How to Turn a Pilot Light Down on a Furnace
Adjusting the pilot light in your furnace can make you nervous. An explosion when igniting a pilot light is a realistic fear. However, danger can be averted if you are alert and follow some simple safety rules. Ordinarily, the pilot is adjusted during annual maintenance by a heating contractor or utility company person. However, to save gas, you can turn down your own pilot light when the weather outside is starting to warm up. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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1
Understand how a gas furnace works. When the thermostat reaches the set temperature, a gas valve opens and floods burner ports with gas. The pilot light flame ignites the gas waiting in the burner ports. This creates heat in the water or air heat exchanger, which warms your house. The vent pipe on the flue lets any combustible gas escape safely. Also on the flue is a draft diverter vent. This keeps the air from coming back through the vent pipe and blowing out the pilot. If the pilot goes out, the thermocouple, a metal device next to the pilot light, will cause the gas to be shut off.
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2
Open the furnace panel to reveal the control box. The turn-off gas valve will
be clearly labeled. Do not turn off the gas valve. Look beyond the valve to see the pilot light. An efficiently burning pilot light will appear as a soft blue-green inner flame surrounded by a yellow glow. -
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Locate the pilot adjustment screw. Next to the pilot light is the thermocouple, with a line that leads to the turn-off valve area. This line is the thermocouple lead. The pilot adjustment screw will be below the junction of the lead and box.
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Use a screwdriver to adjust the pilot light. Turn the screw counterclockwise to raise the flame and clockwise to lower it.
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Follow all safety rules when dealing with gas. If there is a strong smell of gas, close the main valve immediately. Do not cause any kind of spark, for example by turning on a light switch or electronic device. Open windows, and evacuate the house. Use a phone away from the house to call the gas company or fire department.
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Tips & Warnings
Ask whoever does the yearly maintenance to show you the adjustment pilot screw.
Never remain in a house when there is a strong smell of gas.
Check for danger at the home of elderly relatives who might have difficulty
smelling gas leaks.
