The color of the pilot light should be blue because that means that only natural gas—without any other condensates—is reaching the pilot light through the gas main. The principal chemical compound found in natural gas is methane, and methane burns blue.
What does a normal pilot light look like?
Inspecting a Gas Furnace Pilot Light Flame
A natural gas flame should be a bright blue color with a small amount of yellow at the very tip . A propane flame will have more of a bluish-green flame with a tinge of yellow at the tip. The flame should strong enough to cover about 1/2 inch at the end of the thermocouple tip.
What should a pilot light flame look like?
A proper pilot flame should be blue with a yellow tip and should be strong enough to cover about 1/2 inch at the end of the thermocouple tip. If the flame is too strong and improperly adjusted, it will be blue but may be noisy and lift off the thermocouple, causing improper furnace operation.
Why is my pilot light flame yellow?
The most common reason why a pilot light would start to burn yellow is that the air intake valve to the pilot light is clogged with dirt . When this happens, air will be blocked to the flame and it will suffer from incomplete combustion (causing the yellow color).
How do I know if pilot light is on?
- Locate the front cover panel on your furnace. It should be a little door that’s easily visible. ...
- If your pilot light is on, it should be easy to see – your eyes will be drawn to the little flame.
- If you don’t see a flame, your pilot light is out.
- If there is a flame, check the color.
Can you get carbon monoxide poisoning from a pilot light?
A pilot light should be a crisp blue colour. ... A yellow or orange pilot light will produce carbon monoxide – an odourless, colourless gas that can fill your home and cause carbon monoxide poisoning. Symptoms of this condition include dizziness, headache, fatigue, nausea, unconsciousness, brain damage and death.
Should a pilot light be orange?
The flames from traditional pilot lights should burn a bright blue color. If your pilot light’s flame is orange or yellow, it is burning inefficiently due to a lack of oxygen . The thermocouple should sense when this happens because the heat from the flame will not be as hot as it should be.
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.
Is my pilot light too high?
Next to the “Pilot” indicator on the furnace’s control switch, there is a small screw located near the pilot light-thermocouple assembly. ... If it extends well above the thermocouple, it’s too strong . If the flame covers the top of the thermocouple and burns steadily with a yellow tip, that’s just about right.
How do you relight a pilot light?
Relight the pilot light.
Turn the knob to “Pilot ,” and let gas to flow to the pilot. Light a lighter or match, then push in the reset button. Hold your flame to the pilot light’s opening. Keep the reset switch depressed until the pilot light is burning steadily.
Does yellow flame mean carbon monoxide?
A yellow flame indicates improper adjustment and a possibility of excessive carbon monoxide . Do not use the oven as a source of heat.
Will gas leak if the pilot light goes out?
When the pilot light goes out, it does not leak carbon monoxide gas . ... Some of the possible serious reasons for pilot lights to go out include loose or broken gas valves, thermocouples or heat exchangers, faulty venting, low gas pressure, or high winds.
What do you do when your oven pilot light goes out?
If the pilot light goes out, no electricity is generated, and the valve closes to turn the gas off . On this type of system, relight the pilot by depressing the reset button and holding a match to the pilot. It should take about a minute to light this pilot.
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.
Does a pilot light stay on?
Generally speaking, it is safe to leave your continuous pilot light on at all times , assuming it stays lit (more on this in a moment). While it does cost more to keep your pilot light on in between uses, it can actually have some benefits to your system.
What happens when water heater pilot light goes out?
If the pilot light goes out, your water heater won’t be able to ignite the gas burner and therefore , won’t be able to heat the water. ... But once the pilot light is relit, the water heater is able to ignite the gas burner and can begin to heat the water again.
