How to Light a Pilot Light on a Furnace

If your furnace isn’t running properly, one of the easiest fixes is a pilot light, if that is indeed the problem. Whether it’s summer or winter, you don’t want to mess around with HVAC problems if the conditions are extreme. If checking the pilot light on the furnace has revealed that it’s out, then you need to relight it. The good news is this is an easy task that even the most novice do-it-yourselfer can tackle. Here we discuss how to light a pilot light on a gas furnace. If you have an electric furnace, then you are in the wrong place (and your furnace doesn’t even have a pilot).

Steps to Relight a Furnace Pilot Light

Locate the switch or knob that displays three settings (On, Pilot, Off).
Set the knob to off, then wait a couple of minutes in order to allow the gas to dissipate.
Now, turn the knob to the pilot.
There should be a reset button, and you need to hold it down as you light the pilot. There is a chance the reset button is the knob. A match will work, but it’s easiest to use a lighter with a long arm. Once lit, do not ease off the reset button. You need to hold it for about a minute.
Release the reset button and check the pilot to ensure it’s still lit.

That’s it! You’re done.

What Do I Do If the Pilot Won’t Stay Lit?

This is probably a job for a professional. It manifests in two ways. Either it immediately goes out, or it stays lit for a while and then goes out. In both cases, our recommendation is the same. Leave it to somebody with more experience. Dealing with gas appliances can be tricky and dangerous.

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