Why Won’T My Pilot Light Ignite On My Furnace?

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.

What do you do if your pilot light won’t light?

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.

Why won’t my pilot light light on my gas furnace?

There are several possible reasons why your gas furnace pilot won’t light: an ongoing draft, a faulty thermocouple, an accumulation of dirt, or an inefficient supply.

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.

How do you trick a thermocouple?

The thermocouple always thinks the pilot is not lit, even if it is. To get hot water, I have to light the pilot, then hold the match on the thermocouple to trick it into thinking the pilot light is touching it. Once it’s warm enough, I pull the match out and turn the knob from “Pilot” to “On”.

How do you reset the pilot light on a furnace?

How Can I Restart My Pilot Light?

1. Step 1: Turn off your furnace.
2. Step 2: Locate your gas valve.
3. Step 3: Hold down the red button.
4. Step 4: Light the pilot light.
5. Step 5: Let go of the button.
6. Step 6: Turn your gas back on.
7. Step 7: Turn your furnace back on.

What would make a 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.

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.

Why will my furnace not stay lit?

Probably the most common issue when dealing with a furnace that will not stay lit or ignite consistently is a dirty flame sensor. The flame sensor acts as a communication vehicle with the circuit board and tells it when a flame is lit inside the furnace.

How long does furnace ignitor last?

about seven years
Fortunately, you can replace the ignitor without replacing the full furnace. Most ignitors last about seven years. Keep reading to learn how you can tell if your furnace problem is a faulty ignitor.

How much does it cost to fix a furnace ignitor?

Here’s the bottom line: Whether for a natural gas furnace, oil, or a propane furnace, replacing a furnace ignitor–including parts and labor–will cost you around $300 – $425 for a qualified contractor to install. Compare that to, say, a draft inducer motor, which will cost $400 – $1,500 to replace.

How do I get my furnace to kick on?

What would cause my furnace not to kick on?

1. Check your circuit breakers.
2. Check your thermostat settings.
3. Ensure your furnace filters are clean.
4. Check your pilot light.
5. Check your blower motor.
6. Check the furnace ignition switch.

How do I know if my thermocouple is bad on my furnace?

A bad thermocouple itself can prevent a gas furnace or boiler from working – if you can light the flame at the pilot manually but then the flame goes out when you release the manual gas feed valve, the thermocouple is probably bad.

How do I know if my thermocouple is bad?

If you can’t get the flame to light at all, and you’re sure the gas is on, there’s probably an obstruction in the pilot tube. If the flame lights and goes out when you release the gas control knob after holding it in for the recommended 20 to 30 seconds, that’s the sign of a thermocouple malfunction.

Can you bypass thermocouple on furnace?

Realistically, you have just disabled the thermocouple, but you can also reach in and unclip it from its holding bracket where it meets the pilot light. In most cases it will be held on with a gravity clip, but some are held on with a screw that must be removed with a small screwdriver.

How much does it cost to replace a thermocouple on a furnace?

Cost to Replace a Thermocouple on a Furnace
Replacing a thermocouple costs $150 to $250, mostly due to labor time. On older models without an ignitor, it checks to make sure your pilot light is lit. If it’s not, it’ll shut the gas off.

Can I replace a thermocouple myself?

The No. 1 cause of pilot lights that won’t stay lit is a worn-out thermocouple. It’s easy to replace and a new one costs $5 to $10. Rather than trying to unfasten the thermocouple inside the water heater’s burning chamber, it’s easier to remove the whole burner and thermocouple assembly.

How long do thermocouples last?

How to Tell if You Have a Bad Thermocouple? Thermocouples can last up to 10 years if properly installed and maintained, while furnaces can last 15-20 years, although either may wear out sooner in multifamily units.

How much does a plumber charge to change a thermocouple?

Thermocouple Replacement Cost
Calling a professional plumber to install a new thermocouple should only be up to $150. If you do the work yourself, you will only pay the price of the part which is about $20.

Why does my furnace turn on and off every few minutes?

Dirty or faulty flame sensor
If your furnace turns off after a few minutes, there is a good chance it is caused by a faulty or dirty flame sensor. This vital component is designed to keep an eye on the gas burner. When it cannot sense that burner, the furnace runs then shuts off and starts again.

How much does an ignitor cost?

An ignitor typically costs between $30 and $50.