Pilot light problems?

The pilot is key to your heating because it is responsible for combusting your fuel source.

Switches and knobs

An electrical pilot light is the least trouble. If the light goes out, you can flip a switch or depress the knob, according to the furnace type.

Most modern furnaces use a switch or knob, far simpler than older systems.

They also have an electrical shut-off valve that stops gas flow if the pilot light goes out.

It should turn on in 30 seconds or less. If not, call an HVAC company.

Older systems

If your furnace is older – 20 years or so – you may need to take several steps.

Access the pilot by removing the front panel. The pilot resembles a small candle or the flame from a gas stove.

If there’s no flame the pilot is out. Use a long match to relight it while holding down the knob that controls the flow of gas.

Or maybe there’s a flame but it’s weak or a color other than blue or blue-green. This often means the burner assembly may be clogged.

Pay attention

Don’t take pilot light failure lightly. While pilot lights are much safer than they used to be, things can still go wrong on occasion.

In an older system the system could continue pumping gas even if the light goes out. This can trigger an explosion when you relight it.

The newer systems have automatic turn-offs, but even these can fail in rare cases.

Excess gas smells like sulfur or rotten eggs. This odor should alert you; evacuate the property and call for help.

Lighthouse HVAC repairs and installs furnaces in Long Island, Brooklyn, Queens and Manhattan.