once you’re finished cooking so that nothing falls through.
Congratulations! You know how to relight your pilot light. However, if the light won’t stay lit after trying to reignite it and releasing the “reset” button, there might be an issue with the system that a professional should take a look at. In this case, please contact Newark-Heath Heating & Cooling so one of our NATE-certified technicians can help you out.
Newark-Heath Heating & Cooling is here to assist you in any way we can. So, please feel free to contact us at (740) 212-5849 or schedule an appointment now by clicking here!
