Don't Get Left in the Cold: A Quick Guide to Your Furnace Pilot Light

Understanding Your Furnace Pilot Light Basics

When your furnace pilot light goes out, it can leave you waking up to a cold house on the worst possible morning. This small but crucial component is often the culprit when your furnace stops producing heat, especially in older heating systems.

Quick troubleshooting for a furnace pilot light:

• Check if it's lit - Look for a small blue flame near the bottom of your furnace
• Safety first - Turn off gas and wait 5 minutes before relighting
• Relight steps - Turn knob to PILOT, hold reset button, ignite with long lighter
• Hold for 30-60 seconds - Keep reset button pressed until flame stays steady
• Turn to ON - Switch control knob back to normal operation

Most furnaces that are 20 years or older rely on a standing pilot light - a small, continuous flame that ignites your main burner when heat is needed. While relighting a pilot light is a manageable DIY task for many homeowners, it's important to follow proper safety procedures and know when to call a professional.

If you smell gas, see a yellow or orange flame instead of blue, or the pilot won't stay lit after two attempts, stop immediately and contact an HVAC technician.

Understanding how your pilot light works and when it needs attention can save you from expensive emergency service calls and keep your Wichita home comfortable all winter long.

What is a Pilot Light and How Does It Work?

The furnace pilot light is a small, continuous blue flame that acts as the ignition source for your furnace. If you have an older furnace (typically 20+ years old), it likely uses this system. When your thermostat calls for heat, it signals the main gas valve to open. Gas flows to the main burner, where the pilot light ignites it, providing warmth to your home.

This system is reliable because the flame burns continuously, ready to act when needed. However, modern furnaces often use electronic ignition, which is more energy-efficient since it doesn't burn gas constantly. Many homes still rely on the traditional pilot light system.

Understanding how your pilot light works can save you from chilly mornings and expensive emergency calls. For more ways to keep your heating system running smoothly, check out our Furnace Maintenance Essential Tips.

Common Components of a Furnace Pilot Light System

Your furnace pilot light system is made up of a few key components working together:

• The gas valve is the control center, featuring a knob with "OFF," "PILOT," and "ON" settings. It determines whether gas flows to the pilot light, the main burner, or is shut off completely.
• The pilot tube is a small metal tube that delivers a steady stream of gas to create the pilot flame. You'll find the pilot light near the main burners, sometimes behind an access panel.
• The reset button is used during the relighting process. Pressing and holding this button manually allows gas to flow to the pilot before the safety system confirms the flame is lit.
• The most critical component is the thermocouple.

The Critical Role of the Thermocouple

The thermocouple is a safety device that ensures gas only flows when the pilot light is lit. This small metal rod sits in the pilot flame. When heated, it generates a tiny electrical current that signals the gas valve to stay open, confirming it's safe to operate.

If the pilot flame goes out, the thermocouple cools down, and the electrical signal stops. The gas valve then immediately shuts off gas flow to both the pilot and the main burner. This brilliant safety feature prevents dangerous gas from building up in your home and avoids potential explosions.

This is why a faulty thermocouple is often the culprit when your pilot light won't stay lit. If it's not generating enough electrical current, the gas valve assumes it's unsafe and shuts off the gas supply. The thermocouple is doing its job, but it may need to be cleaned or replaced.

How to Safely Relight Your Furnace Pilot Light

Finding your furnace pilot light has gone out can be frustrating, but relighting it is a manageable DIY task for most homeowners. The key is to follow safety procedures carefully and know when to call a professional. Before you begin, locate your furnace's instruction label, as model-specific steps may vary from this general guide.

Safety First: Before You Begin

Working with natural gas requires caution. Follow these steps before attempting to relight the pilot.

• Stop everything if you smell gas. If you smell the distinctive "rotten egg" odor of natural gas or hear hissing, do not touch anything. Leave the house immediately, and from a safe distance, call your gas company and a professional HVAC technician.
• Turn off your thermostat or set it to its lowest setting to prevent the furnace from trying to ignite. Next, turn the gas control knob to the OFF position.
• Wait five full minutes. This crucial step allows any lingering gas to dissipate safely. While you wait, ventilate the area by opening a nearby window or door if possible.
• During this time, eliminate any ignition sources from the area, such as cigarettes or appliances that could spark.

Step-by-Step Relighting Guide

After waiting five minutes and completing all safety checks, you can relight the furnace pilot light. Keep your furnace's instruction label handy.

1. Locate the pilot assembly, typically near the bottom of the furnace, sometimes behind an access panel.
2. Turn the gas control knob from OFF to PILOT.
3. Press and hold the reset button (this may be the control knob itself or a separate button).
4. While holding the button, use a long lighter or fireplace match to ignite the pilot. A small blue flame should appear.

5. Keep holding the reset button for 30 to 60 seconds after the pilot lights. This allows the thermocouple to heat up and signal the gas valve to stay open.
6. Release the button slowly and check that the pilot stays lit with a steady blue flame. If it goes out, you can try the process one more time, holding the button a little longer. If it still won't stay lit, stop and troubleshoot the cause.
7. Turn the control knob from PILOT to ON once you have a steady flame.
8. Set your thermostat to a temperature higher than the current room temperature. You should hear the main burners ignite within a few minutes.

If the furnace doesn't operate normally, call a professional. A pilot light issue can sometimes indicate other problems that need an expert. For more guidance, see our guide on Signs You Need Furnace Repairs.

Troubleshooting: Why Your Pilot Light Won't Stay Lit

It can be frustrating to relight your furnace pilot light only to have it go out again. While a pilot can occasionally be extinguished by a draft, frequent outages indicate an underlying problem that needs attention. Understanding the common causes can help you decide whether to attempt a fix or call a professional. For a broader look at potential heating system issues, our guide on Common Furnace Repair Issues is a helpful resource.

Troubleshooting a Furnace Pilot Light That Won't Stay Lit

If your furnace pilot light keeps going out, one of these common issues is likely the culprit:

• A faulty thermocouple: This is the most common reason. Over time, the thermocouple can get dirty, bent, or simply wear out. If it can't generate enough electrical current to keep the gas valve open, the pilot flame will die. Cleaning it may help, but it often needs replacement.
• A dirty pilot orifice: This tiny opening delivers gas to the pilot flame and can get clogged with dust and carbon buildup. A clog restricts gas flow, leading to a weak, unstable flame that is easily extinguished.
• Strong drafts: While less common, drafts from poorly sealed windows or doors near the furnace can blow out the pilot light. A damaged furnace flue can also cause disruptive air patterns.
• A clogged flue vent: This is a more serious concern. A blocked exhaust pipe creates back pressure that can snuff out the pilot light and lead to a dangerous buildup of carbon monoxide in your home.
• Gas pressure issues: Inadequate gas pressure from your utility provider or a problem with the furnace's internal gas valve can prevent the pilot from getting enough fuel to stay lit.
• A malfunctioning gas valve: The valve itself can fail, preventing proper gas flow even if the thermocouple is working correctly. This requires professional diagnosis and repair.

Signs of a Malfunctioning Pilot Light

Beyond going out repeatedly, the pilot flame itself can provide visual clues about furnace health.

• A weak or flickering flame: A healthy pilot should be strong and steady. A weak or dancing flame often indicates a dirty orifice or a gas supply issue.
• A yellow or orange flame: This is a serious warning sign. A healthy furnace pilot light should be a bright, steady blue. Yellow or orange colors mean the gas is not burning completely, which produces carbon monoxide—a dangerous, odorless gas.

If you see a yellow or orange flame, turn off your furnace immediately and call a professional. This is a critical safety issue.

• Soot buildup: Soot around the pilot assembly is another sign of incomplete combustion and is often accompanied by a yellow or orange flame.
• Furnace cycles on and off rapidly: This "short cycling" can be caused by a pilot light that repeatedly goes out and tries to relight, though other furnace problems can also cause this.

Any of these signs, especially a yellow or orange flame, mean it's time to call a qualified HVAC technician.

Pilot Lights vs. Electronic Ignition: Is It Time for an Upgrade?

If you're frequently dealing with a furnace pilot light that goes out, you may wonder if it's time for an upgrade. Standing pilot lights are older technology. A pilot light is a small flame that burns 24/7, regardless of whether you need heat. While it uses a small amount of gas, this continuous consumption adds up on your energy bills over time.

Most furnaces manufactured after 2010 use electronic ignition systems. These systems only use gas when there is a call for heat. The two main types are hot surface igniters, which use a heated element to light the gas, and intermittent pilot systems, which use an electronic spark to light a temporary pilot flame.

These newer systems are more efficient and reliable. You no longer have to worry about drafts extinguishing the pilot or dealing with faulty thermocouples. They fire up when needed and shut off when done, saving gas and providing peace of mind.

For homeowners considering an upgrade, modern furnaces offer significant benefits. They often come with ENERGY STAR ratings and Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) ratings of 94% to 98.5%. This means nearly all the fuel you buy is converted into heat for your home, leading to lower energy bills and a smaller environmental footprint. To explore more advantages, check out the Benefits of Upgrading Your Furnace.

Comparing Standing Pilot Light vs. Electronic Ignition

This table shows how the two systems compare:

The improved reliability and more sophisticated safety features make electronic ignition an appealing choice. While your current furnace pilot light system may still be functional, frequent issues or an aging furnace are signs that it might be time to upgrade to a more efficient and reliable system.

Frequently Asked Questions about Furnace Pilot Lights

Homeowners in Wichita, Derby, and Andover often have questions about furnace pilot lights. Here are answers to the most common ones we receive.

What color should a healthy pilot light flame be?

A healthy furnace pilot light should have a steady, strong blue flame, possibly with a hint of yellow at the tip. This blue color indicates efficient combustion.

A mostly yellow, orange, or flickering flame is a warning sign. These colors indicate incomplete combustion, which can be caused by a dirty pilot orifice and can produce dangerous carbon monoxide. If you see these colors, turn off your furnace immediately and call a professional.

How do I know if my furnace has a pilot light?

Most furnaces 20 years or older have a standing furnace pilot light. Look for a control knob near the bottom of the unit with three settings: "PILOT," "ON," and "OFF." If you see this knob, your furnace has a pilot light.

Newer furnaces (manufactured after 2010) typically use electronic ignition and will not have a continuous flame or the three-position control knob. Your owner's manual will have specifics for your model.

When should I stop troubleshooting and call a professional?

While some DIY is possible, you should always call a professional in these situations:

• If you smell gas: Stop immediately, leave the house, and call your gas company and an HVAC professional from a safe location.
• If the pilot won't stay lit: After two relighting attempts, it's time to call for help.
• If the flame is yellow, orange, or weak: These are signs of a malfunction that requires expert diagnosis.
• If you feel uncomfortable: Gas appliances require expert handling for safety. If you are ever unsure, call a professional.

Our certified technicians can safely diagnose and fix these issues. For any heating concerns in the Wichita area, you can count on our team at Heating Repair Wichita, KS to restore your heat safely.

Stay Warm and Safe with Expert Furnace Service

Knowing how to relight your furnace pilot light is a useful skill, but knowing your limits is even more important. Safety must be the top priority when working with gas appliances. If you smell gas, feel uncertain about the process, or can't get the pilot to stay lit after two attempts, it's time to call a professional.

Persistent pilot light problems often signal deeper issues, such as a failing thermocouple or gas pressure irregularities, that require a certified technician's expertise and tools for safe diagnosis and repair.

At Midwest Mechanical, your family's comfort and safety are our priority. Our certified technicians have the experience to handle any issue, from a stubborn furnace pilot light to comprehensive maintenance or a full system upgrade. We proudly serve homeowners throughout Wichita, KS, and surrounding communities like Andover, Derby, and Valley Center.

We believe in honest, upfront communication—no surprises, just reliable solutions to keep your home comfortable. From emergency repairs to preventive maintenance, our team is here to ensure your heating system works when you need it most.

Don't let furnace troubles leave you in the cold. Whether you need a quick repair or are ready to explore a modern, energy-efficient system, we can help. Schedule your furnace installation in Wichita, KS today!