A healthy flame should burn steady and blue. If it flickers, turns yellow or orange, goes out often, or will not stay lit after relighting, the issue may involve the thermocouple, gas supply, draft conditions, or ignition system. It is also important to know what type of setup your furnace uses. Older systems often rely on a standing pilot light, while newer HVAC units may use intermittent ignition or hot surface ignition. Each design requires a different approach to inspection, maintenance, and repair.

How To Light a Pilot Light on a Gas Heater

For standing pilot systems, the relighting process follows standardized steps:

• Locate the gas control valve - Typically found near the bottom of the furnace or water heater
• Turn the control to "Off" - Wait five minutes for residual gas to dissipate
• Turn the control to "Pilot" - Depress and hold the reset button or control knob
• Ignite the pilot - Use the built-in piezo igniter or a long-reach lighter
• Continue holding for 30-60 seconds - This allows the thermocouple to heat sufficiently
• Release and verify - The pilot should remain lit; turn control to "On"

For how to relight pilot light on old furnace applications, the process remains similar, though older systems may lack piezo igniters, requiring manual flame introduction.

How to Light a Gas Heater with Electronic Pilot

Systems with electronic ignition require different approaches. How to light a gas heater with electronic pilot typically involves:

• Verifying electrical power supply to the unit
• Checking the thermostat settings and battery condition
• Ensuring the gas supply valve is open
• Allowing the electronic sequence to complete without interruption

If electronic ignition fails repeatedly, the issue likely involves igniter degradation, control board malfunction, or flame sensor contamination - conditions requiring professional diagnosis.

Addressing Common Misconceptions

"My System Works Fine - No Need for Maintenance." Functional heating does not indicate optimal operation. Pilot lights operating with improper flame characteristics waste fuel continuously while potentially generating elevated carbon monoxide levels. Annual professional inspection identifies inefficiencies invisible to untrained observation.

"I Can Handle All Repairs Myself." Basic relighting procedures fall within reasonable homeowner capabilities. However, component replacement - thermocouples, gas valves, control boards - involves technical knowledge and safety protocols that exceed typical DIY boundaries. Improper repairs risk gas leaks, carbon monoxide exposure, and equipment damage exceeding professional service costs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do furnaces have pilot lights anymore?

Most modern furnaces utilize intermittent pilot ignition or hot surface ignition rather than standing pilots. However, millions of older systems with standing pilots remain in service throughout the United States.

What gas appliances have a pilot light?

Traditional gas furnaces, water heaters, fireplaces, stoves, ovens, and boilers may feature pilot lights. Standing pilots appear most commonly in equipment manufactured before 2000.

How to light pilot light on HVAC unit?

Turn the gas control to "Off" and wait five minutes. Turn to "Pilot," depress the reset button, and ignite the pilot using the piezo igniter or long-reach lighter. Hold for 30-60 seconds, release, verify the flame remains lit, then turn the control to "On." Consult your equipment manual for model-specific instructions.