How Do I Know If My Furnace Has A Pilot Light?

If your furnace has a round knob on the gas valve with the words OFF/ON/PILOT, you have what’s known as a standing pilot ignition.

How can I tell if my furnace has a pilot light?

You’re probably familiar with a standing pilot light, the little blue flame that sits in front of one of the furnace burners. If your furnace has a small round knob on the gas valve with the words OFF/ON/PILOT, you have a standing pilot ignition.

When did furnaces stop using pilot lights?

Newer gas furnaces (since about 2010) do not have a traditional pilot light that burns all the time. Instead they use electronic ignition systems that light only as needed. Constant flame or “standing pilot” heating systems are still fairly common in older homes, and they can still be repaired in most cases.

Does a high efficiency furnace have a pilot light?

Hot Surface Ignition: Furnace Ignition | High-Efficiency Electronic Ignition Gas Furnaces. The Hot Surface Ignition Furnace has no pilot light. It lights the burners direct. Therefore it is also referred to at times as Direct Ignition.

Do all gas heaters have a pilot light?

Over 47% of American households rely on a gas heater to keep them warm through winter. Natural gas heaters all have a pilot light that ignites the gas burner. The pilot light must be lit for the gas heater to create heat.

How do you tell if your furnace is gas or electric?

If you see a blue flame, it’s a gas heat exchanger. Other units will have a small metal panel that’s easy to remove. You can check behind there to see if you see that blue flame. Electric systems don’t have that access window or panel and make very little noise.

Is furnace pilot light always on?

Pilot lights were once standard on all gas furnaces, but newer systems don’t always contain pilot light ignition systems. Instead, some newer furnaces use electronic ignition systems. If your pilot light goes out, your furnace will not be able to produce heat because its burners will not ignite.

How do you know if your furnace is on?

The thermostat clicks when it activates the furnace, and the air flowing through the vents creates a distinct sound. Snapping, crackling or sizzling sounds may indicate electrical issues. High-pitched shrieking, squealing noises point to slipping blower motor belts and blower parts that require lubrication.

Why is my furnace not igniting?

The pilot light or ignition sensor is usually the most common issue when your furnace will not ignite.Then, remove the front panel to find the ignitor or ignition sensor. This is typically located near the burners. If the sensor or ignitor is dirty, it will need to be cleaned.

Will the gas company light My pilot?

Absolutely! We can send a gas service technician to light your pilot, and conduct a gas safety check of your gas fireplace or any other gas appliance to ensure your safety.

What does a pilot light look like?

Inspecting a Gas Furnace Pilot Light Flame
A natural gas flame should be a bright blue color with a small amount of yellow at the very tip. A propane flame will have more of a bluish-green flame with a tinge of yellow at the tip. The flame should strong enough to cover about 1/2 inch at the end of the thermocouple tip.

Where is the ignition switch on my furnace?

Unscrew and remove the service panel on the side of the furnace and find the ignitor. It is usually mounted on a V-shaped bracket near the gas port. The ignitor has two wires attached to the back of it and has a flat metal tip.

How do I start my furnace pilot?

Most furnaces have a control panel near the bottom with a gas valve that has on, off, and pilot settings. Turn the valve off and wait at least three minutes. It’s crucial that you don’t skip this step because turning the valve off stops incoming gas flow, but it does not stop the gas that was already emitted.

How do I know if my furnace ignitor is bad?

4 Signs of a Faulty Furnace Ignitor

1. The Furnace Stops Running. When a furnace won’t run at all, check for a bad ignitor.
2. Your Furnace Blows Chilly Air. Unless you’ve set your thermostat to COOL, your furnace should not blow cold air.
3. Does Your Furnace Short Cycle?
4. A No Glow Ignitor.
5. We Can Replace Your Furnace Ignitor.

Can you manually light a gas furnace with electronic ignition?

If your furnace is equipped with an electronic igniter, you cannot light the furnace manually. However, you may be able to get the furnace working by turning off the igniter and resetting it. Find the paperwork for your particular furnace to locate the reset button or switch.

Is forced air heating gas or electric?

Forced air heating systems use natural gas, one of the most affordable substances as opposed to water or electricity. It’s not only affordable, but it’s also clean for the environment. New technology has also allowed for these systems to provide an even greater level of efficiency for your furnace.

Can furnaces be electric?

Electric furnaces have the advantages of lower initial installation costs and generally smaller sizes. If your home doesn’t have a gas line, an electric furnace is usually the best option. Electric furnaces also have no safety issues from potential gas leaks.

What happens when furnace pilot light goes out?

If your pilot light repeatedly goes out, this is a likely culprit. If this flame sensor should fail, gas will continue to flow even after the pilot light has been extinguished, causing a safety hazard, and requiring immediate repair.

Why would pilot light go out?

Some of the possible serious reasons for pilot lights to go out include loose or broken gas valves, thermocouples or heat exchangers, faulty venting, low gas pressure, or high winds. If you believe there is a serious problem, don’t hesitate to contact a professional.

Why is my furnace running but no heat?

Dirty filters are the most common cause of furnace problems. Dust and dirt restrict airflow—and if the filter gets too clogged, the heat exchanger will overheat and shut off too quickly, and your house won’t warm up. If the blower is running but no heat is coming out, replace the filter.

How much does it cost to relight a pilot light?

The Cost of Relighting the Pilot Light
A plumber can help reignite the pilot light. They will charge you an hourly fee of $40 to $150. This is usually a fairly brief project, and may just take an hour.