If you have an older furnace in your Portsmouth, VA, home, chances are you have a pilot flame that ignites your heating system. A standing pilot light serves as a small ignition flame for gas burners. This guide helps you understand why your pilot light won’t stay lit.
Heating System Condition and Age
If your furnace has a pilot light, chances are it’s at least 20 years old. An old furnace may have components and parts that are ineffective and dirty. A combination of these failing parts may make the pilot light go off.
Faulty Heat Exchanger
We often see cracked heat exchangers in older heating systems, and they’re the leading cause of pilot lights going out. A crack in the heat exchanger tampers with the inside venting and air pressure in the combustion chamber. This affects the inside flame directly and may signal the need for a heating repair.
Gas Supply and Gas Valve Issues
The pilot depends on a consistent gas source to stay lit. Issues with the gas valve, whether it’s malfunctioning or just dirty, can cause the flame to go out. It’s also possible that the supply of gas has entirely run out.
Inappropriate Airflow and Venting
A pilot light can sometimes go off as a result of wind or air blowing it. If this occurs, the issue may be the setting of the flue pipe or the venting of your system.
Faulty Gas Regulator
A bad gas regulator may tamper with your home gas appliances, including your stove, furnace and dryer. Your furnace may not be getting sufficient gas to power the pilot. If most of your home appliances have pilot problems, the gas regulator may be the culprit.
If you’re experiencing any of the above problems, contact Fair Mechanical to learn about the benefits of our maintenance services. We understand the inconvenience of a faulty furnace and are ready to help you get it running right before winter’s chill sets in.
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