Gas and some old electrical furnaces use a pilot light to begin the heating cycle. The entire heating system could fail when the pilot light has developed a problem. When the pilot light develops a problem often it is a simple and easy fix that you can do yourself. However other problems could be a sign of a major problem which will require professional repairs. ATW Mechanical will share some of the common pilot light problems and how to troubleshoot and repair the problem.
What Causes Flame to Go Out & Not Stay Lit?
When your pilot light will not stay lit, try to relight it by holding the ignition down for one minute. If it does stay lit, then the problem is most likely with the thermocouple. The thermocouple is a component that senses when a flame is present which allows the fuel to be released. The thermocouple is a common component that wears out and will need to be replaced at some point in the furnace’s life. However, before you go blaming the thermocouple, check the gas supply and make sure the gas valve is on and is supplying gas. If your thermocouple is the problem, you will need the aid of a professional HVAC technician to replace the component.
Need to Adjust Flame Size on Furnace
When the flame is too small the thermocouple will not be able to stay lit as the flame will not allow the fuel to be released. This is the result of the furnace’s failure to turn on. To make the flame bigger there is an adjustment valve that you can use to make the flame bigger. To locate your adjustment valve, check your owner’s manual or look for the unit online and see how to adjust the flame size. It is possible that the adjustment valve has gotten moved by accident and needs to be readjusted.
Yellow or Orange Flame on Furnace Heater
A pilot light’s flame should be a blue color. A yellow or an orange flame means the flame is not hot enough to trigger the thermocouple to release the fuel. A yellow or orange flame may indicate the gas pressure is incorrect, there is a possible misalignment, or the burners are dirty. However, a yellow flame can also be a sign you have a cracked heat exchanger which is a much bigger and hazardous problem. When the pilot light’s color is wrong, consider contacting an HVAC service.
Flickering or Spitting Furnace Flame
A flame will flicker if there is a draft. However if the flame continuously flickers or spits, this is often due to a dirty gas orifice or tube. To clean the gas orifice or tube, you will need to remove the pilot light assembly and clean it using a stiff wire. If you do not know the steps or feel confident taking apart the pilot light assembly, consider contacting an HVAC service.
Forced Air Furnace Repair, Replacement, Maintenance & More in Henderson, North LV, Summerlin, Paradise, Lone Mountain Village, Centennial, Spring Valley, Sunrise Manor, Enterprise, Boulder City, Aliante, Desert Shores, Eldorado, Peccole Ranch, Silverado Ranch, Tuscany Village, Whitney & Las Vegas Nevada
If you need help troubleshooting your furnace’s pilot light or have other heating problems, contact ATW Mechanical today.