How to Relight Furnace: A Step-by-Step Guide for Homeowners to Stay Warm

Is your furnace refusing to light on a chilly evening? You’re not alone. Many homeowners face this frustrating situation, especially when the temperatures drop. It can feel overwhelming when you just want to stay warm and cozy.

Key Takeaways

• Understanding Furnace Types: Familiarize yourself with the various types of furnaces—gas, electric, oil, propane, and wood or pellet—as they differ in operation and maintenance needs.
• Safety First: Always prioritize safety by turning off power, checking for gas leaks, ensuring adequate ventilation, and wearing protective gear before attempting to relight your furnace.
• Steps to Relight: Follow a clear step-by-step process to relight your furnace—check the thermostat, locate and light the pilot light, and monitor the flame to ensure it’s steady and blue.
• Common Problems: Be aware of common issues that can prevent ignition, such as a dirty pilot orifice, thermocouple problems, gas supply issues, and drafts.
• Regular Maintenance: Perform regular maintenance, including changing dirty filters and checking the thermostat, to ensure efficient furnace operation and prevent future issues.
• When to Seek Help: If troubleshooting doesn’t resolve the problem or if strange noises persist, consult a professional to assess potential mechanical issues or consider upgrading an old furnace for better efficiency.

Understanding Your Furnace

Furnaces play a crucial role in maintaining a comfortable home during cold months. Understanding your furnace helps you troubleshoot issues effectively and ensure your home stays warm.

Types of Furnaces

1. Gas Furnaces: These use natural gas as fuel. They’re efficient, producing heat quickly.
2. Electric Furnaces: These rely on electricity. They heat air using electric coils, often suited for smaller homes.
3. Oil Furnaces: These burn heating oil. They’re less common but provide a consistent heat supply.
4. Propane Furnaces: These use propane gas. They’re typically used in areas without natural gas access.
5. Wood or Pellet Furnaces: These burn wood or pellets. They’re eco-friendly options but require more maintenance.

1. Pilot Light Out: This can happen due to drafts or a faulty thermocouple. If the pilot light goes out, check the draft source or replace the thermocouple.
2. Dirty Filters: Clogged filters restrict airflow, causing the furnace to overheat. Change filters every one to three months.
3. Thermostat Problems: Incorrect settings or faulty thermostats can prevent your furnace from functioning. Ensure the thermostat is set to “heat” and is functioning properly.
4. Strange Noises: Unusual sounds may indicate mechanical issues. Listen for rattling or squeaking, and address these promptly.
5. Short Cycling: Frequent on and off cycling can result from oversized systems, thermostat issues, or airflow problems. Assess the system size and check airflow pathways.

Understanding these elements of your furnace helps maintain its efficiency and reliability. Regular maintenance and timely troubleshooting ensure your home remains warm.

Preparing to Relight Your Furnace

Before relighting your furnace, ensure you take the necessary steps for safety and gather the right tools. This preparation makes the process smoother and more secure.

Safety Precautions

1. Turn Off Power: Switch off the power supply to your furnace to prevent accidental activation.
2. Check for Gas Leaks: If you have a gas furnace, smell for gas. If you detect a leak, leave the area immediately and contact your gas company.
3. Ventilation: Open windows or doors to allow fresh air in before relighting. Adequate ventilation reduces the risk of harmful gases.
4. Wear Protective Gear: Use safety goggles and gloves to protect yourself from debris or harmful substances during the process.
5. Read the Manual: Refer to your furnace’s user manual for specific safety instructions related to your model.

1. Lighter or Matches: A long-reach lighter is ideal for safely igniting the pilot light.
2. Screwdriver: Use this for removing covers or access panels as needed.
3. Flashlight: Bright light helps you see inside the furnace area clearly.
4. Wire Brush: This tool cleans any dirt or debris from the pilot light or surrounding area.
5. Pressure Gauge: If available, this gauge checks the gas pressure for a gas furnace.

Gathering these tools and following safety precautions ensures a more effective and secure relighting process.

Step-by-Step Guide on How to Relight Furnace

Relighting your furnace can seem daunting, but following these steps simplifies the process. Ensure you proceed with safety and confidence.

Checking the Thermostat Settings

1. Adjust the Thermostat: Find the thermostat and set it to a temperature higher than the current room temperature. This signals the furnace to turn on.
2. Confirm the Settings: Make sure the thermostat is in the “Heat” mode. Check if it is functioning properly. Replace batteries if necessary.

Locating the Pilot Light

1. Open the Access Panel: Use the screwdriver to remove the access panel covering the furnace’s pilot light.
2. Find the Pilot Light: Look for a small tube or flame assembly. The pilot light is typically near the burner assembly. In some models, a clear glass window allows you to see if the pilot light is lit.

Lighting the Pilot Light

1. Turn Off the Gas Valve: Set the gas valve to the “Off” position, and wait for at least five minutes to clear any gas.
2. Prepare to Light: Set the gas valve to “Pilot” while pressing the reset button.
3. Light the Pilot: Use the long-reach lighter to ignite the pilot light. Keep holding the reset button for about 30 seconds after lighting. Release the button slowly.
4. Check the Flame: Ensure the flame is steady and blue. A proper flame indicates success.

1. Reset the Furnace Controls: Locate the reset button on the furnace, which is usually found near the pilot light assembly. Press the button and listen for any clicks or sounds indicating reactivation.
2. Monitor the System: Observe the furnace for a few minutes to ensure it operates normally. Ensure the blower activates and warm air circulates.

By following these steps, you efficiently relight your furnace and restore warmth to your home.

Troubleshooting Tips

Addressing furnace issues can save you time and restore warmth quickly. Here are some troubleshooting tips to consider.

When the Pilot Light Won’t Stay Lit

If the pilot light won’t stay lit, a few common problems might be involved:

1. Dirty Pilot Orifice: Debris can clog the pilot orifice, preventing a steady flame. Clean it using a wire brush or compressed air.
2. Thermocouple Issues: A faulty thermocouple doesn’t detect the pilot light correctly. Check it for dirt or damage. Replace it if needed.
3. Gas Supply Problems: Ensure the gas valve is fully open and that there are no leaks. If you smell gas, turn off the valve and call a professional.
4. Drafts: Wind drafts can blow out the pilot light. Try adjusting the furnace location or pilot height to minimize drafts.
5. Ventilation Blockages: Blocked flues or vents can hinder proper combustion. Check for obstructions and clear them as needed.

Additional Issues to Consider

When troubleshooting your furnace, keep these issues in mind:

1. Dirty Filters: Clogged filters restrict airflow, which can affect ignition. Replace filters regularly, every 1-3 months, to maintain airflow.
2. Faulty Thermostat: If the thermostat malfunctions, it might fail to signal the furnace to ignite. Test the thermostat and replace it if it’s not functioning correctly.
3. Strange Noises: Listen for unusual sounds, like popping or hissing. These might indicate problems with the furnace, such as gas leaks or mechanical issues. Call a technician if you hear anything alarming.
4. Short Cycling: If the furnace turns on and off frequently, it could indicate overheating due to blocked vents or airflow issues. Investigate and address the cause.
5. Old Age: If your furnace is over 15-20 years old, it may struggle with efficiency. Consider upgrading to a newer model to enhance performance.

By addressing these troubleshooting tips, you can maintain your furnace’s efficiency and ensure your home stays warm and comfortable.

Conclusion

Relighting your furnace doesn’t have to be a daunting task. With the right knowledge and tools you can tackle this issue safely and effectively. Remember to prioritize safety by turning off the power and checking for gas leaks before you begin.

By following the steps outlined and keeping an eye on common problems you’ll not only enjoy a warm home but also extend the life of your furnace. Regular maintenance and troubleshooting can make all the difference in ensuring your heating system runs smoothly.

Stay proactive and your furnace will keep you cozy all winter long.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if my furnace won’t light during cold evenings?

If your furnace won’t light, first check the thermostat settings and ensure it’s turned on. Look for the pilot light and confirm that it’s lit. If not, consult your user manual for relighting instructions. Additionally, inspect filters and vents for blockages and clean or replace them as needed.

What are the common types of furnaces?

Common types of furnaces include gas, electric, oil, propane, and wood or pellet. Each type has unique characteristics and requires specific maintenance to operate efficiently and effectively during cold weather.

What causes a furnace pilot light to go out?

A pilot light can go out due to a dirty pilot orifice, faulty thermocouple, gas supply issues, drafts, or blockages in ventilation. Regular maintenance and cleaning can help prevent these issues.

How can I safely relight my furnace?

To safely relight your furnace, turn off the power supply and check for gas leaks. Ensure proper ventilation and wear protective gear. Follow the specific instructions in your user manual for the safest process.

What tools do I need to relight my furnace?

For relighting your furnace, you’ll need a long-reach lighter, screwdriver, flashlight, wire brush, and pressure gauge. These tools will help ensure a safe and effective relighting process.

How do I troubleshoot a furnace that short cycles?

If your furnace short cycles, check for dirty filters, faulty thermostats, or blockages in air flow. Make sure the vents are clear for proper air circulation. Regular maintenance can help resolve this issue.

How can I prevent my furnace from making strange noises?

Strange noises from a furnace may indicate mechanical issues or debris inside. Regular inspections and servicing can prevent most noises. Ensure all moving parts are lubricated and that there are no obstructions in the system.

What maintenance is necessary to ensure my furnace runs efficiently?

Routine maintenance includes changing or cleaning filters, checking and cleaning ducts, inspecting the pilot light and thermocouple, and ensuring all vents are clear. Schedule professional servicing at least once a year to keep your furnace in top condition.