How to Check a Pilot Light on a Furnace

In a cold winter, there is nothing worse than a broken furnace. Nobody wants to see their own breath indoors. HVAC issues are no joke and can make life very uncomfortable. If your furnace won’t turn on, there is a good chance you need to light it. To be sure, you need to check. It’s easy to do with the right know-how, and diagnosing the problem is half the battle. Learn how to check a pilot light on a furnace in a few easy steps.

Steps to Checking a Furnace Pilot Light

Locate the panel cover on the furnace.
Remove it. It should come off easily, but a screwdriver might be necessary.
Look for the burner, and near it, you will find a little blue flame. It should be easy to see if it is indeed lit. If you don’t see the flame, then you can safely diagnose the problem and set about lighting the pilot.

Note: If the flame is not blue, there is a problem, and you should probably contact a professional.

If you do not know how to light a pilot light, we have a helpful article that will show you the steps to getting the job done with ease.

Find Replacement Furnace Parts

Now that you know to check a pilot light on a furnace, you can go about your business. Be sure to shop around for HVAC parts like furnace ignitors, motors, blower wheels, and more. Did you know that you can find member pricing here on certain items (typically name brand, MAP priced items) if you log in? For industry professionals buying in bulk, please consider contacting us directly for extra special pricing and extra savings.