Thank-you for your description of how to re-light a pilot light. The one
on my gas
furnace went out and I was not
sure where to light it. Your
description, plus informing me
to push down on the dial that
was pointed at "pilot" enabled me to return heat to my home on a very cold
New England day. An additional thing that would have been helpful would be
a drawing of a typical gas furnace switch, small metal tube and wire, and
pilot light.
Thanks again! You were the only site that gave me the information I
needed.
Marilyn
Pilot Light
Summary: A pilot light is an endangered species. Some gas appliances still have them, but more and more electronic ignition is how a furnace, water heater or gas cooktop starts up. Finding a pilot light is easy.
DEAR TIM: How do you locate and identify the pilot light on a furnace? DeLonya Anderson, Hyattsville, MD
DEAR DELONYA: The first thing you should know is that not all furnaces have a pilot light. A traditional standing pilot light that sports a continuous blue flame wastes natural resources. Because of this, consumers look for and manufacturers produce more and more gas appliances each year that use electrostatic ignition.
Locating your furnace's pilot light is fairly easy. The best place to start, in my opinion, is the gas line that enters the furnace. Look for a black steel pipe that is close in size to a garden hose. This pipe often enters the side of the furnace. The gas line might also be made from brass or copper.
The gas line connects to a gas valve once inside the furnace. This valve is often made from aluminum and is a dull silver color. The small fuel line that feeds the pilot light begins at the gas valve. Look at the bottom of the gas valve for a small silver tube that is about one-quarter inch in diameter.
You may also see a small, thin metal wire leaving the bottom of the gas valve. This wire will also help you locate the pilot light.
Follow both the small silver tube and the metal wire as they extend into the furnace. Where these two things end, you will discover the pilot light.
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Comments:
Marilyn Bartz 08 Dec 2007, 19:33
AsktheBuilder 09 Dec 2007, 07:47
Marilyn,
You are most welcome!
fran 23 Dec 2007, 13:43
I am having a similar problem with my heating system...so far it wont
relight..do you have a picture so i can make sure im in the right spot...it
definelty would help me. its pretty cold here in NYC!
Joe Bischofberger 02 Feb 2008, 23:28
I am inquiring about the possibility of replacing a pilot light mechanism
with a electronic start mechaanism. Can this be done? I presently have a
Gaffers Sattler forced air furnace.
AsktheBuilder 03 Feb 2008, 08:42
Joe,
You need to contact Gaffers Sattler.
Bill Hughel 04 Feb 2008, 11:43
I have an old Heatwave Furnace made by the Southwest Manufacturing, the
unit functions well, but probably is only 70% efficient. The manufacturer
is no longer in business.
Is there a generic electronic lighter in the marketplace? Also what is available in a vent control device? Thank you.
Patrice Evans 29 Oct 2008, 10:45
I have a trane home furnace. It has this black switch also, but no gas
seems to be coming out anywhere to light it. It has three large tubes with
openings that appear to be the place to light it. Just bought this house.
Had it inspected, was working then,must just not know how to light the
thing. Any help is appreciated. Trane Blu080E942B1
ambrose 04 Nov 2008, 04:30
HI i khnow how to light my pilot light wen i let up on the safty buttn and
turn back to the on postion it goes out ??
Carly 15 Nov 2008, 20:49
I just lit my furnance, but the key to getting it light was to hold it down
for several seconds and then turn it to on and it stayed lit. Took me
about three tries to figure it out, but it worked.
K 16 Nov 2008, 19:49
Hi,
Thanks so much!!! I recently bought my home (built in 1955. B4 I had electric & wood heating. I had no idea what to do and your information led me right through it. I found the "garden hose" and the thinner tube...followed it just like you said and voila!!!! Heat for Thanksgiving. I had no one to go to and no $ to hire someone to come in. You saved the day...I was cold! View all comments |
