How to Light a Gas Furnace Standing Pilot

Older gas furnaces use a standing pilot light to ignite the gas and generate heat. In these older furnaces, the pilot stays lit even if the furnace isn't running. If the furnace hasn't been used in a while or your furnace is exposed to a draft, the pilot light may blow out. Without the pilot, the furnace won't operate. The process of relighting the pilot may differ slightly among furnace models, so refer to instructions printed on the side of your furnace for instructions for your model.

Things You'll Need

• Matches

Instructions

1. Turn your thermostat to its lowest setting. Turn off the electricity to your furnace. Typically there's a switch near your furnace. If there is not, flip the circuit breaker in your house. Remove the lower access panel on your furnace by lifting it up and away from the furnace. Removing the panel reveals the gas control knob and pilot light port.

2. Turn the red gas control knob to the "OFF" position. Wait at least five minutes for any residual gas in the furnace to dissipate.

3. Turn the red gas control knob to the "PILOT" position and hold it there. Depress the red Piezo ignition button next to the gas control knob. Pressing the red Piezo ignition button creates a spark just above the pilot light port and should ignite the pilot. If your furnace does not have a Piezo ignition button, light a long match and hold it over the pilot light port until the pilot ignites.

4. Continue to hold the gas control knob in the "PILOT" position for 60 seconds. If the pilot shuts off once you let go of the gas control knob, repeat the lighting process.

5. Turn the gas control knob to the "ON" position. Replace the access panel on your furnace. Turn the electricity back on to the furnace and turn your thermostat to your desired setting.

Tips & Warnings

• Never try to light your pilot until any residual gas has cleared.

References

• Manage My Life: Lighting a Gas Furnace Pilot Light