If you’re a homeowner in Columbus, Ohio, and dealing with a troublesome pilot light, you’re not alone! While pilot lights were once the standard in furnaces, they can be a source of frustration when they act up.
If you’re wondering why your pilot light keeps going out, and whether this presents any hazards, TemperaturePro Columbus is here to help. Let’s dive deeper into why your pilot light might be giving you trouble and when it’s time to call in the experts at TemperaturePro Columbus.
Why is a Pilot Light Important?
In older gas furnaces, the pilot light is a small, continuous flame that ignites the main burners when your thermostat calls for heat. Think of it as the spark that gets your furnace going.
If your pilot light goes out, it can potentially be dangerous, especially with older furnaces, due to potential gas leaks or carbon monoxide buildup.
Common causes your pilot light may go out include a dirty thermocouple, drafts, gas supply issues, or a clogged pilot tube.
Dangers of a Pilot Light Going Out
While modern furnaces have safety features to minimize risks, there are still some potential dangers associated with a pilot light going out:
Gas Leak
- Older Furnaces: If you have an older furnace without a safety shut-off valve, a pilot light going out could lead to a gas leak. Natural gas is flammable and can accumulate in your home, creating a risk of fire or explosion.
- Faulty Valve: Even with a safety valve, there’s a slight chance it could malfunction and fail to shut off the gas supply completely.
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
- Incomplete Combustion: If the pilot light goes out while the gas valve is still open, gas can continue to flow and accumulate. When you try to relight it, this could cause a burst of flame or incomplete combustion, leading to the release of carbon monoxide (CO).
- CO Dangers: CO is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas that can be deadly. It prevents your blood from carrying oxygen, leading to symptoms like headaches, dizziness, nausea, and confusion. Prolonged exposure can lead to loss of consciousness and death.
Reasons Your Pilot Light Keeps Going Out
Here are the most frequent culprits behind a flickering pilot light:
Thermocouple Problems
- Dirty Thermocouple: A thermocouple is a safety device that senses the heat from the pilot light and allows gas to flow. If it’s covered in dust or soot, it might not detect the flame properly, shutting off the gas supply.
- Bent Thermocouple: If the thermocouple is bent out of position, the pilot light’s flame might not reach it, leading to the same issue.
- Faulty Thermocouple: Over time, thermocouples can wear out and fail. This means they can no longer accurately sense the heat and will shut off the gas supply even if the pilot light is lit.
Draft Issues
- Airflow: Drafts from open windows, doors, or even nearby vents can blow out the pilot light.
- Venting Problems: Issues with your furnace’s venting system can create downdrafts that extinguish the flame.
Gas Supply Problems
- Low Gas Pressure: If the gas pressure is too low, the pilot light might not get enough fuel to stay lit. This could be due to a problem with the gas line or the gas meter.
- Gas Leaks: A leak in the gas line can reduce the pressure and cause the pilot light to go out. Important: If you suspect a gas leak, leave your home immediately and contact your gas company or emergency services.
Dirty Pilot Tube
- Clogged Opening: The pilot tube can become clogged with dust, dirt, or debris, restricting the gas flow to the pilot light.
Other Issues
- Faulty Gas Valve: The gas valve controls the flow of gas to the pilot light. If it’s malfunctioning, it might not supply enough gas or might shut off the gas prematurely.
- Pilot Orifice Problems: The pilot orifice is a small opening where the gas comes out to light the pilot. If it’s clogged or damaged, the pilot light might not get enough gas.
What to Do When Your Pilot Light Goes Out
If your pilot light goes out, and you smell gas, evacuate your home immediately and contact your gas company or a trusted HVAC company in Columbus, like TemperaturePro.
If you don’t smell gas, you can try to relight the pilot yourself. Here’s a general guide, but always refer to your furnace’s owner’s manual for specific instructions:
How to Relight Your Pilot Light
- Gather Your Supplies:
- Owner’s Manual: This will have specific instructions for your furnace model.
- Long Lighter or Matches: You’ll need a long reach to safely light the pilot.
- Flashlight: To see clearly in the furnace’s compartment.
- Safety First:
- Turn Off the Gas: Locate the gas valve near your furnace and turn it to the “Off” position. Wait a few minutes for any residual gas to dissipate.
- Turn Off the Power: For electric ignition furnaces, turn off the power to the furnace at the breaker box.
- Locate the Pilot Light:
- Access Panel: Open the access panel to your furnace’s burner compartment.
- Pilot Assembly: Look for the pilot light assembly. It’s usually near the gas burners and might have a small viewing window.
- Relight the Pilot:
- Set the Knob: Turn the gas control knob to the “Pilot” setting.
- Press and Hold: Press and hold the reset button or knob (if applicable).
- Ignite the Flame: While holding the reset button, use your lighter or match to light the pilot light.
- Maintain the Flame: Keep holding the reset button for 30-60 seconds after the pilot light ignites to allow the thermocouple to heat up.
- Release the Button: Slowly release the reset button. The pilot light should stay lit.
- Turn on the Gas:
- Turn the Knob: Turn the gas control knob to the “On” position.
- Check the Burners: If your furnace has an electronic ignition, the main burners should ignite automatically. If not, you might need to follow separate instructions for lighting them.
- Close the Access Panel:
- Securely Close: Close and secure the access panel to your furnace.
Important Notes:
- If the pilot light won’t stay lit: There might be an underlying issue, such as a dirty thermocouple or a problem with the gas supply. Contact a qualified HVAC technician for assistance.
- If you’re unsure: Don’t hesitate to call a professional. It’s always better to be safe than sorry when dealing with gas appliances.
Remember, safety is paramount. If you have any doubts or encounter difficulties, it’s always best to contact a qualified HVAC technician like TemperaturePro Columbus for expert assistance.
Preventing Your Pilot Light From Going Out
To prevent your pilot light from going out, schedule yearly furnace maintenance. This ensures all parts, including the pilot light and safety mechanisms, are in good working order. A qualified technician will inspect and clean components, identify potential problems, and ensure your furnace operates safely and efficiently.
Protect your household from carbon monoxide by installing CO detectors on every level of your home and outside sleeping areas. Test these detectors regularly and replace the batteries as needed. This simple step can provide early warning of a CO leak, potentially saving lives.
If you have an older furnace with a pilot light, consider upgrading to a newer model with electronic ignition. These modern furnaces are more efficient, eliminating the constant gas consumption of a pilot light. They’re also more reliable and safer, as they eliminate the risks associated with a pilot light going out.
While a pilot light going out isn’t always an immediate emergency, it’s crucial to be aware of the potential risks and take appropriate precautions. If you have any doubts, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and contact a professional.
TemperaturePro Columbus Can Help!
Don’t let a faulty pilot light leave you in the cold! The experienced technicians at TemperaturePro Columbus can diagnose the root cause of your pilot light problems and provide reliable solutions. We can also help you explore more modern and efficient heating options for your Columbus home.
If your pilot light keeps going out, or you’re worried about potential dangers of a faulty pilot light, we’ve got you covered. Contact TemperaturePro Columbus today for expert furnace repair and maintenance!