A pilot light is a small flame that is kept lit in certain gas-fired appliances like your furnace, water heater, and gas fireplace. When you turn on your appliance, gas is released to the main burner and the pilot light ignites that gas to turn on your appliance and provide heat.
What happens if pilot light goes out?
The pilot light is a small gas flame that stays lit all the time.When the thermocouple senses a lit pilot, it leaves the main gas valve open. If the pilot light is out, or isn’t burning hot enough, it closes the valve, cutting off gas flow so it won’t build up inside your house.
Why does the pilot light go out on heater?
It is positioned very close to the flame, and when lit, the pilot light tells the thermocouple to keep the gas line open. A thermocouple that is dirty or malfunctioning will often shut off your gas supply in error, causing the pilot light to go out and your furnace to stop working.
Can you leave your heater on pilot?
Turning off the pilot lights on gas fireplaces and furnaces when not in regular use can save energy and money.Your furnace only uses a small amount of gas to power the pilot light. Turning the pilot light off, only saves a few dollars each month. If you don’t mind spending a few cents a day, don’t mess with it.
Should the pilot light always be on in a gas heater?
Most furnaces with electronic ignition have a device called a hot surface igniter.The difference is that the flame is only lit (by an electronic spark) when your furnace is ready for a heating cycle. When the pilot light is not needed, it is completely off, saving you money on gas.
Do I need to turn gas off if pilot light goes out?
Since the thermocouple regulates gas going to the pilot, it should cut off on its own if the pilot ever goes out, but that’s only if it’s functioning correctly. If the thermocouple isn’t working properly, then it’s possible that it’s allowing gas to leak into the very room where the heater is located.
How do you fix a pilot light that keeps going out?
This is and easy fix, simply let it cool down and brush off the dirt or debris. Your thermocouple might bend. The end that sits near the pilot light flame is what communicates with the gas valve and tells it to open or close. If it is bent away from the flame it won’t register heat and will keep the gas valve closed.
How do you fix a pilot light on a gas heater?
Once the gas has had time to dissipate, turn the knob to “Pilot.” Then, hold down the “Reset” button and bring the flame of a long lighter close to the pilot light opening. This should light the furnace pilot light. Once you are sure the pilot light is on, release your pressure on the reset button.
How do I stop the wind from blowing out my pilot light?
You can prevent a faulty pilot light from wind by fixing your thermocouple, gas release, protecting against downdrafts, capping your chimney, and checking your firebox cover.
Should I turn off the pilot light on my furnace in the summer?
Shutting your pilot light and gas supply off in the summer not only saves precious energy, it’ll save you money as wellas much as $50 a year. Shutting your pilot light and gas supply off in the summer not only saves precious energy, it’ll save you money as wellas much as $50 a year.
Should I keep my pilot light lit?
Leaving the gas on keeps this compound moving out of the tubes. Keeping the pilot light on will also keep moisture out of the unit and in turn, help prevent corrosion.As you can see, it’s probably best in most cases to extinguish the pilot light in your gas fireplace during the months when you don’t need heat.
Do you turn pilot light off in summer?
Should I Turn Off My Pilot Light In The Summer? If you have an older furnace, turning off your pilot light can be an excellent idea. A continuously burning furnace pilot light will generate heat and moisture throughout the summer months in a small amount to be sure, but still undesirable once the weather heats up.
Can a pilot light cause a fire?
When the appliance is turned on, a valve releases more gas, which is ignited by the pilot light.If this leak continues, its concentration may reach a point where a spark such as that from a cigarette lighter, static electricity, or even the pilot light itself as it is re-lit will cause a fire or even an explosion.
Is my pilot light too high?
Next to the “Pilot” indicator on the furnace’s control switch, there is a small screw located near the pilot light-thermocouple assembly.If it extends well above the thermocouple, it’s too strong. If the flame covers the top of the thermocouple and burns steadily with a yellow tip, that’s just about right.
Does a pilot light use much gas?
How much gas does a pilot light use?Most pilot lights consume around 600 BTUs of gas every hour. If you leave your pilot light on for an entire day, it would roughly consume 14,400 BTU’s every day.
How much does it cost to relight a pilot light?
Most service providers will charge a standard fee per visit that typically covers the cost to relight a gas water heater. This service call price can range from $80 to $100.
Is it safe to turn off pilot light?
We recommend that you turn off your gas fireplace pilot light seasonally. Turning off your gas fireplace’s pilot light can save a substantial amount of energy and money. It is important to remember that not all gas fireplaces have standing pilot light, or, a pilot light that is always on.
When should pilot light be turned off?
A little heat is produced when your pilot light is on so turning it off in summer can help reduce the heat inside your home. The less heat there is, the less you have to use your air conditioner needs to cool down the house. You can get savings and conserve energy if you turn off your pilot light.
What does it mean when your pilot light won’t stay lit?
thermocouple
If your pilot light won’t stay alight, it might be the thermocouple. Sometimes dust buildup collects on the thermocouple and blocks the sensor. Try cleaning the thermocouple and then relighting the pilot light. If it continues to go out, the thermocouple might need to be replaced.
How much does it cost to replace a thermocouple?
It costs $150 to $250 to replace a thermocouple. It checks to make sure the pilot light is on. It will shut the gas off if it’s not.
How long do you hold a pilot light?
Continue to hold it in the “Pilot” position for approximately 30 to 45 seconds before releasing and turning to the “On” position. If the pilot does not stay lit, repeat the process, but this time hold the button or knob in “Pilot” position for a few seconds longer, up to one full minute.
Contents