Although an extinguished pilot light can be unnerving, it’s a common occurrence that happens in the HVAC industry. Sometimes, a pesky draft is all it takes to snuff a pilot light out. But no matter what caused your pilot light to go out, you’ll need to relight it for your heating system to function properly again. Are you familiar with how to relight your furnace’s pilot light? If not, here are some professional tips from Clayton-Englewood Heating & Cooling to help guide you. 

HOW CAN YOU RELIGHT YOUR FURNACE’S PILOT LIGHT?    

Though it may seem like a daunting task, relighting your pilot light is easy and straightforward. However, as with anything, use caution while proceeding to avoid any potential accidents. 

Step 1:     

Did you know that furnaces usually have manufacturer’s instructions on how to relight your pilot light placed on the side of the unit for your convenience? When possible, we always suggest referring to the manufacturer’s instructions. But although your furnace’s pilot light instructions are from the manufacturer and specific to your model, they may be difficult to find or read under certain circumstances, such as location or due to lack of lighting. So, if you can’t locate or read them, don’t worry! Follow the steps below instead. Also, keep in mind that it would be helpful to have a long lighter available before starting the relighting process. 

Step 2:    

Many furnaces have a burner cover protecting the pilot light area. This is a metal face place that can be removed as needed. So, if your furnace has one, you will need to take off the burner cover first and foremost. 

Step 3:

Turn off the gas supply. This is a safety precaution as you are reigniting a pilot light. You want to make sure all gas is dispersed. 

Step 4:   

At the bottom of your furnace, locate the power switch. Once you find it, turn the power to your furnace off entirely. 

Step 5:   

Now that the gas supply and furnace power are shut down, it’s imperative that you wait five minutes minimum before proceeding further. We recommend this for safety reasons. Five minutes gives the previously built-up gas an appropriate time to dissipate.  

Step 6:   

In the meantime, you can use this time to locate the pilot light assembly. These types of switches are frequently labeled with “pilot,” “reset,” or will have “on” and “off” written on them. Keep in mind that exact wording can vary.  

Step 7:    

Once five minutes have passed, and the gas has cleared, you will need to turn the knob/switch on the pilot light assembly to “pilot.” Then, press and hold down the “reset” button while holding an ignited lighter in your other hand. Keep your hand on the “reset” button while simultaneously bringing the ignited lighter closer to the pilot’s burner. When you are close enough, the pilot flame should spark and remain lit. When this occurs, you can let go of the “reset” switch. Voila! You have now learned how to relight your furnace’s pilot light by yourself. 

Step 8:    

Once you have verified that the pilot light remains lit, be sure to turn the gas supply back on.

Step 9:    

Don’t forget to put the burner cover back into its original position.

Although you may not need to relight your pilot light now, it’s always beneficial to know how. If the pilot goes out after you relight it, Clayton-Englewood Heating & Cooling is only a phone call away. It could be that there is a component-related issue if you are dealing with a pilot light that is continuously snuffing out.  

Call Clayton-Englewood Heating & Cooling today at (937) 412-2911, or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!