How to Light a Gas Furnace

There are two types of gas furnaces. In the older type, the pilot light can be re-lit. The newer type consists of a furnace with an electrical set-up that ignites the gas. If you have one of the newer furnaces with the electrical system, then you will need to call a qualified repair person to re-light your furnace. You should not try to fix it yourself. However, if you have one of the older style furnaces that still has a pilot light, then you can re-light your furnace on your own.

Things You'll Need

• Fireplace match or a candle lighter with a long nozzle
• Piece of fine wire

Instructions

1. Locate where your pilot light assembly is. There should be a gas valve control there.

2. Turn the gas valve control to "Off." Wait for three minutes.

3. Turn the gas valve control to "Pilot."

4. Hold the reset button down. Then hold your lighted match or candle lighter to the pilot opening. Keep holding the reset button down until the pilot light is burning brightly.

5. Turn the gas valve to "On" once the pilot light is burning brightly.

6. Turn the gas valve off. Clean the opening of the pilot light with a piece of fine wire if the pilot light won't stay lit, or keeps going out. Repeat Steps 1 through 5 after cleaning it.

Tips & Warnings

• Call a professional if your pilot light will not stay lit after you re-lit it and have cleaned the pilot light opening. If you have other appliances in your home that run on gas, see if they are working to be sure the gas to your entire home hasn't been turned off before trying to re-light your gas furnace. If you have your furnace's handbook, or there are instructions on your furnace, then always use those instructions for re-lighting the pilot light before the ones in this article because they will be specific to your gas furnace, and thus more accurate.

• If you smell gas after your pilot light has gone out, leave your home and call the gas company or fire department to ensure you don't have a leak before trying to re-light your gas furnace.