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Avoid
Issues- Check Pilot Lights
Gas furnaces have pilot lights and they must be lit and
working properly in order for the furnace to operate. When
the pilot light goes out two things can happen: Gas can
escape without burning and the furnace will blow cold when
it should be blowing warm air.
If you own a gas furnace, you have a pilot light. Pilot
lights can be a bit of a mystery to people. They know
they’re supposed to be lit. They know when the pilot light
goes out the furnace or hot water heater won’t work
properly. But that’s about all they know.
Pilot Lights
Frequently, problems with gas furnaces involve the pilot
lights. There are several reasons why pilot lights go out,
and that’s why you should check your pilot light at least
once a year. The furnace may not be operating properly and
the gas flow has been interrupted. A power outage can affect
gas furnace operation which in turn affects the pilot light.
Of course, simple drafts can blow pilot lights out too.
Related to pilot lights is the thermocouple. The
thermocouple insures the gas is cut off if the pilot light
goes out. When pilot lights won’t say lit, it can be due to
faulty thermocouples. To relight a pilot light, first turn
the valve to the pilot setting. Using a match or special
lighter, push the reset button until the pilot light is lit
again. Once you have a steady flame, turn the valve to the
on position.
Pilot lights should burn steadily without interruption. If
the flame wavers, it means the gas flow is being interrupted
somehow, the pilot light opening is clogged or there’s a
draft that needs to be eliminated. Your regular furnace
maintenance procedures should include checking the pilot lot
regularly to ensure it’s burning the way it should.
Another thing you should check is the height of the pilot
lights. The flame should be no higher than 2 inches and no
shorter than 1 ½ inches. If it is too short or too high, the
electronic control may not be working properly.
Pilot lights are simple components, but they have to work
properly in order for the furnace or water heater to work
properly. You can’t forget to check the pilot lights on your
appliances on a regular basis. Good maintenance procedures
will insure your units are always operating efficiently. |
