How to Relight a Pilot Light on a Furnace in 5 Easy Steps

The pilot light on your furnace is one of the most important aspects of your heating system. If the flame goes out, your furnace will be unable to create the warmth needed to heat your home. Luckily, most homeowners are capable of relighting it on their own. Here are the steps you’ll need to take to safely relight your furnace’s pilot light.

Warning! If you smell gas or suspect you have a gas leak, turn off the furnace and leave your home as soon as possible. It is dangerous to relight your pilot light when there is natural gas in the air.

How to Light a Gas Pilot Light – 5 Easy Steps

Your furnace’s instruction manual will give you the most accurate information about your specific furnace model. However, it’s still possible to relight your pilot without one. Just follow these 5 easy steps.

1. Turn the Gas Off

Turn the gas control knob on your furnace to “OFF.” This will stop the flow of gas into the unit. The knob is located on the inside of your furnace at the end of the gas pipe. You’ll see “On,” “Off,” and “Pilot” displayed on the knob. Make sure you turn it to “OFF”

2. Wait 5 Minutes

Wait at least 5 minutes to allow any remaining gas in the air to dissipate. If you notice a gas smell after a few minutes, or you suspect a gas leak, turn the gas off and call a professional for assistance.

3. Turn the Gas Back On

Turn the knob from “OFF” to “PILOT”

4. Relight the Pilot

Hold down the reset button and relight the pilot at the same time. To safely do this, you’ll need to use a long-stemmed lighter and hold the end of it very close to the pilot. Once the flame catches, release the reset button.

5. Watch for Problems

Watch the pilot light on your furnace for a few minutes to ensure it stays lit. It’s possible that the gas pilot light went out originally because your furnace has an issue that needs to be repaired. If the pilot goes out again, turn off your furnace and call a trusted HVAC company for assistance.

Furnace Pilot Light FAQ

Can I relight the pilot light by myself?

Yes, it’s typically safe for homeowners to relight their gas furnace pilot light as long as they follow proper safety steps. However, if you’re unsure or uncomfortable, it’s best to contact a furnace technician for help.

What should I do if my pilot light won’t relight?

First, check that the gas supply is on. If it still won’t light, there may be a problem with the gas valve or thermocouple. For safety reasons, it’s best to call a professional to address these issues.

Can you relight a pilot light with a regular lighter?

Yes, you can use a regular lighter, but it’s recommended to use a long-stem lighter for added safety and usability.

Is it OK to leave a pilot light out?

It’s only safe to leave the pilot light out if you’re certain the flow of gas to your furnace has stopped. Modern furnaces typically have an automatic shut-off valve, but older models may require manual gas shut-off. If you smell gas or are unsure if the gas is turned off, call a professional immediately.

Get Help From an Experienced Furnace Specialist

When it comes to furnace issues, you can’t beat having an experienced HVAC technician by your side. At Roth Home, our technicians are NATE-certified, friendly, and willing to go above and beyond to bring you peace of mind.

So instead of stressing about furnace problems, why not call our expert team for help? There’s no problem too big or too small for our heating specialists, and we work hard to provide convenient appointment times and same-day scheduling whenever possible.

We’re proud to be the trusted choice for furnace repair in Portland, OR and the surrounding Central Oregon areas.

Call (503) 266-1249 now to speak to our furnace specialists.