When cold weather hits in Moncks Corner, the last thing you want is a furnace that won’t turn on. One of the most common culprits is a pilot light that has gone out. If you’ve found yourself searching for how to light furnace pilot light, you’re not alone. Many homeowners face this issue at the start of heating season, especially if their furnace hasn’t run in months. At Pointer Cooling & Heating, we help homeowners throughout the Lowcountry troubleshoot, repair, and maintain their furnaces to keep them running reliably when they’re needed most.
What Is a Furnace Pilot Light?
A pilot light is a small flame inside older gas furnaces. Its job is simple but critical: it ignites the burners that heat your home when your thermostat calls for heat. If the pilot light goes out, your furnace won’t produce warm air.
While many modern furnaces use electronic ignition instead of a standing pilot, plenty of homes in Moncks Corner still rely on pilot lights. That’s why knowing how to light furnace pilot light safely can make the difference between a warm home and a chilly night.
Why Pilot Lights Go Out
There are several reasons your pilot light might go out. Drafts near the furnace can easily blow out the small flame. Dust or soot buildup around the pilot orifice can interfere with proper burning. A weak thermocouple — the safety device that detects the flame and keeps gas flowing — can also cause the pilot to go out. Sometimes it’s simply that the furnace has been sitting unused for months. Whatever the reason, relighting the flame often gets your furnace running again.
Safety First: Precautions Before Relighting
Before you learn how to light furnace pilot light, it’s important to understand safety. You are dealing with natural gas, and that requires caution.
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Turn off the gas supply at the pilot control knob or gas valve and wait at least five minutes. This prevents lingering gas from causing a flare-up.
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Make sure the area is ventilated. If you smell gas after waiting, do not attempt to light the furnace. Leave your home and call your gas utility or a licensed HVAC professional immediately.
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Have a flashlight handy. Furnace compartments are often dim, and proper lighting makes the process safer.
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Read your furnace’s instruction sticker. Many units have lighting directions printed on the access panel.
Step-by-Step: How to Light Furnace Pilot Light
Once you’ve taken safety precautions, you can attempt to relight the pilot:
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Locate the pilot light assembly. This is typically behind a small access panel at the base of the furnace. You’ll see a gas valve with “On,” “Off,” and “Pilot” settings.
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Turn the knob to “Off.” Wait five minutes for any residual gas to clear. This step is critical for safety.
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Switch the knob to “Pilot.” Hold it down to start the flow of gas to the pilot assembly.
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Use a long lighter or match. While holding the knob down, bring the flame close to the pilot opening until it ignites.
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Keep holding the knob for 20–30 seconds. This allows the thermocouple to heat up and signal the valve to keep gas flowing.
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Release the knob and turn it to “On.” If the pilot stays lit, the burners should ignite when the thermostat calls for heat.
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Replace the access panel. This ensures the furnace operates safely and efficiently.
If your pilot light goes out again shortly after lighting, that may be a sign of a failing thermocouple or another mechanical issue that requires professional service.
When Not to Relight the Pilot Yourself
While many homeowners successfully relight their furnace pilot, there are situations where it’s safer to call for professional help. If you smell gas in the room even after waiting, do not attempt to light it. If you notice visible damage around the pilot assembly, stop and call a technician. And if you’ve tried relighting the pilot multiple times without success, there may be a deeper issue in the gas valve or thermocouple that needs repair or replacement.
Preventing Pilot Light Problems
Learning how to light furnace pilot light is helpful, but preventing problems is even better. Keep the furnace area clear of drafts and clutter. Schedule annual maintenance so a technician can clean the pilot assembly and check the thermocouple. If your furnace is older, consider upgrading to a modern unit with electronic ignition for improved reliability and efficiency.
Professional Furnace Services in Moncks Corner, SC
At Pointer Cooling & Heating, we know how stressful it can be when your furnace won’t start on a cold night. Relighting a pilot light is sometimes a simple fix, but repeated issues often point to bigger problems. Our certified technicians provide thorough inspections, repairs, and replacements so your system runs safely and efficiently all winter long.
If your pilot light won’t stay lit, or if you’re uncomfortable relighting it yourself, don’t hesitate to call. We’ll restore warmth and peace of mind to your home quickly and safely.
Call Pointer Cooling & Heating today for expert furnace repair in Moncks Corner, SC.
