• Pilot lighting issues

    Jan.29.2010

    The pilot light [on my furnace] goes out as soon as I release the knob. When relighting the pilot, it comes on but immediately goes out before I can turn the main burner to ON. When turning the furnace on, the burner does not ignite as the pilot has already been extinguished. What is causing this problem?

    Edward, Danville, VA

    If the pilot light will not stay lit, please be aware that there is a safety issue. First, the gas valve needs to be checked for proper operation. The flame on the pilot light tells the gas valve everything is working correctly. When the flame goes out, the gas valve should close. If it does not close, gas will continue to flow and cause a safety issue. There is also a possibility that there is a faulty thermocouple. This is an electronic device designed to sense when it’s safe to keep open the main gas valve on the pilot light assembly. The thermocouple will shut off the gas valve if it does not sense enough heat from the pilot flame. Information regarding relighting the pilot light and other safety concerns are usually printed on the equipment. I suggest you contact a professional HVAC contractor to perform a complete safety check on your furnace.

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