When the thermostat calls for heat, high voltage sent through the igniter
causes a spark that ignites the pilot, and it supplies sufficient heat to turn on the burners. The pilot light shuts off when the burners do.
How do you light a furnace with an electric ignition?
To light a gas furnace with electronic ignition, start by
turning the furnace's thermostat to its lowest setting
. Cut off the power to the furnace next then turn the igniter off and wait for the gas to clear. After waiting, you can switch the igniter back on, bring the power back, and watch the pilot light come alive.
Does a furnace with electronic ignition have a pilot light?
An electronic ignition is
a device that replaces conventional pilot lights in almost all newly-manufactured furnaces
. … Although some fuel is still used by the pilot light, it is a very small amount because it's only used when the pilot light needs to be lit and the fuel supply is shut off as soon as the burners ignite.
How does an electronic pilot light work?
In a pilot light, one of the junctions of a thermocouple is sitting in the pilot light's flame. The electricity that is created runs to a small electromagnetic valve and holds it open. If the pilot light blows out, the thermocouple
quickly cools off
. It stops generating electricity and the valve closes.
Does electronic ignition furnace have a thermocouple?
If the pilot flame goes out, the tip cools and the thermocouple automatically shuts off the furnace's gas valve. A thermocouple is typically found in older furnaces, whereas
new installations are now required to use electronic ignition furnaces
, which use less energy since there is no pilot that burns gas constantly.
What causes furnace not to ignite?
The Pilot Light (Faulty Ignition Sensor)
The pilot light or ignition sensor is usually the most common issue when your furnace will not ignite. This is typically the problem if you can hear your furnace click on but it does not fire up. … If the sensor or ignitor is dirty, it will need to be cleaned.
Should the pilot light always be on in a gas fireplace?
Should the pilot light always be on in a gas fireplace? Most gas fireplaces rely on a
“continuous pilot light
,” a type of pilot that remains lit so long as gas is flowing to the unit. … If you have a continuous pilot light system, you should always see a pilot flame unless you have manually turned the system off.
Do new furnaces have pilot light?
Newer gas furnaces (since about 2010)
do not have a traditional pilot light
that burns all the time. Instead they use electronic ignition systems that light only as needed. Constant flame or “standing pilot” heating systems are still fairly common in older homes, and they can still be repaired in most cases.
Should the pilot light always be on in a gas furnace?
Most furnaces with electronic ignition have a device called a hot surface igniter. … The difference is that the flame is only lit (by an electronic spark) when your furnace is ready for a heating cycle.
When the pilot light is not needed, it is completely off
, saving you money on gas.
Can I relight the pilot light by myself?
If your pilot light goes out, your furnace will not be able to produce heat because its burners will not ignite.
Often, homeowners can relight the pilot themselves
.
What do I do if my pilot light won't light?
If your pilot light won't stay alight, it might be
the thermocouple
. Sometimes dust buildup collects on the thermocouple and blocks the sensor. Try cleaning the thermocouple and then relighting the pilot light. If it continues to go out, the thermocouple might need to be replaced.
Will the gas company light My pilot?
Most of today's gas appliances have electric starters, rather than pilot lights. … One caveat, however: If you detect the strong smell of natural gas, do not attempt to light the pilot. Instead,
leave the house and call your local gas company or 911
.
How do I reset my electronic ignition furnace?
To reset the ignition control module on an electronic-ignition furnace,
turn down the thermostat or turn off the power switch
. Listen for the sound of the spark or watch for the hot surface ignitor to glow. Next, make sure the furnace's flame sensor is clean.
How do I know if my furnace has an electronic ignition?
If you have a newer furnace (or one with an AFUE rating above 80), it most likely has an electronic ignition system. One type of electronic ignition is an
intermittent
pilot. This system uses a pilot flame, but the flame lights only when there's a call for heat from the thermostat.
How do I know if my furnace ignitor is bad?
- The Furnace Stops Running. When a furnace won't run at all, check for a bad ignitor. …
- Your Furnace Blows Chilly Air. Unless you've set your thermostat to COOL, your furnace should not blow cold air. …
- Does Your Furnace Short Cycle? …
- A No Glow Ignitor. …
- We Can Replace Your Furnace Ignitor.
