A gas furnace can provide powerful and reliable heat to your Pittsburgh home. However, if you’re experiencing pilot light issues, your comfort can suffer. A healthy pilot light is necessary to ensure that your system is working both efficiently and safely. That’s why these issues should never be left unaddressed.
In this article, the NATE-certified HVAC experts at Wade Heating & Cooling discuss common pilot light issues and ways homeowners can attempt to troubleshoot them before calling our experts for an inspection or repairs.
What Should Your Furnace’s Pilot Light Look Like?
Your furnace’s pilot light is usually located at the bottom of the unit behind a removable access panel. A healthy pilot light should burn blue with a steady and strong flame at the end of the small tube or glass pipe that’s connected to the burner.Â
4 Common Pilot Light Issues
There are many reasons your pilot light may have a weak flame including:
- Dirty or clogged pilot assembly
- Faulty thermocouple
- Insufficient gas supply
- Air flow restrictions
3 Troubleshooting Tips
Homeowners can attempt to restore their heating quickly with these simple troubleshooting tips. If these don’t solve your problem, it’s best to call a professional for furnace repairs.
What to Do When the Light is Yellow
A yellow pilot light indicates that your furnace has an air-to-gas ratio issue. The resulting incomplete combustion can be hazardous to your health. Homeowners should ensure that the air intake valve is clean to make sure the system is getting enough air. Turn off the system and use a soft brush to gently remove any debris before restoring power.
How to Fix a Flickering One
A flickering pilot light is often the result of a damaged component or malfunctioning thermocouple which controls the gas flow to the pilot light. Start by cleaning the thermocouple and checking that it’s properly aligned. If this doesn’t solve the issue and you’re comfortable, you can use the manufacturer’s guidelines to replace it or call a professional.Â
Why Your Pilot Light Keeps Failing to Light
A dirty pilot light orifice is the most common reason it fails to light. Dust and debris that accumulate can block the flow of gas to your pilot light and prevent it from igniting. Gently clean the orifice to remove any clogs and provide sufficient gas to the igniter.
Schedule an Inspection in Pittsburgh
If a pilot light issue has left you without a reliable furnace, don’t delay. Call the team at Wade Heating & Cooling for a professional inspection of your system. Our licensed and insured technicians work on any brand of equipment and provide fast service with 24/7 and same-day repairs. With more than 40 years in the business, we’re proud to provide award-winning heating service to the residents of Pittsburgh!
Don’t let a pilot light issue compromise your comfort. Call Wade Heating & Cooling today to schedule furnace repairs for your North Hills, South Hills, or West Hills home.
