Is the standing pilot light in your gas furnace failing to remain lit? This is a common problem in Moyock, NC, homes with older gas furnaces. Here are some common reasons a standing pilot light might go out:
A Draft Blows the Pilot Light Out
A standing pilot light should remain lit at all times. But sometimes a pilot light can get blown out, like a candle. It takes more than a light draft to extinguish a pilot light, but a strong draft will do it.
Another possibility is your furnace is blowing out the pilot light. A gas furnace has a thermocouple. It’s a device that extinguishes a pilot light for safety reasons.
A pilot light that constantly blows out is cause for concern. Contact an HVAC service technician to inspect your gas furnace.
A Broken or Malfunctioning Thermocouple
As mentioned earlier, a gas furnace has a safety device known as a thermocouple. This device can sense when there’s a problem with the pilot light. If the thermocouple detects a problem, it’ll extinguish the pilot light.
It’s possible for the thermocouple to develop a problem. The device could slip out of place or accumulate dirt. This can cause the thermocouple to turn off the pilot light unnecessarily.
An HVAC technician can inspect the thermocouple on your furnace. It’s possible that simple furnace maintenance might solve the problem.
The Furnace Intake Valve is Dirty
If a pilot light has a dirty gas intake valve, it won’t work as well as it should. The dirty valve will restrict the flame’s oxygen supply. The flame won’t get the gas that it needs, and that can cause it to go out.
The pilot light needs a clean gas intake valve. You can contact an HVAC service technician to clean the valve and install a clean air filter.
Gas Furnace Repair in Moyock, NC
Newer gas furnaces use electronic ignitions instead of standing pilot lights. So, if you’re having problems with an old gas furnace pilot light, you might want to upgrade to a newer model.
Contact Weather Makers today to discuss your pilot light repair needs. We can also help with heating installation, maintenance and repair services.
Image provided by iStock
