Light a Pilot Light

Many houses have gas furnaces and appliances. Although newer gas furnaces, boilers, and appliances have electronic starters, there are many older models in service that need to be manually lit. This article will tell you how to light a pilot light on a natural gas appliance or furnace.

Steps

  1. Check your heating device or appliance for specific instructions. Some models have lighting instructions on a sticker on or next to the door. If this is the case, follow those directions precisely.
    • If your heating device or appliance does not have instructions listed on it, follow the directions for the following household items.
  2. Turn the gas control valve to "off" and check any surrounding gas appliances for unlit pilots and turn off their gas control valves as well if the pilots are out. Wait 5-10 minutes for all remaining gas fumes to dissipate.
    • If the smell of gas persists or gets worse, evacuate and call for help from another location. Do not do anything that can cause a spark on the way out.
  3. Remove the cover or open the door to your furnace if no gas is present. This cover is usually below the gas control knob.
  4. Use a flashlight to find the pilot light tube inside.
  5. Use a long lighter or light a long match and hold it next to the light tube while turning the gas control knob to "pilot."
  6. Press the reset switch or lever and light the tube. Your reset switch can be a red button or lever. Hold the switch for 1 minute after the tube lights.
  7. If the pilot does not stay lit, repeat the instructions 1-2 more times. If the pilot still does not stay lit, call a heating technician for service.

Newer Furnace and Boiler

  1. Set your thermostat on your furnace to the lowest setting and turn off all electronic power to it.
  2. Remove the front panel to reach the main gas valve.
  3. Turn the external gas knob clockwise to the "OFF" position. Alternately you can use the toggle switch next to the main valve to switch to "OFF."
  4. Allow 5-10 minutes for remaining gas to vent. You can open a window or door to force the gas out. If the smell of gas persists or gets worse, evacuate and call for help from another location.
  5. Turn the gas knob counterclockwise to the "ON" position or ,if you used the toggle switch, flip that back to "ON."
  6. Put back the front panel and turn on the power to the furnace or boiler.
  7. Set your thermostat to the desired setting. Within 15-20 seconds the main burners should come on and heat to the desired setting.
    • If the burners do not light, lower the thermostat setting or disconnect the power for 5 minutes and try again. If it still will not light, turn "OFF" gas and electricity to the unit and call for service.

Older Range and/or Oven

  1. Refer to your owner's manual for instructions if available. If not, follow the procedure below.
  2. Remove the broiler or vanity cover at the bottom of the range.
  3. Hold a match over the thermocouple for 15-20 seconds.
  4. Relight your pilot with a match.

Newer Stoves and Ovens

  1. If your range has a "light" setting on your knobs, you have an automatic pilot system. There is no pilot for you to light. If your stove fails to ignite after 2 attempts, call your appliance company for service.

Warnings

  • Do not hit knobs or valves with any tool. Doing so can cause a spark that can trigger an explosion. If a knob or valve will not turn for you, call a professional for service.
  • If you must evacuate, leave the door or a window open behind you. Do not attempt to use a cell or landline phone, or turn on anything that uses electricity in the house. This could lead to an explosion.
  • If you smell a large amount of gas, hear a hissing sound,\ or feel suddenly ill (within minutes) with flu-like symptoms, do NOT attempt to light your appliance and evacuate immediately. Call for help from a neighboring location or a cell phone OUTSIDE.

Things You'll Need

  • Flashlight (if applicable)
  • Matches (if applicable)

Related Articles

Sources and Citations

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