The pilot light, however, is an actual old-fashioned flame inside your furnace. This flame is supplied by your gas line and should always be lit.If it goes out, the safety features of your furnace will not allow it to release gas into the burner, meaning that the furnace will not run at all.
Will furnace kick on without pilot light?
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.
What happens if the pilot light goes out on a furnace?
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.
Does gas stop when 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.
What would cause a furnace not to kick on?
The Pilot Light (Faulty Ignition Sensor) The pilot light or ignition sensor is usually the most common issue when your furnace will not ignite.Put the front panel back on, turn on the gas, and then turn the furnace back on. Turn up the temperature on your thermostat to see if your furnace will now fire up.
How do I get my furnace to kick on?
If the pilot light on your furnace is out, the furnace will not turn on. You can try lighting the pilot. If it stays lit, your furnace will kick on. If it does not, there could be a problem with the assembly or the sensor, and a professional would need to come in and fix it.
How do you know if your furnace is out of gas?
If it is a gas furnace, there will be a small window on the front of the furnace where you should see a blue glowing flame. You should also be able to hear the noise from the gas burner. Electric powered furnaces do not have a glass window with a blue flame and do not make any noise when idle.
What would cause a pilot light to 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.
What would cause a pilot light to not stay lit?
The Buildup of Dirt or Debris Around The Pilot Light Over the years it’s easy for dust, debris, and dirt to build up on the inside of the intake valve where the pilot light resides. This makes it difficult for the flame to breath and as a result causes the pilot light to go out suddenly.
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.
How do I know if my heater pilot light is out?
How to Tell If the Pilot Light Is Out
- Locate the front cover panel on your furnace. It should be a little door that’s easily visible.
- If your pilot light is on, it should be easy to see your eyes will be drawn to the little flame.
- If you don’t see a flame, your pilot light is out.
- If there is a flame, check the color.
How long should it take for a furnace to kick on?
Your furnace should start up within five minutes of you turning on your thermostat.
How do you know if your furnace is working?
Turn your furnace off if you smell burning odors other than dust and call your HVAC provider for immediate service. In good condition. Your gas furnace should show no signs of wear, rust, soot, or dirt deposits. When your furnace runs, the color of the flame inside the burner should be blue.
Does the pilot light always stay on?
A pilot light means heat, and it also means fuel usage. That flame doesn’t stay ignited by magic it needs gas. Which means as long as that light is on, you’re using your fuel supply to maintain it.
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.
Do you have to turn your furnace off in summer?
It’s a good idea to turn off your furnace during hot months. If left on, it will continue to consume energy. The furnace contains some electrical components like sensors that can needlessly draw power throughout the summer. If your furnace has a pilot light, it will use up unnecessary gas during summer when left on.
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