Pilot lights are used to ignite fires in a variety of situations. They can be found in gas stoves, ovens, fireplaces, and furnaces. The most common type of pilot light is fueled by gas. There are also electric pilot lights, which are used in appliances such as water heaters.
What is a pilot light?
A gas pilot light is lit before the main fire. The flame is small and continuous, and it is used to heat a gas-filled thermocouple. This thermocouple is connected to the main gas valve, and when it is heated, it creates an electric current that opens the valve. This allows gas to flow to the pilot light, and the main fire is then ignited.
Once the main fire is going, the pilot light is usually turned off. This saves gas and keeps the flame from getting too large. Some pilot lights, however, are left on permanently. These are called standing pilot lights.
Why does my pilot light keep going out?
If your pilot light keeps going out, it could be a sign that your furnace needs to be serviced. You should call a professional to come and take a look at your furnace to see what the issue may be. However, there are a few things that you can do to try and troubleshoot the issue yourself in the meantime.
Make sure that the area around the pilot light is clear of any debris.
If your pilot light is going out, there is a good chance that there is something blocking the opening to the light. This could be dirt, dust, or even insects. If you can, try to clean the area around the light with a brush or a vacuum cleaner. You may also need to remove any obstructions that are blocking the light itself.
Check the gas pressure.
If the gas pressure is too low, it could cause the pilot light to go out. You can try to adjust the pressure by turning the gas pressure knob on the furnace. If the pressure is too high, it could cause the furnace to run too hot and damage the furnace. Again, you can try to adjust the pressure by turning the knob on the furnace.
Consider calling a professional.
If neither of those things fixes the issue, you may have to call a professional to come and take a look at your furnace. There could be a problem with the pilot light itself, or there could be another issue with the furnace that needs to be fixed. This can be caused by a number of things, such as a gas leak, a clogged pilot light tube, or a faulty thermocouple.
You can call your local gas company and ask them to send someone over to fix the issue. They should be able to help you out relatively quickly, and it won't cost you anything. However, keep in mind that they may not be available at all hours of the day, so it's a good idea to have a backup plan in case they can't help you out.
Another option is to call a handyman. This can be a more expensive option, but they should be able to help you with any issues that you're having with your pilot light. Plus, they may be available for same-day service, which can be helpful if you're in a hurry.
No matter who you choose to help you with your pilot light, make sure to ask for references and reviews before you hire them. This will help you to make sure that you're choosing a reputable company or individual.
