When your gas furnace is operating as it should, the pilot light will remain lit. However, if your furnace is malfunctioning, it is possible that the pilot light might keep going out. If your furnace's pilot light continuously goes out, here is what you need to know.
What Is Causing the Light to Go Out?
There are several reasons that your pilot light could be going out. One possible reason is that the flame sensor is malfunctioning. The flame sensor is responsible for notifying your furnace that the gas is flowing and there is a need for the pilot light. If the sensor is not repaired, the gas will continue to flow even though the pilot light is not working.
Another possibility is that there is a blockage in the gas line that feeds the furnace. When there is blockage, an insufficient amount of gas flows into the furnace and as a result, the pilot light does not have the pressure needed to remain lit.
If you have a newer-model gas furnace, chances are that it is fitted with a pressure switch. The switch is designed to monitor the venting from the furnace. However, if the switch has been tripped, it can interfere with the pilot light's ability to light and stay lit.
Your furnace's thermocouple could even be to blame. The thermocouple's job is to detect whether or not the pilot light is functioning properly. If the thermocouple does not detect heat coming from the pilot light, it is designed to stop the flow of gas. Unfortunately, if the thermocouple is malfunctioning, it might incorrectly register the heat from the pilot and stop the flow of gas. When that happens, the pilot light blows out.
What Can You Do?
Due to the potential safety risks associated with the pilot light not remaining lit, there are very few troubleshooting steps you can take. One possible solution is to locate and clean the flame sensor. Refer to your owner's manual to find the part. You can clean the part using an emery cloth.
If the pilot light continues not to work, you can clean the thermocouple. Your owner's manual can identify the location of the part. As with the flame sensor, you can use an emery cloth to clean the thermocouple. Try to place the part back into its original position when replacing it.
Other issues with the pilot light should be evaluated by a professional HVAC contractor at a company like Custom Comfort.
