A pilot light is a vital component inside a furnace as it generates a continuous flame to ignite the gas inside the unit. If the pilot light goes out, don’t expect air to heat up and travel through the air ducts and out the vents. Sometimes, if the pilot light goes out, simply pressing the ignition button will reignite the pilot light. However, several underlying problems could cause the pilot light to malfunction. Understanding why a pilot light might not work can motivate a homeowner to take action and have someone fix the problem. Otherwise, safety issues could join the inconveniences of not having a furnace that works properly.
Notes About a Pilot Light
A pilot light’s flame ignites the gas coming from the gas lines and out the burners. A fan will then blow the heated air through the air ducts, and once that heated air exits the vents, the home or business interior will reach the desired level set on the thermostat. None of this will happen if the pilot light doesn’t work, and here are several reasons why there could be issues with the pilot light.
#1 – Issues With the Gas Service
Homeowners need to understand that their HVAC furnace could work completely fine, and the issues with the pilot light may derive from troubles with the connected gas lines. Unfortunately, failing to realize a gas leak is causing the problems means that the dangerous leak could persist until it becomes a disastrous hazard. It may be best to prioritize any issues with the pilot light issue. Assuming no safety hazards exist when a furnace malfunctions is risky. It is wise to check for malfunctions to learn the full scope of the problem and fix any issues.
#2 – A Malfunctioning Thermocouple
A thermocouple is a device that measures temperature gauges, and it is connected to the pilot light in your furnace. The thermocouple keeps a tab on the pilot light’s temperature, and if the pilot light goes out, the resultant drop in temperature sends a message to the thermocouple to cut off the gas line supply. However, the thermocouple might not detect if the pilot light has gone out due to mechanical troubles, which could result in the gas valve not shutting off. Once again, this could set the stage for a hazardous situation if gas enters the home. During a repair call or routine maintenance, a technician might discover the hazard when inspecting the troubled pilot light.
#3 – Dirty or Clogged Pilot Light
Seemingly minor problems cause more troubles than a homeowner might expect. For example, a dirty pilot light may become clogged, leading it to shut off. Again, safety issues could follow. A homeowner might not realize that dust and other debris could collect inside the system until the pilot light suffers a clog. Thankfully, a basic cleaning could prevent such a problem from happening or worsening. Not allowing too much time to pass between cleanings or having the system cleaned after construction work, remodeling, or a season where a pet sheds heavily might result in less dirt and a better functioning pilot light.
Performing the pilot light and overall furnace cleaning duties as a do-it-yourself job could be regrettable. Some tasks are best left in the hands of trained professionals. Homeowners who try to clean a pilot light or furnace may lack the efficiency of a skilled technician, and inexperience might damage the unit.
#4 – A Damaged or Defective Pilot Light
An aging furnace and pilot light will always face wear and tear issues as an older model might find its pilot light and related components degraded. Knowing how to replace the worn-out pilot or any other component that suffers from age or use-related damage is essential.
It is not inconceivable that a pilot light could be defective, like any other part. Defective parts don’t work well and present potential dangers. Assuming the pilot light requires replacement could prompt a homeowner to request a new one swiftly.
#5 – A Damaged Ignition System
When the pilot light goes out, pushing the ignition button will usually relight the pilot. If nothing happens when you press the button, the issue may not be the pilot light but the ignition system. Or, both parts might suffer from problems. If you have not maintained the furnace in some time, multiple problems could require immediate attention. The entire purpose of the ignition system is to relight the pilot when necessary. Once the ignition goes and the pilot light follows, heating a home’s or an office’s interior becomes impossible until the troubles undergo a fix.
Anyone living in Hanover and nearby can contact Beltway Air Conditioning, Heating, & Plumbing to assist with their furnace and other HVAC services. Our team can handle heating repair, maintenance, and installation jobs upon request.
#6 – Problems With Drafts and Ventilation
Troubling matters with a furnace could be entirely unexpected when there’s nothing wrong with the HVAC system’s parts or troubles with the gas lines. For example, the area might suffer from severe drafts or ventilation issues that ripple into the pilot light’s ability to do its job. A cracked window or a loose door frame could create drafts that might hamper the pilot light. Locating the source of the draft and correcting the matter could restore the pilot light’s ability to perform effectively. However, that does not mean a homeowner should assume there are no issues with the furnace. An inspection could reveal that a draft was the problem or the draft issue combined with another underlying problem that requires repairs.
#7 – A Lack of Routine Maintenance
The concerns with the pilot light might manifest over a period of time, and a technician might discover and fix the problem long before it worsens when performing a routine inspection. Following reliable recommendations to adhere to a schedule for routine repairs and service can help you to keep ahead of problems that develop. Signing a maintenance agreement allows you to book a maintenance session at your convenience and as a top priority.
There’s another thing worth pointing out. Please pay attention to your furnace’s performance throughout the year and run checks during the warmer months to avoid an unexpected problem. When the temperature drops and it becomes necessary to run the furnace longer, issues with the pilot light could create dangerous situations. Having the furnace inspected, cleaned, or tested in the early fall or even late summer can help you take steps to repair things such as a problematic pilot light well in advance.
When it’s time to address issues with your furnace, contact Beltway Air Conditioning, Heating, & Plumbing to request a furnace repair service visit and an estimate. Our team handles many routine heating and cooling service requests, and our technicians also perform ductwork, duct cleaning, and indoor air quality-related services. We also perform plumbing services in Hanover as well as commercial HVAC and thermostat installs.
