There is a specific kind of sinking feeling that happens when the sun goes down, the high-desert wind starts howling, and you realize your heater isn’t kicking on. You head to the furnace, and there it is: the pilot light is out.
At JonAire Inc, we know your first instinct is to grab a lighter and fix it. But before you strike that match, let’s talk about when it’s a simple DIY fix and when your furnace is trying to tell you something much more serious.
The Golden Rule: Follow Your Nose
Before you do anything, stop and smell the air. Natural gas is odorless, but utilities add a chemical called mercaptan that smells like rotten eggs.
- If you smell gas: Do not turn on a light switch, do not light a match, and get everyone out of the house immediately. Call your gas provider or an emergency technician from a safe distance outside.
- If there is no smell: It is generally safe to attempt a relight, provided you follow the manufacturer’s instructions on the furnace panel.
Why Does My Pilot Light Keep Going Out?
Even the best HVAC systems can struggle with environmental factors that don’t usually affect typical city units. Understanding why your system’s flame went out isn’t just a technical detail—it’s the key to making sure you don’t wake up to a cold house when you least expect it.
1. The Desert Dust Factor
Fine silt and dust can settle in the pilot orifice. This creates a “lazy,” weak flame that the safety sensors can’t detect. In a dusty environment like ours, this is the #1 cause of ignition failure.
2. Thermocouple Failure
The thermocouple is a small copper rod that senses heat. If it’s dirty or worn out, it tells the gas valve to shut off because it thinks the flame is out—even if it isn’t.
3. High-Velocity Wind Gusts
Our area is known for sudden, intense wind gusts. These can occasionally cause a backdraft through your flue or chimney, literally blowing the flame out.
How to Safely Relight Your Pilot (Step-by-Step)
If your furnace was manufactured before the mid-90s, it likely has a standing pilot. Most modern systems use electronic ignition; if you have the latter, do not attempt to light it manually.
- Find the Valve: Turn the furnace knob to the OFF position and wait at least 5 full minutes. This is critical to let any residual gas dissipate.
- Set to Pilot: Turn the knob to the Pilot setting.
- Ignite: While pressing down on the “Pilot” button, hold a long-reach lighter to the pilot burner.
- Hold and Observe: Once lit, keep the button pressed for about 30 seconds. This heats the thermocouple so it knows the fire is “safe.”
- Switch to “On”: Slowly release the button and turn the knob to the ON position.
Expert Note: If the flame flickers and dies immediately, stop. Repeatedly trying to light a failing pilot can lead to dangerous gas buildup.
When to Call the Pros at JonAire Inc
If you’ve relit the pilot and it goes out again within a few hours or days, your system has a mechanical fault. We don’t just “relight the match”—we find out why the fire went out.
A pilot light that won’t stay lit is often a symptom of a clogged burner or even a cracked heat exchanger, which can leak carbon monoxide into your home. Don’t gamble with your family’s safety.
Proudly Serving Pahrump and Nye County
JonAire Inc has been the trusted name in local HVAC services for over 20 years. We understand the local climate, the local dust, and the needs of our neighbors. We provide expert furnace repair across the entire Pahrump Valley, ensuring your home stays a sanctuary regardless of the weather outside.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my pilot flame yellow instead of blue?
A healthy pilot flame should be crisp and blue. A yellow or orange flame indicates an inefficient burn, often caused by dirt or a lack of oxygen, which can produce dangerous carbon monoxide.
Can I get same-day furnace repair in Pahrump?
Yes! JonAire Inc prioritizes heating emergencies, especially during our freezing desert nights. We offer prompt, professional service to get your system back online quickly.
Is it dangerous if my pilot light stays out?
The outage itself isn't always dangerous, but the reason it went out might be. If it keeps happening, it means a safety feature is failing or your furnace is struggling to breathe—both of which require an inspection.
Don’t Stay in the Cold
If your furnace is acting up or you’re uncomfortable relighting the pilot yourself, give us a call. We’ll perform a full safety inspection to ensure your system is venting properly and keeping you warm safely.
Call JonAire Inc today at (775) 751-2372 or Schedule Your Service Online
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