If you’re reading this, then your pilot light has probably been blown out. (And if it hasn’t, please continue reading, as the following information can be valuable to any homeowner!) Don’t worry, though, it happens to the best of us! So, if you’re feeling a blast of cool air from your HVAC system instead of the warm air that it is intended to, it’s likely due to a pilot light that has been extinguished. Pilot lights are responsible for igniting the furnace and starting the air’s heating process. So, if you need to know how to relight your furnace’s pilot light, follow these steps from New Albany Heating & Cooling.
WHAT IS THE STEP-BY-STEP PROCESS FOR RELIGHTING MY PILOT LIGHT?
- CHECK THE SIDE OF YOUR FURNACE FOR INSTRUCTIONS FROM THE MANUFACTURER – The best place to find instructions for your exact furnace model is on the side of the heating unit. But if they’re in a difficult-to-reach place or you can’t read them, follow the steps below for general guidance.
- MAKE SURE TO HAVE A LONG LIGHTER OR MATCHSTICK ON HAND – Before you start, make sure the lighter in your hand can reach the pilot light; this will help protect not only yourself but also your home and family. In addition, keep in mind that it’s best to keep your hands as far away from the burner as possible.
- TAKE OFF THE BURNER COVER – In order to view and access the pilot light properly, you’ll need to remove the burner cover, which is the metal faceplate that covers and protects the pilot light opening. Take note that not all furnaces have burner covers, but most do.
- TURN OFF THE GAS SUPPLY – This is for safety reasons.
- WAIT FOR AT LEAST FIVE MINUTES – It is crucial that you wait at least five minutes after turning your furnace off before proceeding to the next step. This allows the gas from your furnace with enough time to dissipate and avoid any safety hazards or damage to your home.
- TURN THE FURNACE OFF – The first step to relighting your furnace is turning it off by flipping the switch to “off.”
- LOCATE 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.” If you’re having trouble finding it on your model, check your furnace manual or search online for specifics related to your model.
- RELIGHT THE PILOT LIGHT – Now switch the knob to “pilot” after five minutes have elapsed. This will release the gas back to where the pilot light is, preparing it for relighting again. While pressing and holding down on the “pilot” button, bring the ignited lighter close to where the pilot light is situated. Once you’re close enough, the flame should set off and stay aflame.
- BE PATIENT – After you relight the pilot light and release the “pilot” button, wait for your furnace to warm up again. You should feel a stream of warm air coming from your system’s vents within one or two minutes.
- TURN ON THE GAS SUPPLY – Don’t forget about this step.
- RETURN THE BURNER COVER – If you did have to remove a burner cover off of your furnace, don’t forget to place it back on!
Well done! You’re now able to relight your pilot light by yourself. If the light won’t stay lit after trying to reignite it and releasing the “pilot” button, there might be an issue with the system that a professional should take a look at. In this case, please contact New Albany Heating & Cooling so one of our NATE-certified technicians can help you out.
New Albany Heating & Cooling has got you covered for all your HVAC needs. Feel free to contact us at (614) 636-5002 or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!
