The last thing you need is for your furnace to quit in the middle of a Cleveland winter. A pilot light that goes out repeatedly is annoying, but it could also be a sign of a bigger issue. And in Ohio’s frigid climate, you don’t want to gamble with your home’s heat or your safety. Understanding the causes behind a failing pilot light can help you know what to do and when it’s time to call in the pros. Let’s look at why this common furnace issue happens, what the risks are, and what you can do about it.
Why You Shouldn’t Ignore A Pilot Light That Keeps Turning Off
A furnace that won’t stay lit may have serious problems that put your comfort and safety at risk. For one, a loss of heat in freezing temperatures can cause pipes to burst or make your home unlivable. More critically, any issue involving gas flow or ignition carries the risk of gas leaks or carbon monoxide exposure.
Before you start relighting the pilot over and over, let’s dive into what might be going wrong behind the scenes.
Gas Supply Issue
A weak or interrupted gas supply can easily extinguish the pilot light. This could be caused by a partially closed valve, a faulty gas regulator, or low gas pressure coming into your home. If the flame seems small or sputters out after lighting, a gas issue might be to blame. This is not something to troubleshoot on your own. Gas problems should always be inspected by a licensed technician.
Drafts Near Furnace
Pilot lights are small, steady flames that are easily disrupted. If your furnace is in a drafty basement, garage, or utility room, a strong breeze from a cracked window or loose door seal could blow it out. A technician can inspect the area, identify any sources of airflow, and recommend solutions like draft shields or sealing improvements to protect the flame.
Dirty Thermocouple
The thermocouple is a safety device that senses whether the pilot light is lit and shuts off the gas if it’s not. But over time, dirt and soot buildup can prevent it from detecting the flame correctly, causing it to shut off the gas supply prematurely. This is one of the most common reasons a pilot light won’t stay lit—and fortunately, cleaning or replacing the thermocouple is a quick fix for a trained professional.
Inadequate Venting
If your furnace isn’t venting properly, it can lead to backdrafting, where exhaust gases flow back into the home instead of out. Not only can this snuff out the pilot light, but it also creates serious health hazards. You might notice soot near the furnace, condensation on windows, or a persistent burnt smell. Venting issues often require adjusting flue pipes or inspecting chimney liners—definitely a job for an experienced HVAC technician.
Condensation
In some systems, excess condensation buildup can drip onto the pilot light, causing it to go out. This is more common in high-efficiency furnaces with PVC venting, where blocked drain lines or frozen pipes can cause water to back up. If you notice water pooling near the unit or hear gurgling sounds, moisture could be the issue.
When To Call for Professional Furnace Repair
You should call a licensed HVAC technician for furnace repair if:
- The pilot light won’t stay lit after multiple attempts
- You smell gas or suspect a leak
- You’ve cleaned the area and still experience outages
- Your furnace shows signs of soot, moisture, or poor performance
A professional can quickly diagnose the issue, make safe repairs, and ensure your home is properly heated for the rest of the season. They’ll also be able to check for any early warning signs of future problems, helping you avoid a no-heat emergency.
Call P.K. Wadsworth Today for Furnace Repair
Your home depends on reliable heat, especially in a Cleveland winter. If your pilot light keeps going out, call the team at P.K. Wadsworth Heating & Cooling. Since 1936, we’ve been helping local homeowners stay safe and warm with our quality heating services. With trained and certified technicians, same-day service, and instant, upfront pricing, we’ll get to the root of the problem and make sure your furnace runs the way it should.
Call P.K. Wadsworth today or contact us online to schedule fast, reliable furnace repair in Solon, Cleveland, or the surrounding areas.
