The pilot light is the small, blue flame that lights the gas in your furnace to power the main burner and provide heat to the home. If your pilot light keeps going out, there might be an internal issue that requires a furnace repair professional. Below are a few of the most common causes of this problem.

What Issues Will Extinguish a Pilot Light?

1. Improper Air Flow

A stray draft can blow out the pilot light, especially during windy nights. This is one of the most common reasons behind a pilot light going out, and it's an issue that you can fix easily. Check the furnace area to see if there are any nearby drafts that may be blowing out the light. If the airflow is the issue, add weatherstripping to the doors and windows and seal any cracks with caulk to prevent air from entering the room.

2. Dirty Pilot Orifice

If you notice that the pilot light is a weak, yellow flame, you may need to clean the pilot orifice. A dirty opening blocks gas flow, preventing the flame from reaching it’s full strength. To clean this component, shut off the gas, unscrew the pilot orifice fitting, disassemble it, and clean the parts with a cotton swab and rubbing alcohol. Then, reassemble the pieces and relight the flame. If this doesn't work, you will need a furnace repair technician to diagnose the problem.

3. Thermocouple Malfunction

The thermocouple is a rod that comes in contact with the flame to regulate the furnace. If this rod doesn't detect a flame, it shuts down the gas valve so that gas doesn’t leak into the home. A faulty thermocouple that cannot recognize a flame will deactivate the gas and extinguish the pilot light.

Changing the thermocouple is a complex process that requires you to access the the internal mechanisms of the furnace. However, if you try to do this yourself, you may void the warranty on your appliance. Instead, it is safer to call a furnace repair professional to perform this job.

If you need furnace repair, turn to Floodwood Gas & Electric Co. Inc. in St. Louis County, MN. This family-owned and operated company has been serving the community for more than 50 years, and they offer furnace repair, propane refills, and other related services. They're also available 24/7 for emergency HVAC services. Call (218) 476-2249 to schedule an appointment. Visit their website for more information about their services.