How to Safely Ignite the Pilot Light on Your Furnace | Trusted HVAC Tips for Mid-Willamette Valley Homeowners

When colder months hit the Mid-Willamette Valley—stretching from South Salem to Junction City—there’s nothing more important than having a properly functioning furnace. But if your heat suddenly stops working, one common issue might be a blown-out pilot light. Fortunately, relighting the pilot light is something many homeowners can handle themselves with a little guidance.

As a trusted HVAC company serving the Mid-Willamette Valley, we’re here to walk you through how to safely ignite your furnace’s pilot light. Whether you live in Albany, Corvallis, or anywhere in between, this step-by-step guide will help get your heat back on quickly and safely.

What Is a Pilot Light?

The pilot light is a small flame that ignites the burners on older gas furnaces and water heaters. When it goes out, your heating system can’t operate. While many newer systems use electronic ignition, a significant number of homes in Oregon still rely on standing pilot lights—especially in older heating systems or plumbing appliances like gas water heaters.

Why Pilot Lights Go Out

Several factors can cause a pilot light to go out:

• A strong draft or gust of wind

• A dirty or clogged pilot orifice

• A faulty thermocouple

• Interruptions in gas service

If the issue repeats frequently, it may be time to contact a professional HVAC technician to diagnose and repair the underlying problem.

How to Ignite the Pilot Light (Step-by-Step)

Before you begin, ensure safety is your top priority.

1. Turn Off the Gas

Locate the gas control valve on your furnace or water heater. It typically has three settings: ON, OFF, and PILOT. Turn the valve to OFF and wait at least 5 minutes to allow any residual gas to dissipate. This is a crucial safety step to avoid a dangerous buildup of gas.

2. Access the Pilot Light

Remove the access panel if necessary. You should see the pilot burner, gas valve, and possibly the thermocouple.

3. Set to 'Pilot' and Hold

Turn the gas control knob to PILOT. Press and hold the knob to begin releasing gas to the pilot burner.

4. Ignite the Flame

While holding down the knob, use a long lighter or match to ignite the pilot light. You should see a small blue flame. Continue holding the knob for 30-60 seconds to allow the thermocouple to heat up.

5. Turn the Gas Back On

Release the knob and ensure the pilot light stays lit. If it does, turn the valve to ON. Replace the access panel, and your system should be ready to go.

Still Not Working? Call Your Local HVAC Experts

If the pilot light won’t stay lit, it may be a sign of a faulty thermocouple or gas valve—both of which require professional attention. At Hendrix Heating, we specialize in HVAC services for the Mid-Willamette Valley. Our licensed technicians are equipped to handle everything from routine maintenance to full system repairs and replacements.

Schedule a Furnace Safety Check Today

Even if you’re able to relight the pilot light yourself, it’s a good idea to have your heating system inspected by a qualified HVAC company, especially before the heart of winter sets in. We proudly serve communities across Albany, Lebanon, Corvallis, Tangent, and more.

Call us today or schedule online to make sure your HVAC system is running efficiently, safely, and reliably.