Instructions for Safely Re-Lighting a Furnace
When your furnace stops working, you might first assume that something major has gone wrong. Sure, it could be a big problem that you’re facing, but it could also be something that’s relatively easy to correct. When a furnace stops generating heat, it could simply be because the pilot light has gone out. It’s quite simple to re-light that pilot light. Below, we’ll provide you with step-by-step instructions for how you can safely re-light your furnace. Soon, you’ll be able to get cozy and comfortable in your own home again.
Make Sure There’s No Smell of Gas
The most important thing is to stay safe while you’re dealing with gas. If you notice an odor of gas in your home, you’ll need to exit your home right away. It could be unsafe to stay indoors, especially when the windows and doors are shut. Call for help, and a professional can come and check things out. It’s always better to be safe and cautious when big risks are involved.
Follow These Steps
If you’re confident that there’s no odor of gas, you can proceed with the following steps to re-light your furnace.
First, figure out where the gas valve is on your furnace. On most furnaces, it’ll be towards the bottom of the unit. It should have three positions, which are “On”, “Off”, and “Pilot.” You should find the valve in the “On” position. You’ll want to switch it to the “Off” position. This will turn off the gas.
This next part is a really easy step, and it’s also one that’s crucial. You’ll need to wait at least five minutes after turning the valve to “Off” before proceeding with the rest of the instructions. This is the time it takes for the gas to dissipate. If you don’t wait this amount of time, the act of lighting a match could lead to a big spark and possibly an explosion or fire. Because of how important this step is, it might be a smart idea to set a timer for yourself. While you’re waiting, you should locate the “Reset” button on your furnace. Usually, it’s located near the gas valve.
After five minutes have passed, turn the gas valve to the “Pilot” position. Push the “Reset” button and hold it down. Light a long match or ignite a lighter with your other hand. Hold the flame at the opening to the pilot light valve. Keep it there until the pilot ignites. When the flame from the pilot light is strong, release the “Reset” button.
The last step is to turn the furnace on. This can be achieved by turning the gas valve to the “On” position. After all of this, your furnace should be operating correctly and the heat should be flowing through your home.
Other Problems
While the steps that we’ve just detailed are straightforward, the reality is that things aren’t always that simple. A variety of issues could be at play. Contact a professional company if you’re experiencing chronic issues.
A pilot light shouldn’t be going out repeatedly, and it shouldn’t be too hard to re-light a furnace. If this isn’t the case for you, it’s very likely that a component needs to be repaired or replaced. At Mike Bryant Heating & Cooling, we offer our heating repair services to people in the Olathe, KS, area. We can be the resource that you turn to when things aren’t working properly.
Here to Help
We do have confidence in our customers’ ability to handle minor issues. In most situations, a pilot light can be safely and quickly lit. However, we’ve seen so many types of issues in our years in the field. Some of them can be quite complex and best left to a trained expert.
Mike Bryant Heating & Cooling has been in the industry since 2004, and we’re proud to be a family-owned and -operated business. Our hard work has earned us an A+ rating. We provide free estimates, give our customers our personal attention, and work with all makes and models. We can assist you with repair, maintenance, and installation of heating and cooling units. In addition, we offer services related to geothermal and indoor air quality. Give us a call with any questions or to schedule an appointment. We’ll be ready to take care of everything on your behalf, and we’ll do so as soon as we can.
