How to Light a Pilot Light on a Furnace

If yourfurnaceisn’t running properly, one of the easiest fixes is a pilot light, if that is indeed the problem. Whether it’s summer or winter, you don’t want to mess around withHVACproblems if the conditions are extreme. Ifchecking the pilot light on the furnacehas revealed that it’s out, then you need to relight it. The good news is this is an easy task that even the most novice do-it-yourselfer can tackle. Here we discusshow to light a pilot light on a gas furnace. If you have an electric furnace, then you are in the wrong place (and your furnace doesn’t even have a pilot).

Steps to Relight a Furnace Pilot Light

gas burner on a furnace
  1. Locate the switch or knob that displays three settings (On, Pilot, Off).
  2. Set the knob tooff, then wait a couple of minutes in order to allow the gas to dissipate.
  3. Now, turn the knob to thepilot.
  4. There should be a reset button, and you need to hold it down as you light the pilot. There is a chance the reset button is the knob. A match will work, but it’s easiest to use a lighter with a long arm. Once lit, do not ease off the reset button. You need to hold it for about a minute.
  5. 释放reset button and check the pilot to ensure it’s still lit.

That’s it! You’re done.

What Do I Do If the Pilot Won’t Stay Lit?

This is probably a job for a professional. It manifests in two ways. Either it immediately goes out, or it stays lit for a while and then goes out. In both cases, our recommendation is the same. Leave it to somebody with more experience. Dealing with gas appliances can be tricky and dangerous.

Find Replacement Furnace Parts

Now that you know to light a pilot, you might need new parts if your furnace still isn't working. You can save on all kinds ofheating/cooling partslikefurnace ignitors,blowers and motors,blower wheels, and more. Did you know that you can find member pricing here on certain items (typically name brand, MAP priced items) if you log in? For industry professionals buying in bulk, please consider contacting us directly for extra special pricing and extra savings.

Related resources:
How to Change a Furnace Filter
How to Check a Pilot Light
How to Clean a Furnace
How to Reset a Furnace
Turn Furnace On/Off
Recommended MERV Rating for Furnace Filter?

Shopper Award