If you’re an owner of a newer home, chances are you have a newer furnace, which means you most likely don’t have a pilot light to have to deal with. If you have an older furnace, chances are you have a pilot light. It’s important to know exactly what that is and how it works. Today we’re going to be talking about the importance of the pilot light in your furnace and how you know when it’s time for some furnace maintenance.
What is a Pilot Light?
A pilot light is a small flame that constantly stays lit in your furnace. You can also find pilot lights in older versions of kitchen ovens. This light is used as the source of ignition to turn on appliances and to provide heat to your home.
What Does it Mean When You Have a Lazy Pilot Light?
If you have a lazy pilot light, that means that your pilot light is becoming weak and close to dying. A normally functioning pilot light should give off a natural blue color. When the flow of oxygen is restricted to the flame, it becomes “lazy” and begins to burn a more yellow color. Blue flames indicate a hotter fire while orange and yellow are cooler.
Is it Dangerous if My Pilot Light Goes Out?
When it comes to pilot lights being extinguished, it’s not all bad news. While for your appliances, it is smarter to keep your pilot light burning, there will be times when your flame goes out by accident. If your flame becomes extinguished, there’s a small chance that the gas that is used to keep the flame lit will possibly vent into your home. If you suspect a gas leak, get out of your home immediately and call 911.
How Do I Fix My Lazy Pilot Light?
Fixing your lazy pilot light is actually much simpler than it might seem. To fix your pilot light, all you have to do is reset your furnace, wait a moment, and then relight where the flame was once burning. Once your pilot light is relit, it should begin to burn the regular blue color it should be.
Losing the pilot light in your furnace can make it unable to provide heat for your home. If you continue to have problems with your furnace and aren’t comfortable relighting the pilot light or simply just can’t relight it, contact the experts at Mendez Heating and AC for help.
