How to Ignite a Gas Heater

Is the pilot light out on your gas heater? The pilot light on your gas heater is an open flame that is fed by a flow of gas used to heat your home. Frustration can happen when the gas flow is blocked or if the pilot light is blown out. Fortunately, this is a very common problem. The following steps will walk you through the proper procedure to ignite your gas heater.

Things You'll Need

• Barbecue lighter Flat Head or Phillips screwdriver

Instructions

1. 

   Set thermostat to "Heat" selection. Turn thermostat to a minimum of 75 degrees or at a higher setting that will necessitate heat.
   Use a screwdriver to remove any screws that secure the lower front grill of the heater.

2. 

   Locate the pilot valve. The pilot valve is housed by a box in which the gas line runs into. The body of the pilot valve will have a gas cock that will read "Pilot, On, Off." Set the gas cock to the "Off" position. Allow 5 minutes for any remaining gas to escape.

3. 

   If there is a red "Reset" button on your pilot light, set the gas valve to the "Pilot" position. If you do not have a red "Reset" button on your pilot light, manually turn the knob to the "Pilot" position.

4. 

   Set the lit tip of a barbecue lighter in the pilot. Press and hold down the red "Reset" button or knob for 30 seconds. This will keep the gas cirulating to the pilot until the thermocouple reaches the approporiate temperature needed to open the gas valve.

5. 

   When the pilot is lit, release the red "Reset" button or knob. Set the gas cock knob to the "On" position. The "On" setting will ignite the burners and maintain a steady flow of gas to them.

6. Use a screwdriver to replace the lower grill of the heater. Set thermostat to the desired temperature.

Tips & Warnings

• If the burners no not ignite, repeat the above procedure. Try holding the red "Reset" button or knob for 60 seconds instead of 30.