How to Light a Pilot Lamp in a Central Heater

Light your furnace pilot for the winter.

Starting your central heating furnace for the winter could require you to light the pilot lamp. It's an uncomplicated task, but it requires some precautions. Check your gas supply to verify you have gas to operate your furnace and check the breaker on for the furnace blower to confirm it is switched on. Without gas or electricity the furnace cannot heat your home. Never attempt to light your central heater pilot lamp if you fear you have a gas leak.

Things You'll Need

• Match or lighter

Instructions

1. Smell around the floor along the bottom of the central heating furnace for any signs of leaking gas. If you smell gas, leave your home and call your gas company immediately.

2. Remove the door from the burner compartment on your central furnace. Locate your gas valve and pilot lamp inside the compartment.

3. Set your wall thermostat to heat. Turn the temperature dial on the thermostat to 80 degrees Fahrenheit or above.

4. Turn off the furnace pilot control knob on the gas valve. Wait three to five minutes for any gas to clear the burner compartment. If the gas smell fails to clear, leave your home and call your gas company immediately.

5. Turn the furnace pilot control knob to "Pilot." If your gas valve has a red pilot button located next to the pilot control knob, push down on the red button while lighting the pilot lamp with a match or lighter. If your gas valve only has the pilot control knob, push down on the knob while lighting the pilot lamp. Continue to hold the knob or button down for 30 seconds to one minute to clear any air from the gas line.

6. Release the furnace pilot control knob or button slowly. Turn knob from "Pilot" to "On." Set your wall thermostat to your desired temperature.

References

• High Performance HVAC: Gas Furnaces
• Preferred Home Repair & Services LLC: Gas Furnace Pilot Light -- How to Relight, Adjust Flame & Troubleshooting