The pilot light has long been a staple in gas-powered appliances. It acts as the ignition source for everything from furnaces to water heaters. But traditional pilot lights are quickly becoming a thing of the past, and modern appliances favor more efficient ignition methods. Below, we’ll explore what a pilot light is, how to tell if yours has gone out (and how to relight it), and the alternatives that have largely replaced pilot lights.
What is a Pilot Light?
A pilot light is a small, continuously burning flame used to ignite the main burner of gas-powered appliances (like furnaces, water heaters, and older stoves). In traditional models, the pilot light remains lit at all times. Whenever you need to ignite the main burner, the pilot light is ready to go. But while this setup is simple and effective, it has some drawbacks:
- Continuous Gas Use: Since the flame is always on, pilot lights consume a small amount of gas even when the appliance isn’t in use, leading to unnecessary energy costs.
- Reliability Issues: Pilot lights can go out due to drafts, dirt buildup, or thermocouple issues, requiring you to manually relight it.
Due to these drawbacks, traditional pilot lights have become mostly obsolete. Over the past couple of decades, they’ve been replaced by more efficient technologies in newer appliances. But they’re still found in some older systems and certain water heaters with updated designs.
How to Tell If Your Pilot Light Has Gone Out
The most obvious sign of an extinguished pilot light is that your appliance is no longer functioning. If your water heater isn’t heating, or your furnace isn’t producing warmth, a quick inspection of the pilot light can confirm if it’s the culprit. Here’s how to check:
- Turn Off the Appliance: Before inspecting the pilot light, ensure the appliance is turned off to prevent any gas buildup.
- Locate the Pilot Light: In older models, you’ll usually find the pilot light behind an access panel that you can open to view the flame directly.
- Look Through the Viewing Window: In newer water heaters, the pilot light is enclosed behind a sealed compartment with a small viewing window. You can check the window to see if the flame is still burning.
Relighting a Pilot Light
If your pilot light has gone out, you may be able to relight it yourself. Here are the steps for both older and newer models:
Older Models (Manual Ignition)
- Turn Off the Gas: Locate the gas control knob and turn it to the “Off” position. Wait a few minutes to allow any residual gas to dissipate.
- Switch to Pilot Setting: Turn the knob to the “Pilot” position and press it down. This releases gas to the pilot light.
- Light the Pilot: While holding down the reset button, use a lighter or match to ignite the pilot light. Keep the button pressed for 30-60 seconds to ensure the flame stays lit.
- Switch to On Position: Once the pilot light is burning steadily, release the button and turn the knob to the “On” position. Your appliance should now be ready for use.
Newer Models (Sealed Compartment with Spark Ignition)
- Turn Off the Gas: Like older models, first turn the gas control knob to “Off” and wait a few minutes.
- Switch to Pilot Setting: Turn the knob to “Pilot” and hold it down to release gas.
- Use the Ignition Button: Instead of using an open flame, press the ignition button, which generates a spark to ignite the pilot light within the sealed compartment. You should be able to see the flame through the viewing window.
- Switch to On Position: After the flame is established, release the knob and set it to the “On” position.
What Has Replaced the Pilot Light?
In most modern appliances, electronic ignitions have replaced the traditional pilot light. These systems only use gas when the appliance is in operation, making them more efficient. Some of the most common types of electronic ignitions include:
- Intermittent Pilot Ignition: This system uses a spark to ignite the pilot only when the appliance is running. Once the main burner is lit, the pilot goes out, saving energy.
- Hot Surface Ignition: Operating like a light bulb, this type uses an electrically heated M-shaped element to ignite the gas directly, requiring less maintenance and eliminating the need for a pilot light entirely.
- Direct Spark Ignition: Common in newer furnaces, this electronic system sends a spark directly to the main burner when heat is needed, bypassing the pilot light altogether.
The Future of Pilot Lights in HVAC and Plumbing Systems
As electronic ignitions continue to replace traditional pilot lights, HVAC and plumbing systems are becoming more energy-efficient and reliable. While some updated water heaters still use pilot lights, they are designed with modern improvements for safety and efficiency. If you have an older system with a traditional pilot light, it may be worth considering an upgrade, as newer models can help you save on energy costs and provide a more consistent performance. For more information, contact North East Air Conditioning, Heating and Plumbing today.
