Pilot Light Keep Going Out?

HVAC problems definitely tend to increase during the winter season, especially here in Ohio. And one of those common problems — is the darn pilot light going out.
So what do you do if your pilot goes out? Here’s some tips to get that flame blazing once again, and then trying to keep it from going out in the future.

Relighting your furnace pilot light.

1. Locate the pilot light assembly, usually found near the main burners, and read the manufacturer’s instructions for your specific furnace. Your furnace generally has a knob or switch that has 3 indicators: off, on and pilot. 
2. Turn to the off position, letting the gas dissipate at least 5 minutes before attempting to relight the pilot. This both keeps you safe and prevents a gas leak by closing the valve. 
3. Switch the indicator from ”off” to “pilot”, opening the gas valve again.
4. Locate the reset button, as it should be near the on/off switch of your furnace.  Press and hold the button, placing a lighter or lit match near the opening of the pilot. Release the button once the pilot flame is lit and burning steadily.
5. If your pilot light continues to go out after several re-lighting attempts, the problem could be a bit more tricky than an easy DIY fix.

Why furnace pilot lights go out and some ways to prevent it.

If you find your pilot light going out, it could be anything from a super simple DIY fix to a fairly serious safety issue that requires professional attention.

The most common reasons for a pilot to go out are:

• A sudden draft of air, which can blow out the flame.
• A faulty thermocouple.
• A clogged or dirty pilot orifice, which can be a fire hazard.
• Or a gas supply issue.

Regular cleaning and prompt care of your pilot light assembly and orifice can certainly help prevent these issues. If you do end up with a problem that needs a bit more professional help, we’ve seen and fixed it all here at Reliant Home Heating and Cooling and we’re available 24/7. We’re a small-town, friendly company that’s developed some serious, big-city skills over the last 40-years, serving the likes of Marysville, Dublin, Plain City, Worthington, Hilliard, Delaware and more.