Why Your Furnace Pilot Light Fails & How to Fix It

Why Does Your Furnace Pilot Light Fail?

Mark J. Biel • February 14, 2022

In today’s day and age, gas furnaces operate via electronic ignition. However, if you have an older furnace, it might be utilizing a standing pilot light to activate your heating system. The pilot light serves as an ignition flame for the gas burner. However, there are some instances where it might fail. In this post, R.A. Biel Plumbing & Heating, Inc, a leading  drain and sewer repair  company, explains the causes behind this malfunction.

Why Does Your Furnace Pilot Light Fail?

Cracked heat exchanger.  A cracked heat exchanger is one of the most common things furnace repair contractors notice as the cause of pilot light failure. Having a crack in the heat exchanger significantly affects the air pressure and venting present in the combustion chamber which controls the flame inside. The crack will allow air inside the exchanger, effectively killing the flame before it can even light.

Improper venting and airflow.  Your furnace and  plumbing repair  expert will tell you that a pilot light can fail due to wind or air blowing it out. If this is the case, your flue pipe might have setup problems, or you could have serious ventilation issues present. Make sure that you call on local pros to assist you to determine the root cause of this issue.

Gas valve or supply issues.  Your furnace heavily relies on gas or propane to start a pilot light. If there are issues with the gas valve that drives gas to the flame, this can lead to the flame burning out. Make sure to check if it’s dirty or malfunctioning. Another probable cause is that your gas supply has run low, which will cause the flame to burn out. Make sure that you get it restocked so that your furnace can return to normal operation.

Look no further than R.A. Biel Plumbing & Heating, Inc. for all your heating needs. Our contractors specialize in plumbing, drain and sewer, cooling and  heating repair. We proudly serve Farmington, NM, and the nearby areas. Call us today at (505) 278-5112 or fill out this  contact form  to schedule your consultation.

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