Pilot Training

Alpine Heating and Cooling • March 3, 2020

Your pilot light is an important component of your furnace. It is the piece that starts your furnace up. No pilot= No heat (or flight 😊). Here are a few of the main reasons why your pilot light may malfunction.


There Is a Thermocouple Issue


Often when your pilot light keeps going out, it is caused by an issue with the thermocouple. The thermocouple is a device that shuts off the gas when the pilot light flame goes out. Two of the most common issues with a thermocouple are...

  1. It could be damaged and broken
  2. Soot & other debris can build up and block the flame. If you have a weak flame you will more than likely need to have your furnace cleaned.

Both these issues will cause the pilot light to go out. The thermocouple vital piece of your furnace and if damaged should be replaced by a professional.


Blowout

If your furnace happens to be near a drafty area this can also cause your pilot light to go out. If you see that your pilot light is going out periodically and lights again easily and maintains flame this might just be the culprit.

How can I fix it ???



Your furnace should have manufacturer’s instructions and if you cannot remember where they are or you have lost them (this never happens 😊)most instructions can be found by a simple Google search. If you don’t have any luck, you can try these steps.


  1. Find your gas valve. It should have three settings: on, off, and pilot.

   2.  You need to turn the valve to the off position for at least three minutes.

  1. Once you have had the valve at off for a few minutes, switch it over to pilot setting.
  2. You will need a match that is lit. Hold it to the pilot opening and push the reset button on your pilot control. Hold it down until the pilot flame is lit and burning brightly.
  3. Set the pilot valve to the on position.


SAFETY FIRST !!!!!!!!!!!!

So, not only can you prevent forest fires (Thanks Smokey) but you can also avoid having your home (and yourself) end up in the next county. If you smell gas or that rotten egg smell, shut the gas off in your home immediately. Many gas furnaces will have a safety shut-off valve. If yours does not or you cannot find it LEAVE YOUR HOME AND CALL EITHER THE GAS COMPANY OR 911 ASAP. Don’t try to be Tommy Tough Guy and put yourself, your family or your neighbors in danger.


If you do not feel comfortable with any of the above steps, please contact us at one of the below methods and one of our trained service techs can come on site and handle any issue you may be facing.

 

Contact Information:

Alpine Heating & Cooling

P: 330-359-7114

E: servicecalls@alpinehcservices.com

W: alpinehcservices.com

 

Commercial Kitchens

P:330-763-1902

E: office@commercialkitchensllc.com

W: commercialkitchensllc.com

December 19, 2025
Most HVAC problems don’t start with a breakdown. They start quietly—months or even years earlier—because of one simple habit almost every homeowner has. They wait until something stops working to think about their HVAC system.  HVAC Systems Don’t Fail Suddenly—They Wear Out Your furnace or air conditioner doesn’t usually “just die.” It wears down gradually through: Longer run times Higher electrical draw Rising internal temperatures Increased vibration and stress By the time a system shuts off or trips a safety, the damage has often been happening for a long time. That’s why emergency breakdowns almost always come with higher repair costs. What Actually Causes Premature HVAC Failure Contrary to popular belief, age alone isn’t the biggest killer of HVAC equipment. The most common causes are: 1. Small Issues Left Unchecked A weak capacitor, dirty flame sensor, or failing blower motor doesn’t always stop the system—but it forces other components to work harder. That added strain shortens the life of the entire system. 2. “It’s Still Working” Syndrome Homeowners often delay service because: The house still heats or cools The system hasn’t locked out There’s no obvious warning light Unfortunately, HVAC systems can operate while slowly damaging themselves. 3. Deferred Maintenance Costs More Than Repairs Skipping routine service doesn’t save money—it shifts the cost to: Larger repair bills Emergency service calls Shortened system lifespan A simple maintenance visit can prevent a $1,500 breakdown. Why Breakdowns Always Happen at the Worst Time There’s a reason furnaces fail during cold snaps and ACs quit during heat waves. Extreme weather forces systems to: Run longer Start more frequently Operate at peak capacity If a component is already weakened, that’s when it finally gives up. What “Normal Operation” Should Actually Look Like A healthy HVAC system should: Start smoothly Run consistently (not constantly) Shut off cleanly Maintain temperature without drastic swings Sound the same month to month Changes in sound, runtime, or performance are early warning signs—not inconveniences. The Smarter Way to Think About HVAC Ownership Instead of asking: “Is it broken?” A better question is: “Is it operating the way it should?” That mindset shift alone prevents many major HVAC failures. Final Thought Your HVAC system is one of the most expensive mechanical systems in your home. Treating it as something to react to—rather than maintain—almost guarantees higher costs and shorter lifespan. The homeowners who get the longest life and lowest total cost aren’t lucky. They’re proactive. Serving Wooster, OH, and surrounding communities since 1993, we are a locally owned and operated HVAC contractor working with a variety of heating and cooling systems. Call (330) 263-0013 to schedule an furnace repair or inspection and visit our website to learn more about our qualifications. Connect on Social Media for more tips and insights.
People walking in winter snow storm
By Tom Markley December 10, 2025
Don’t panic—get warm fast! Follow these expert steps to troubleshoot your heater and stay safe when the heat goes out in the middle of winter.
By Tom Markley November 26, 2025
Cold Hands in Sweater
November 19, 2025
Northeast Ohio homes often feel cold even at 72°. Learn why comfort drops despite a warm thermostat and how Alpine Heating & Cooling can fix the real causes fast.
Pipe bursting from cold temperature
November 12, 2025
Protect your home from frozen pipes! Follow these 5 quick tips to prevent costly pipe bursts and keep your plumbing safe during winter.
October 27, 2025
Help Us... Help Others !!! From Today until Thanksgiving for each Like and/or Share this post on any of our social media channels we will donate $10 (Up to $2,000.00 Total) to CCHO to support their Thanksgiving Program. Each Like and/or Share provides a child with a meal for Thanksgiving! To learn more about this great program and the great work they are doing in our area check out the link below and to help out please visit our any of our social media channels and Like/Share !!! https://www.ccho.org/gift (IG LINK IN BIO)
October 22, 2025
Compare heating fuel options with Alpine Heating & Cooling’s guide to understanding the fuel factor and making informed heating choices.
October 14, 2025
Feel better with better comfort! Discover how temperature and indoor climate affect your health, mood, and daily energy levels.
CARTOON FURNACE HOLDING THERMOSTAT
October 8, 2025
This fun HVAC mascot stands in a warm living room, smiling with a thermostat in hand, symbolizing efficient home heating and dependable furnace service.
HAND TURNING ON FAN
October 1, 2025
Stay warm and save this fall! Learn how to use your ceiling fan the right way to boost home comfort and ease the load on your heating system.
More Posts