How to Light the Pilot Light on a BTU Electric Furnace That Won't Turn on

Ensure maximum heat from your air ducts by lighting the furnace manually when needed.

Electric furnaces have become a popular choice among homes, apartments, mobile homes and offices due to their compact design and longevity. Designed to last 20 to 30 years, electric furnaces use an electric ignition to light the pilot and start the furnace. Sometimes the pilot can fail to light by itself and will need to be lit manually. The pilot on electric furnaces looks like a small button and must be manually pressed when the ignition does not catch regularly. Fortunately, with electric furnaces you do not need to worry about working with an open flame.

Things You'll Need

• Owner's manual

Instructions

1. Check the circuit breaker that controls the electric furnace and make sure it's switched to "on." Sometimes the breaker can trip without you realizing it, causing your furnace to no longer light properly.

2. Locate the ignition, which on most electric furnaces is a small button with another smaller red button next to it. Refer to your furnace owner's manual for the exact location and diagram.

3. Press on the small button while simultaneously pressing the electric ignition button as well. You will see the pilot light. Continue to hold the button down for a minute to ensure the pilot stays lit. Repeat this process anytime your furnace fails to light properly.

References

• Furnance Compare: Electric Furnaces
• Nordyne: Electric Furnance Owner's Manual
• Trane: Residential Electric Furnance Information