If your furnace is powered by natural gas, it may feature a pilot light that is responsible for igniting the burners. As you probably know, the pilot light must stay lit so that the burners will continue to burn the natural gas. If it goes out, the burners will stop working. As a result, your furnace won’t produce warm air.
We are starting to see some cold air in central Texas and time to get those heaters ready to go! If your furnace’s pilot light won’t stay lit here are some possible reasons.
Clogged Pilot Tube
If the pilot light won’t stay lit, it may be the pilot tube. The pilot tube is a passageway – typically a copper pipe – that feeds natural gas to the pilot light. It features a sealed design, meaning only natural gas should travel through it. Worn seals or other leaks can cause debris to enter the pilot tube. As debris enters the pilot tube, it may prevent natural gas from reaching the pilot light.
Faulty Thermocouple
A faulty thermocouple may cause the pilot light to go out. Thermocouples are safety devices that are designed to detect if a pilot light is lit. If the thermocouple detects the presence of a flame, it will keep the gas valve open. If the thermocouple doesn’t detect a flame, it will close the gas valve.
Air Drafts
Perhaps the pilot light is going out because of an air draft. Pilot lights produce a small flame. When exposed to an air draft, they can go out. Air drafts can come from open windows, ceiling fans, and even supply vents. If your furnace’s pilot light won’t stay lit, inspect the surrounding area for sources of air drafts such as these.
Consider Upgrading to an Electronic Ignition
If you’re tired of constantly relighting your furnace’s pilot light, you may want to upgrade to an electronic ignition. They’ve become a popular alternative to pilot lights. Most new gas furnaces, in fact, now have an electronic ignition. They still have burners, but they use an electronic ignition to ignite their burners rather than a pilot light.
If you are experiencing a problem with your air conditioning or heating call us at 512-336-1431 to schedule an appointment. We’ll be glad to come out and take a look at the issue.
1431-183 A/C & Heating proudly serves Round Rock, Georgetown, Cedar Park, Pflugerville, Leander, Liberty Hill, and North Austin.
