A pilot light that won’t stay lit can be frustrating and may signal a bigger problem with your furnace. But do not despair! In most cases, you can fix the problem without calling a professional. By troubleshooting the four most common reasons for a pilot light going out, you should be able to identify the issue and get your furnace up and running again in no time.
Dirt
One of the most common reasons a furnace pilot light won’t stay lit is that the flame sensor is dirty. The flame sensor is a small metal rod that sits in the path of the pilot light. Its job is to ensure it is aflame before allowing gas flow to the main burner. If the flame sensor is dirty, it can prevent the pilot light from creating a strong enough flame to trigger the gas flow. As a result, the main burner will never ignite, and your furnace will never produce heat.
Fortunately, cleaning the flame sensor is a simple fix that you can do yourself. Just remove the sensors from the furnace and use a wire brush to remove any dirt or debris. Once you have cleaned the flame sensor, reattach it and try relighting the pilot light.
Bad Thermocouple
If your furnace’s pilot light keeps going out, it may be due to a faulty thermocouple. The thermocouple is a safety device that keeps the gas valve open. When the pilot light goes out, the lack of heat causes the thermocouple to cool and contract, which shuts off the gas valve and cuts off the gas flow to the burner. As a result, the pilot light will not stay lit. Thermocouples are inexpensive and easy to replace, so if you suspect your furnace’s thermocouple is defective, it is best to call a qualified technician for assistance.
Draft
If you have an older furnace, the pilot light will likely go out from time to time. It is usually due to a draft, which various things can cause. For example, the draft can quickly extinguish the pilot light if you live in an area with high winds. Even something as simple as opening a door or window can cause a draft that will put out the pilot light. The good news is that relighting the pilot light is usually simple. But if the pilot light keeps going out, it is essential to find and eliminate the source of the draft. Otherwise, you will continue to have problems with your furnace.
Bad Gas Regulator
A faulty gas regulator is one of the most common reasons a furnace pilot light won’t stay lit. A gas regulator controls gas flow to the furnace; if it is not working correctly, it can cause the pilot light to go out. Gas regulators can become damaged over time, so it is vital to check them regularly for wear and tear. If your furnace pilot light keeps going out, you likely need to replace your gas regulator. You may either do it yourself or hire a professional to assist you. Either way, fixing the problem as soon as possible is essential so your furnace can continue working correctly.
Try these four tips if you are having trouble keeping your furnace’s pilot light lit. Furnaces are an important part of many homes, and a failure to keep the pilot light lit can be frustrating. However, by following these four tips, you should be able to overcome this problem.