If you wake up to an icy cold house, there’s a chance that the furnace pilot light went out sometime in the night. This doesn’t always mean something is seriously wrong with the furnace; issues with the gas supply or a draft can sometimes extinguish the flame temporarily. 

However, if the pilot light keeps going out, something is wrong that requires professional attention. 

What Is a Pilot Light? 

Inside your furnace, there should be a blue flame that burns continuously. This is the pilot light, and it’s a critical part of the combustion process. Any time the furnace kicks on and releases gas, this flame ignites it to warm your home.

Therefore, if the pilot keeps going out, the furnace won’t consistently produce heat. 

The Most Likely Reasons You’re Having Pilot Light Problems 

If the flame keeps going out, it’s probably because of:

• A thermocouple malfunction: The thermocouple detects the presence of the pilot light flame and shuts down the furnace if it’s not there. However, if it is excessively dirty, damaged, or worn out, it will stop working, and the flame will go out. The same applies to the thermopile; this part senses temperature changes, and a worn-out or dirty thermopile will stop working. 
• Low gas pressure: If the pilot light keeps going out, low gas pressure could be the reason. Inadequate gas pressure weakens the flame and causes thermocouple malfunctions. 
• Flame sensor issues: The flame sensor is a safety feature that ensures the furnace only releases gas when a flame is present to prevent a buildup of toxic gas. A problem with the flame sensor can result in a domino effect of other heating issues, including pilot light problems. 
• Air leaks: While a sudden gust of wind or draft can extinguish the pilot light, an air leak in the hot air outlet duct can also blow out the flame. Leaks and gaps around the flue or exhaust pipe can also cause the light to go out. If this is the case, immediate repairs are in order, as the leaks could allow carbon monoxide to enter your home. 

How To Keep the Pilot Light Burning

If the pilot light keeps going out, it’s usually easy to reignite the flame, but it’s better to prevent it from happening in the first place. Annual furnace maintenance can help prevent issues, as the technician will clean the critical parts, tighten loose fittings, and inspect the unit for signs of impending trouble. 

That said, if you can’t keep the furnace running steadily, call an HVAC company for help. Cleaning the thermocouple and flame sensor could solve the problem, but it may be necessary to repair or replace parts. 

Keep Your Heater Working All Season Long

If your furnace pilot light keeps going out, get in touch with No Problem Heating & Cooling for help. Our certified technicians will get to the bottom of the problem and make repairs so you have dependable warmth when you need it. Call us at (636) 400-7776 for help with any furnace problem. Learn more today.