If you’ve ever found yourself shivering in the dead of winter, wrapped in blankets and wondering why your furnace isn’t kicking in, you’re not alone. Scheduling furnace repair services can resolve the issue, but why did it happen in the first place?
One of the most common reasons for a furnace not working properly is a pilot light that has gone out. The pilot light serves as the ignition source for your furnace, and when it’s out, your furnace won’t be able to produce heat. So, why does this happen, and what can you do about it?
How Do Pilot Lights Work?
First and foremost, it’s important to understand how your furnace’s pilot light works. In older furnaces, the pilot light stays lit continuously, while in newer models, it’s only lit when the furnace needs to generate heat.
Regardless of the type of furnace you have, if the pilot light is out, it could be due to a variety of reasons.
What Causes a Pilot Light to Go Out?
One common cause of a pilot light going out is a dirty or faulty thermocouple. The thermocouple is a safety device that detects whether the pilot light is lit. If it senses that the pilot light is out, it shuts off the gas supply to prevent a potential gas leak. Over time, the thermocouple can become dirty or worn out, preventing it from properly detecting the pilot light. Fortunately, this is a relatively simple fix for a professional HVAC technician, who can clean or replace the thermocouple as needed.
Another possible culprit for a pilot light going out is a malfunctioning gas valve. The gas valve controls the flow of gas to the pilot light and the burners. If the gas valve is faulty or blocked, it may not be supplying enough gas to keep the pilot light lit. In some cases, the gas valve may need to be repaired or replaced by a qualified technician.
In addition to mechanical issues, environmental factors can also cause a pilot light to go out. For example, if there is a strong draft near the furnace, it could blow out the pilot light. Similarly, if there is dirt or debris in the furnace’s combustion chamber, it could interfere with the pilot light’s ability to stay lit. In these cases, addressing the underlying issue, such as sealing drafts or cleaning the furnace, can help prevent the pilot light from going out in the future.
Schedule Furnace Repair Services to Get the Heat Flowing Again
In conclusion, a pilot light that is out is a common issue that can leave you feeling chilly and frustrated. However, by understanding the potential causes of this problem and knowing when to call in the professionals, you can ensure that your furnace stays running smoothly all winter long. So, if you find yourself facing a cold house and a pilot light that won’t stay lit, call on your local furnace repair company to get the heat back on once again.
