If your furnace pilot light won’t stay lit, stop relighting it over and over. A draft, blocked pilot opening, faulty thermocouple or gas control issue may be to blame. Check your furnace manual for instructions then call a qualified technician if the flame goes out again.
For help contact a company that provides Toronto furnace repair.
A pilot light is a flame that ignites the main burner in some older gas furnaces. It stays lit between heating cycles.
Many newer furnaces use ignition instead. Check your furnace manual or viewing window to identify your system. Never remove a panel to look for the pilot.
Why Won’t the Pilot Light Stay Lit?
Several problems can cause a furnace pilot light to go out. The symptoms may look similar so a technician may need to inspect the system.
A Draft May Be Blowing Out the Pilot
A draft near the furnace can disturb a pilot flame. A venting problem can also affect how the furnace operates.
Note when the pilot goes out and whether the problem follows a door opening or a strong draft. Don’t block vents. Change furnace parts.
The Pilot Opening May Be
Dust or debris near the pilot opening can interfere with the flame. A technician can. Clean the part safely.
Avoid poking the opening with a tool. Small parts can be. The furnace contains gas controls.
The Thermocouple May Be Faulty
A thermocouple senses heat from the pilot flame. It helps keep the gas valve open while the flame’s present.
One possible sign is a pilot that stays lit while you hold the control and goes out when you release it. That symptom can have causes too. Don’t. Replace gas controls yourself.
Older Furnaces May Still Use Pilot Lights
Standing pilot lights are more common in furnaces. Statistics Canada reports that forced-air furnaces heated 46% of households in 2023. That figure includes furnaces with ignition systems.
When deciding what to do, consider the furnace’s age repair history, comfort and operating costs. Read more about how long a furnace lasts.
Safe Checks Homeowners Can Make
Use this checklist before booking service:
- Read the furnace manual. Follow its instructions for your model.
- Check the thermostat. Set it to Heat. Raise the temperature above the room setting.
- Observe the pilot. Note whether it lights, how it stays lit and when it goes out.
- Record codes. Write down any code. Blinking light shown through the viewing window.
- Stop if it fails again. Don’t repeatedly relight the pilot. Reset the furnace.
Only follow the manufacturer’s relighting steps if there’s no gas smell or other safety concern. Never clean the pilot, adjust controls or bypass a safety device.
Safety Warnings: When to Stop and Get Help
If you smell gas, leave the home. Contact your gas utility or emergency services from outside.
If a carbon monoxide alarm sounds, get everyone outside. Call 911 from outside. Do the same if anyone has a headache, dizziness, nausea or confusion. Ontario says to evacuate and call emergency services if a CO alarm sounds or people may have symptoms.
A burning smell can have different causes. A strong or persistent burning smell needs attention.
A technician may apply a red tag after finding a safety issue with a gas appliance. Follow the tag’s instructions. Don’t use the furnace until the issue is cleared.
In Ontario fuel-burning appliances must be serviced by TSSA-registered contractors and certified fuel technicians. You can verify a contractor through TSSA.
Repair or Replace an Older Furnace?
The right choice depends on the furnace’s condition, age, repair needs and reliability. Ask the technician what failed and whether other parts show signs of wear.
Compare the repair estimate with replacement costs before deciding. See furnace prices in Toronto .
When Should You Call a Technician?
Call a technician if the pilot repeatedly goes out won’t stay lit after following the manual or the furnace stops heating.
When you book, share the furnace model, what happens before the pilot goes out and any visible error code. For help search for furnace repair near me in Toronto .
Can I Relight My Furnace Pilot Light Myself?
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions only if there’s no gas smell or safety concern. If the pilot won’t stay lit. Call a technician.
Why Does the Pilot Light Go Out After I Release the Control?
This can point to a thermocouple or gas-control problem. Other issues may cause the symptom so have a technician diagnose it.
Is a Furnace Pilot Light Supposed to Stay On All the Time?
A standing pilot system keeps a flame burning between heating cycles. Newer electronic ignition systems don’t use a burning pilot.
Is a Furnace with a Pilot Light Unsafe?
A pilot light alone doesn’t prove that a furnace is unsafe.. Repeated pilot failure needs inspection especially if you notice gas, unusual smells or a CO alarm.
Get Help with a Furnace Pilot Light That Won’t Stay Lit
A pilot that keeps going out can have causes. Stop repeated relighting. Arrange an inspection if the problem returns.
Contact HVAC TRUST, for help. Learn more about Toronto furnace repair.
