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...
- It could be damaged and broken
- 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.
- 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.
- Once you have had the valve at off for a few minutes, switch it over to pilot setting.
- 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.
- 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:
P: 330-359-7114
E: servicecalls@alpinehcservices.com
P:330-763-1902
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