Introduction
Having a furnace in your home is a great way to keep warm during the cold winter months. But if your furnace isn’t functioning properly, it could be due to an issue with the pilot light. Lighting a furnace pilot is a fairly simple task, but it’s important to follow the proper steps to ensure that your furnace is working properly. In this article, we’ll take a look at how to light a furnace pilot in a few easy steps.
Safety Precautions
Before you attempt to light the pilot light on your furnace, it’s important to take the necessary safety precautions. First and foremost, you should make sure that the furnace is turned off and that the power is disconnected. It’s also important to ventilate the area by opening a window or door, as this will help to reduce the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. Additionally, you should always wear protective gloves and safety glasses when dealing with a furnace.
Gathering the Materials
Once you’ve taken the necessary safety precautions, you’ll need to gather the materials you’ll need to light the pilot light. You’ll need a long-stem lighter or a match, as well as a screwdriver and a flashlight. The screwdriver will be used to remove the access panel on the furnace, while the flashlight will help you to see in the dark. Additionally, you may also want to have a pair of pliers handy in case you need to adjust the pilot light.
Locating the Pilot Light
Once you’ve gathered the materials you’ll need, you’ll then need to locate the pilot light. This is usually located behind the access panel, which can usually be removed with a screwdriver. Once you have the access panel removed, you should be able to see the pilot light in the bottom of the furnace.
Adjusting the Pilot Light
Once you’ve located the pilot light, you’ll then need to adjust it. You should be able to see a small knob on the pilot light that can be turned with a screwdriver or a pair of pliers. This knob is used to adjust the size of the pilot flame, and should be adjusted to the highest setting.
Lighting the Pilot Light
Once you’ve adjusted the pilot light, it’s time to light it. First, you’ll need to turn the knob on the pilot light to the “on” position. Then, you’ll need to hold a long-stem lighter or a match near the pilot light. Once the pilot light is lit, you’ll need to keep the lighter or match near the pilot light for about 30 seconds. This will allow the gas to flow and will ensure that the pilot light stays lit.
Testing the Furnace
Once the pilot light has been lit, you’ll then need to test the furnace. First, you’ll need to turn the knob on the pilot light back to the “off” position. Then, you’ll need to turn the furnace on and wait for the furnace to heat up. If the furnace is functioning properly, you should be able to feel the heat coming from the vents within a few minutes. If not, you may need to relight the pilot light.
Cleaning the Pilot Light
If the pilot light won’t stay lit, it could be due to a buildup of dirt or debris in the pilot light. To clean the pilot light, you’ll need to turn off the power to the furnace and remove the access panel. Then, you can use a flashlight to locate the pilot light and use a cloth or brush to remove any dirt or debris that may be blocking the pilot light.
Conclusion
Knowing how to light a furnace pilot is a great way to keep your furnace running smoothly. By following the steps outlined above, you should be able to easily light the pilot light and get your furnace up and running in no time. However, if you’re still having trouble, it’s always best to call a professional for help.