As the North Shore’s preferred same-day furnace repair professionals, Maffei Services understands that your furnace plays a crucial role in keeping your home warm and comfortable during the colder New England months. However, from time to time, you might encounter a situation where your furnace’s pilot light goes out, leaving you in the cold. Don’t worry. Relighting your furnace is a manageable task, but it must be done safely. In this helpful article, we will guide you through the process of safely relighting your furnace and offer some essential tips to ensure your comfort and well-being.
Before You Begin – Safety First!
Before attempting to relight your furnace, there are some important safety precautions you should take:
- Turn Off the Gas Supply: Locate the gas shut-off valve near your furnace and turn it to the “Off” position. This step is crucial to prevent the release of gas while you work on the furnace.
- Ventilation: Ensure proper ventilation in the area where your furnace is located. Adequate ventilation is essential to disperse any gas buildup and ensure your safety.
- Check for Gas Odor: Before proceeding, use your sense of smell to check for the presence of natural gas. If you smell gas, do not proceed with relighting the furnace. Instead, evacuate your home immediately and call your gas company or a professional technician.
- Clear the Area: Remove any flammable materials, such as paper, cloth, or other combustibles, from the vicinity of your furnace. Ensure a clear workspace.
- Have Tools Ready: Gather the necessary tools, including a long lighter or fireplace match, a flashlight, and any manufacturer’s instructions for your specific furnace.
Steps to Safely Relight Your Furnace
Once you’ve taken the necessary safety precautions, you can proceed with relighting your furnace by following these steps:
- Locate the Pilot Light Assembly: Open the access panel or door to your furnace to locate the pilot light assembly. It’s usually located near the burner.
- Turn the Gas Valve to “Pilot”: Locate the gas control valve, often marked “On,” “Off,” and “Pilot.” Turn it to the “Pilot” position. This allows a small amount of gas to flow to the pilot light.
- Press and Hold the Reset Button: If your furnace has a reset button, press and hold it down. This action will allow gas to flow to the pilot light.
- Use a Long Lighter or Fireplace Match: While holding the reset button down, use a long lighter or fireplace match to ignite the pilot light. Hold the flame near the pilot burner and wait for it to catch. This may take a few seconds.
- Keep Holding the Reset Button: Continue holding the reset button down for about 30 seconds after the pilot light has ignited. This allows the thermocouple (a safety device) to heat up and signal that it’s safe to release the button.
- Release the Reset Button: After 30 seconds, release the reset button. The pilot light should remain lit. If it goes out when you release the button, repeat the process from step 2.
- Turn the Gas Valve to “On”: Once the pilot light is stable, turn the gas control valve back to the “On” position. This will allow gas to flow to the main burner.
- Close the Access Panel or Door: Close and secure the access panel or door to your furnace.
- Monitor the Furnace: Keep an eye on your furnace for the next few hours to ensure it continues to operate safely and that the pilot light remains lit.
- If the Pilot Light Keeps Going Out: If your pilot light keeps going out after multiple attempts, it’s essential to call the professional furnace technicians at Maffei Services. There may be an underlying issue with your furnace that requires expert attention.
Additional Tips for Safety and Maintenance
- Regular Maintenance: To prevent pilot light issues and ensure the efficient operation of your furnace, schedule annual maintenance with Maffei Services.
- Install Carbon Monoxide Detectors: Install carbon monoxide detectors in your home to alert you to any potential gas leaks or carbon monoxide buildup.
- Know When to Seek Professional Help: If you ever feel uncomfortable or unsure about relighting your furnace, or if the pilot light continues to go out despite your efforts, don’t hesitate to call Maffei Services for same-day heating repair. Safety should always be the top priority.
Contact Maffei Services
Relighting your furnace safely is a manageable task when you follow these steps and prioritize safety precautions. Remember to turn off the gas supply, clear the area, and use the appropriate tools. If you encounter any issues or have doubts about the process, it’s best to contact the furnace repair technicians at Maffei Services to ensure the safe operation of your furnace and the comfort of your home during the cold season.
