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If you have a gas-powered furnace in your Chatham, NJ home, then there is a pilot light that is part of your system. This flame should be blue and steady if it is doing its job correctly to heat your home. However, you may sometimes notice issues such as a flickering pilot light or a pilot light that is weak or oddly colored. Let’s look at these issues more in-depth, including what to do if you experience a problem.
Pilot Light That Won’t Stay On
If you relight your pilot light but it won’t stay lit, you may be experiencing an issue with the unit’s thermocouple or the pilot control knob. These problems can result in the valve to the thermocouple not staying open. This means not enough gas flow will be present to keep your pilot light lit. The pilot light control knob malfunctioning can also negatively impact the flow of gas and prevent the light from remaining lit.
It’s best to call our team at Pipe Works Services if you’re experiencing a pilot light issue that results in the light not staying on for any substantial length of time. We can safely repair or replace your thermocouple, valve, or related tubing. We can also service your pilot light control knob.
Pilot Light Goes on But Keeps Going Out
If you’re able to get your pilot light relit but it goes out frequently, there are a few potential things we consider. If there isn’t adequate venting around your pilot light, this can cause the flame to be starved of oxygen. Without ample oxygen flow, the pilot light will go out. If you have too much airflow in the area, a gust can cause the flame to blow out. This is another situation where you may have a faulty thermocouple that needs to be repaired to keep the gas valve open so your pilot light components function properly.
Airflow issues can be fixed in several ways. This includes checking all nearby vents for signs of damage. We may need to replace your filter to allow ample airflow in the direction it is intended to move in. It’s also important that you maintain cleanliness around the area so there isn’t a lot of dust or debris accumulating near your pilot light or furnace equipment. If there are drafts in the nearby area, you can close them off or seal them depending on the situation.
Condensation can also pose an issue for your pilot light. For example, excess condensation can drip onto the pilot light’s components and extinguish the flame. This can be addressed by ensuring that you’re always keeping humidity levels in your home between 30% and 50%. If levels are higher than that, a whole-house dehumidifier can remove some of the moisture by way of your HVAC system. Your system already helps regulate humidity somewhat, but dehumidifiers give you greater control. Portable units help in the immediate area, but for your home’s overall humidity levels and combatting condensation, a whole-house unit may be ideal.
Weak or Flickering Pilot Light
A weak or flickering pilot light can be caused by airflow issues and dirt accumulation. Dirt that has accumulated can obstruct the flow of gas, causing the flame to weaken but not necessarily go out completely. You may notice that the light is also flickering as it attempts to remain on.
Routine maintenance is a great way to prevent this problem from occurring. We can also clean the components of your furnace and pilot light area to address a flickering flame. We will also inspect your air intake valve to ensure there is ample airflow.
Incorrect Pilot Light Color
As we mentioned, your pilot should be strong and blue in color. If you notice that your pilot light is burning but it has a yellow or orange flame, this could indicate that there is carbon monoxide gas leaking into your home instead of burning off. This is an odorless and colorless gas that can be deadly if you are exposed to it in high concentrations. A yellow or orange flame also burns at a lower temperature, which is not hot enough to heat up the thermocouple. This usually means the gas valve isn’t opening adequately.
We can clean the air intake valve to ensure there is enough air flowing to the pilot light. We may just need to adjust your gas supply to bring the flame back to the color blue. The pilot tube may need to be cleaned as well.
Working With an Experienced Professional
While you may be able to safely relight your pilot light yourself, we understand that many homeowners are uncomfortable with this process. We encourage you to reach out to our team if you suspect that something is wrong with your pilot light, or you want to have routine maintenance performed on this area of your furnace. In addition to the tasks that we’ve outlined in this article, there are some other things we will address as well.
Testing Your Thermostat
Your furnace connects to your thermostat to control whether your gas valve opens or closes. If your thermostat is broken or malfunctioning, this can cause your pilot light to go out. You can make sure your thermostat’s batteries function properly, but otherwise, a technician can calibrate your thermostat and ensure the wires are seated properly. They’ll likely test it during a maintenance appointment. If none of these things work and your thermostat is very old, we may recommend replacing the unit entirely.
Inspecting Your Flue
To narrow down the cause of the problem, we can also check the flue that is used to exhaust gases from your furnace into the outdoors. If there is any kind of blockage in your flue, this can lead to a buildup of gases that will put your pilot light out. Blockages can be caused by leaves, debris, nests, soot buildup, and other common items near or around your home. They can impact both your comfort and your utility bills, making it even more important to ensure said blockages are cleared out.
Inspecting Your Gas Valve
It’s essential that your gas valve works correctly. This promotes ample gas flow to your burner and pilot light. Gas can become cut off if there is something malfunctioning with your valve. There may be minor issues as well, such as the gas valve being in the incorrect position. Signs of corrosion or damage may warrant the replacement of your valve. This is a relatively simple process that should fix your pilot light problems.
If you need assistance with your pilot light, reach out to our team here at Pipe Works Services. We serve the central and northern New Jersey areas, providing a wide range of services to our clients. This includes routine maintenance, emergency repairs, and the installation of different types of heating and cooling equipment. We also offer a variety of plumbing services, such as pipe repair, new pipe installation, removing clogs, sump pump replacement, new fixtures, and more. We also offer interior and exterior electrical services.
Contact Pipe Works Services in Chatham, NJ today to schedule an appointment for furnace repair.
