How to Relight a Pilot Light: A Beginner’s Homeowner Guide
If you have a furnace with a standing pilot, the pilot light is a sign your system is working exactly as intended. The pilot light is what provides your burner with the ignition it needs to heat your home consistently.
If it’s not on, or keeps turning off at random, you have a problem. When you want to learn how to relight a pilot light, Comfort Heating & Air is here to help. We provide homeowners with everything from fast repairs to maintenance advice to ensure you can keep your home warm year-round.
Most furnace pilot light issues are easily fixable. In the rare case you can’t solve the problem, you can call us for heating repair and maintenance.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Pilot Light Won’t Stay Lit
Does your pilot light turn on, then turn off seemingly at random? A dirty thermocouple, poor combustion air, or weak gas flow could be causing this issue.
Furnace Starts, Then Suddenly Shuts Off
Your furnace’s internal shutoff mechanisms are meant to protect you from anything that could cause the system to overheat. This issue could point to an airflow or sensor problem.
No Flame Whatsoever
If you’re not getting a pilot light at all, your gas valve may be closed, or you could have a larger gas supply issue. You can either repair the issue yourself or, if the problem goes deeper, call our heating repair service.
5 Possible Causes (and the Sounds They Make)
Airflow Issues
If your home has too much cold air, such as from constantly open windows or draftiness, your pilot light might get blown out. Rattling ducts or whistling and whooshing noises all point to an airflow problem.
Dust and Debris
Before you learn how to relight a pilot light, you need to make sure your furnace is free of dust and debris. Common signs that come with debris blockage are a weak, flickering flame or a few “puffing” sounds when attempting to ignite.
Faulty Thermocouple
Your thermocouple is a safety device that shuts off your furnace if the pilot light isn’t working. If you hear constant clicking or repeated ignition attempts, you may need a professional to look at this device.
The metal tip of your thermocouple shouldn’t be damaged or misaligned. If your pilot light looks normal when you turn it on, then immediately goes out when you release the button, your thermocouple is likely still to blame.
Gas Supply Problems
If your furnace isn’t starting at all and you’re not getting that classic burner “whooshing” sound, you likely have a gas supply issue. You could also be dealing with low gas pressure or a shutoff valve that isn’t closing all the way.
Worn Ignition Components
If your system is a decade old or older, you could be dealing with good, old-fashioned wear and tear. An old unit commonly has furnace ignition problems, such as not starting or malfunctioning strangely.
Step-by-Step Guide to Relighting Your Furnace Pilot Light
Maintaining your furnace is crucial for saving money and extending your system’s lifespan, whether that means inspecting the pilot light or changing your filter. It’s safe to relight your pilot light as long as you follow your manufacturer’s instructions closely.
If you notice a gas leak, can’t find the shutoff valve, or see damage, call a professional immediately. We’ll teach you how to light a pilot light safely and when to call a professional if the issue is more complex.
Prep Your Station
Turn off the furnace.
Locate the gas control knob and turn it to the OFF position.
Wait several minutes to clear any gas.
Address the Pilot Light
Find the pilot light and instructions label.
Check the furnace panel or door for manufacturer’s instructions.
Set the control to PILOT.
The control will typically have a knob that can be turned to OFF, ON, or PILOT, and a red reset button next to it.
Press and hold the pilot button.
Fix the Issue
Use a long lighter or match (if required).
Hold the button for the recommended time once lit.
Turn the control to ON.
Replace panels and set thermostat to HEAT.
Watch the furnace start up.
Look for Regular Activity
When learning how to relight a pilot light, be aware that a healthy pilot light should look blue with a little yellow at the tip. It should turn on without flickering, turning orange, or shutting off randomly.
If your pilot light won’t stay lit after relighting it, check for drafts and make sure the gas valve is completely open.
Still not seeing results? Reach out to Comfort for expert service.
When to Call a Professional (and Skip DIY Furnace Repair)
Knowing how to relight a pilot-light furnace means knowing when to call a professional, too. If you see any of the following signs, reach out to Comfort for expert repair.
You smell gas or suspect a leak (carbon monoxide is hazardous to your health)
The furnace ignition problems keep coming back
Rust, cracks, or scorch marks inside the furnace
You feel uncomfortable doing any of the steps
Why Choose Comfort for Furnace Maintenance & Repair
Comfort has been helping Kentucky homeowners repair and maintain their furnaces for several years. We offer a reliable blend of local expertise, licensed technicians, and great prices.
We can help you prevent furnace pilot light issues and offer fast response times if your system shuts down out of nowhere. Alongside our transparent pricing, we offer financing options, Pro Service Plans, and an Exceptional Service Guarantee.
Learn More About Our Furnace Services
Learning how to light a furnace pilot is a useful skill if you’re facing down a cold winter evening. If you still don’t feel confident maintaining your system or have a deeper problem, Comfort has your back.
We provide in-depth furnace inspections, quick tune-ups, and general maintenance. Schedule your appointment with Comfort today!