Why Is My Pilot Light Going Out in My Furnace in Clearwater, FL?

The pilot light is a tiny, continuously burning flame that serves as an ignition source for the gas that flows through your home’s furnace. If it goes out, your furnace won’t work, leaving you cold. Here are a few possible reasons your furnace’s pilot light keeps going out in Clearwater, FL:

Debris in the Pilot Light Orifice

Because of the fuel combustion in your furnace, soot will inevitably build up in and around the area of the pilot light orifice. Dirt and grime may also get into the system and block this critical opening. Consequently, the pilot light won’t get enough fuel or oxygen to turn on.

The only way to resolve this problem is to clean out the offending debris. Trained HVAC service techs can do that for you as part of a yearly maintenance check.

Broken Thermocouple

A thermocouple is a special copper tube that sits right next to your furnace’s pilot light orifice. Its function is to determine whether your furnace has enough gas to operate. It then shuts off the flow when no more is necessary. If the thermocouple cracks, it may curtail the flow of gas and keep the pilot light from igniting.

Gas Flow Issues

Your furnace uses various mechanisms to bring in gas. The two most important are the gas line, which provides the original source of gas, and the gas valve, which controls the amount of gas your furnace burns. Obstructions in either of these components may prevent enough gas from reaching your furnace to keep its pilot light burning.

Most older gas-powered furnaces must have a pilot light to function. If your system’s light flickers inconsistently or won’t turn on at all, it can threaten your safety and comfort. To get your pilot light in working order, call Advanced Cooling Systems and ask for our heating repair services.

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