When the temperatures drop and your furnace stops producing heat, it’s easy to panic—especially if you notice your pilot light isn’t on. The small flame that lights the burners in older gas furnaces plays a critical role in your heating system’s operation. But does a burned-out pilot light mean you must replace your furnace? Not necessarily.
Outstanding Heating & Cooling explains why pilot lights go out, what it could mean for your furnace, and when it might be time to consider furnace installation.
What the Pilot Light Does
The pilot light is a small, continuously burning flame in older natural gas furnace models. Its purpose is to ignite the gas that powers the furnace’s burners. The burners can’t light without this flame, which means your furnace can’t produce heat. If your pilot light is out, your furnace is essentially on standby.
By the way, modern gas furnaces often don’t have pilot lights. Instead, they use electronic ignition systems, which are more efficient and reliable as they use electrical power and don’t generate energy waste by constantly burning fuel. An oil furnace also has this type of ignition system.
Why Do Pilot Lights Go Out?
Pilot lights can go out for several reasons, many of which don’t require a full furnace replacement. Here are some common causes:
- Drafts: A strong draft near your furnace can blow out the flame. If your furnace is in a drafty area, this could be the culprit.
- Dirt or Debris: Dust, dirt, or soot can build up around the pilot light, blocking the gas flow or suffocating the flame.
- Faulty Thermocouple: The thermocouple is a safety device that shuts off the gas if it doesn’t sense the pilot light. If it’s worn out or malfunctioning, it might cut the gas supply even when the pilot light is fine.
- Gas Supply Issues: If there’s an interruption in the gas supply or a problem with the gas valve, the pilot light might not stay lit.
What to Do When Your Pilot Light Goes Out
Before jumping to conclusions about needing a new furnace installation, it’s worth trying a few troubleshooting steps.
Step 1: Check for Drafts
Inspect the area around your furnace for open windows, doors, or other sources of airflow that could have blown out the pilot light.
Step 2: Relight the Pilot Light
Most furnace owner’s manuals have instructions on how to safely relight the pilot light. Usually, this involves turning off the gas, waiting a few minutes, and then using a long match or lighter to ignite the flame.
Step 3: Inspect the Thermocouple
If the pilot light won’t stay lit, the thermocouple might be dirty or faulty. You can try cleaning it gently with a cloth. If that doesn’t fix the issue, call a professional to replace it.
Step 4: Check the Gas Supply
Find the gas valve near your furnace—it’s typically a metal valve located along the gas line, often before it connects to the appliance. The lever should be parallel to the gas line, indicating it is open. If the lever or knob is perpendicular to the pipe, gently turn it until it is parallel. For older valves with a knob, turn it counterclockwise to open the gas flow (like opening a faucet). If you suspect a gas leak, evacuate the area and call your gas company immediately.
Step 5: Call for Furnace Repair
If you’ve tried to relight your pilot light and it either won’t stay lit or keeps going out, it’s time to call for professional furnace repair. Persistent pilot light issues often indicate deeper problems, such as a faulty thermocouple, a clogged pilot orifice, or issues with your furnace’s gas supply.
A trained HVAC technician from Outstanding Heating & Cooling can safely diagnose the issue and perform furnace repairs in many cases. While pilot light issues can often be fixed, the presence of a pilot light means your existing furnace is older, and it’s time to start thinking about a new HVAC installation.
When Should You Consider a New Furnace Installation?
While a pilot light issue doesn’t automatically mean you need a new furnace installation, there are some situations where replacement might be the best option:
Old Furnace
Most furnaces manufactured since about 2010 do not use a pilot light—if your gas furnace has one, it’s old enough to be at or near the expected lifespan of 15 to 20 years. Newer models are more efficient and don’t rely on pilot lights, which could save you money on energy bills and maintenance.
Frequent Pilot Light Problems
If your pilot light keeps going out despite troubleshooting, it could indicate more serious issues, such as a failing gas valve or deteriorating components. Repeated repairs can add up, making a new furnace more cost-effective.
High Energy Bills
Older furnaces with pilot lights tend to be less energy-efficient. If you notice your heating costs climbing, replacing your furnace with a modern unit that has a higher energy efficiency rating could provide long-term savings.
Expensive Repairs
If fixing your pilot light involves replacing major components and the cost approaches half the price of a new furnace installation, replacement is usually the smarter choice.
How to Decide: Repair or Replace?
The choice between repairing your current furnace and installing a new one comes down to cost, age, and performance. Here’s a quick guide:
- Repair: If the issue is minor, such as stopping a draft or replacing a thermocouple, a repair makes sense.
- Replace: If your furnace is old, inefficient, or requires expensive repairs, replacement is the better long-term solution.
Outstanding Heating & Cooling can assess your system and help you make the best decision based on your needs and budget. We specialize in diagnosing furnace problems, performing expert repairs, and installing high-efficiency systems. Our team is committed to providing honest recommendations and exceptional service, whether a simple fix will solve the issue or it’s time to start the furnace installation process.
Furnace Help From Outstanding Heating & Cooling
A pilot light that’s out doesn’t necessarily mean the end of your furnace, but it’s a sign that something needs attention. By understanding the possible causes and taking the right steps, you can decide whether to repair or replace your system. And if you’re unsure, the professionals at Outstanding Heating & Cooling are just a call away.
Don’t let the cold catch you off guard—contact us today to explore your options for furnace repair or replacement.
