The pilot light on your furnace or hot water heater can go out when it’s windy due to a draft. Wind can create a drafty area near the pilot light that can be strong enough to blow out the flame. This is usually caused by poor ventilation and/or an incorrectly installed pilot light assembly.
The draft, combined with air coming in from a leaky vent or door, can create enough turbulence to blow out the flame. In most cases, it can be corrected by ensuring all vents, door frames and flues are properly sealed.
Additionally, any gaps around the furnace frame may need to be closed up. Lastly, check to make sure the pilot light assembly is properly installed according to the manufacturer’s specifications. If these steps are taken, the pilot light should remain lit even if the wind blows.
How do I stop wind blowing out my pilot light?
To stop wind blowing out your pilot light, the following steps should be taken:
1. Make sure that the pilot light is burning brightly and that the air holes on the pilot are clear and open.
2. Make sure the steel mesh guard that covers the pilot opening is securely in place and is not allowing wind to blow directly on the flame.
3. Increase the size of the pilot flame by adjusting the gas-flow control. This will create more heat and a more resistant flame, making it less susceptible to being blown out by wind.
4. Make sure that the pilot flame is located in a sheltered area that is not prone to direct drafts or wind.
5. Check that the wind deflector located on the top of the unit is firmly in place. This deflector should be adjusted to provide an air barrier that further reduces the air currents around the pilot flame.
6. If the wind is still blowing out the pilot light, consider installing a baffle or shield around the pilot light to reduce the impact of the wind.
7. Finally, it is recommended that a licensed HVAC technician inspect and adjust your unit to ensure that all components are working optimally and that the unit is set up properly to account for the potential of wind blowing out the pilot light.
Can high winds cause pilot light to go out?
Yes, high winds can cause pilot lights to go out. In the case of gas appliances, high winds can cause the flame of the pilot light to go out by disturbing the balance of incoming air and the gas mixture.
This interruption of fuel flow and air can cause the pilot light’s flame to burn out. This could happen if a wind gust were to blow across the outside of the appliance and disrupt the desired fuel/air ratio, or if a draft were to form in the room and create a suction effect which would slow the flow of incoming air and eventually snuff out the pilot light.
Without proper maintenance and adjustment, pilot lights can eventually become incompatible with such disturbances, so ensuring that the right amount of air is getting to the flame is important when it comes to avoiding these risks.
How do you stop the wind from blowing out the pilot on a gas fireplace?
The best way to stop the wind from blowing out the pilot on a gas fireplace is to install a wind guard or wind screen. These protective shields are designed to fit in front of the opening of the fireplace, and they act as a barrier to block the wind from directly entering the fireplace and blowing out the pilot light.
When shopping for a wind guard or wind screen, make sure it is the right size to fit over the opening of your fireplace. Additionally, you should check to make sure the material used to make the wind guard is fire-resistant.
To install the wind guard, attach the hooks onto the outside of the opening, then hook the guard into the attached hooks. It is also helpful to use weather-stripping along the sides of the wind guard to ensure a proper seal.
Can high winds cause furnace problems?
Yes, high winds can cause furnace problems. High winds can affect higher structures like chimneys and can disrupt the smooth flow of air in and out of the furnace. If a homeowner has a direct-vent furnace, the vent pipes can sometimes be partially blocked by items like leaves, dirt and other debris.
This can also cause furnace problems due to the lack of air flow. Additionally, strong winds can also damage air ducts, disrupt motorized parts and loosen electrical connections, resulting in furnace malfunction.
High winds can put extra strain on the furnace, which can cause it to overheat and malfunction. To avoid furnace problems due to high winds, regularly check and clean the ducts, check for items obstructing the exhaust vent and replace any worn out parts.
Why do I have to keep relighting my pilot light?
There could be a few reasons why you may have to keep relighting your pilot light. The number one reason is that a draft may be forcing the pilot light out. This can be caused by a number of things, such as a poorly sealed door or window, or a poorly sealed air duct in the vicinity of your furnace.
If you can identify the source of the draft and eliminate it, that should help keep your pilot light lit.
In addition, the pilot light flame may be set too low. This can inhibit the proper flow of fuel and can cause your pilot light to be easily extinguished. You should make sure the flame is the right size and shape, as described in your furnace’s instructions manual.
Finally, it is possible that there may be an accumulation of dust, lint, and other particles causing the pilot light to become clogged. If this is the case, it is important to clean out the fire chamber and pilot tube so that the pilot light can flow properly.
If you continue to have issues with your pilot light staying lit, then it may be best to contact a professional for assistance.
Should I worry if the pilot light goes out?
If your pilot light goes out and you cannot relight it, then you should be worried. Failure of the pilot light indicates that something is wrong and needs to be addressed. Possible causes of your pilot light going out could include issues with the thermocouple, gas flow, or physical obstructions that prevent the flame from burning correctly.
You should also inspect the area around the pilot light to ensure that there is no obstruction or debris that may be preventing the flame from lighting. Failing to inspect the area and trying to relight the flame could potentially cause an accumulation of gas and potential health hazards.
In addition, you should have a certified professional inspect your furnace to ensure that the pilot light is functioning correctly and that the furnace is not producing any hazardous gases.
How often should pilot light go out?
Typically, the pilot light of a gas appliance should stay lit all the time once it has been adjusted correctly and the appliance is in use. If the flame turns off, there could be several different causes for it such as a draft, a broken thermocouple, a clogged pilot jet, or simple user error.
Depending on the cause, relighting the pilot light may take from a few seconds to several minutes. To prevent accidents, it is recommended to check the pilot light frequently and to make sure that it has not gone out by accident.
In addition, having a licensed technician inspect your appliance and adjust the pilot light at least once a year can help prevent many issues before they occur.
How long should you hold down pilot light?
It’s important to ensure that your pilot light is properly adjusted for optimal performance. Generally, you will need to hold the pilot light for about 10-15 seconds in order to ensure it is properly lit.
If your pilot light does not stay lit, you may need to adjust the flame’s size and shape by gently turning the adjusting knob. A properly adjusted pilot light should burn with a steady blue flame, making sure it does not touch the burner surface.
After adjusting the flame, hold down the pilot light button again for 10-15 seconds. Make sure not to release the pilot light button until the flame stays lit continuously. If it continues to shut off, you may need to consult a professional.
How much does a pilot light cost per day?
The cost of a pilot light per day will depend on the type of pilot light, the variability of use, and the quantity. If you are talking about an old-fashioned fireplace with a gas pilot light, the cost can vary widely depending on the efficiency of the fireplace, and the cost of the type of gas that is being used.
For high efficiency furnaces and water heaters, the typical cost can range from a few cents to as much as $1. 00 or more per day, depending on the size of the pilot light, how much it is used, and the type of fuel that is being used.
Additionally, some newer models of furnaces, boilers, and water heaters are designed with electronic ignition pilot lights that may not consume any fuel, so the cost per day would be negligible, if any at all.
Does leaving the pilot light use much gas?
According to the U. S. Department of Energy, leaving your gas furnace’s pilot light running does use a small amount of gas, though not a large amount considering the convenience factor it provides. The pilot light has two functions: To serve as an ignition source for the furnace’s main burner, and to provide a small amount of heat to the furnace’s heat exchanger.
This keeps it warm and helps to prevent condensation buildup and potential damage to the heat exchanger. Depending on the kind of furnace you have, the pilot light can use between 230 and 1110 BTUs per hour.
In terms of fuel cost, this range equals about $0. 45 to $2. 20 a month. So, while leaving your pilot light on will use a small amount of gas, it is worth it for the convenience and efficiency it provides.
Can a pilot light get clogged?
Yes, a pilot light can get clogged. Pilot lights can get clogged for a variety of reasons, including the accumulation of dirt, debris, or other materials in the pilot line. If debris is the issue, the best solution is to clean out the pilot light with an air compressor or strong air pressure.
In some cases, however, the clog may be caused by more serious issues, such as a build-up of rust or corrosion, and in these cases, professional help may be necessary to properly address the issue. If the pilot light is continually getting clogged, it might be beneficial to consider replacing the unit with a more reliable system.
How much does it cost to fix a pilot light?
The cost of fixing a pilot light depends on what is causing the problem and the specific repair work required. If the pilot light needs to be relit, then this is a relatively straightforward process that only requires a few basic tools and can be done by most homeowners.
Depending on these DIY skills and the tools used, this repair should likely only cost between $10 and $30 in materials.
On the other hand, if the pilot light needs to be repaired or replaced, it might require professional help. Professional HVAC technicians usually charge around $80 – $120 for service calls, and the cost of any parts required will be added to that.
If a technician needs to be hired to do the work, the cost of repairing or replacing the pilot light can range from $150 to $500, depending on the extent of the repair work needed and the parts required.
Can you get carbon monoxide poisoning from a pilot light?
Yes, it is possible to get carbon monoxide poisoning from a pilot light. Pilot lights are small flames that stay on constantly to ignite the larger furnace or stove burner flame once the user activates it.
However, if the pilot light isn’t properly adjusted or maintained, they can leak out large amounts of carbon monoxide, which is a poisonous gas that causes a variety of symptoms, including headaches, dizziness, confusion, fatigue, and even death if exposure is high enough.
Additionally, if the pilot light goes out and is not relit, this can also cause a buildup of carbon monoxide. Therefore, it is vital that pilot lights are regularly inspected and properly maintained in order to avoid any possible accidental carbon monoxide exposure.
How do I stop my pilot light from blowing out?
If your pilot light is blowing out, there are a few steps you can take to troubleshoot the issue. Initially, you should inspect your furnace for any debris or obstructions around the pilot light. This is an important step for a number of reasons, including ensuring proper air flow into the furnace and ensuring that the area around the pilot light is free from dust or dirt, which could prevent it from staying lit.
Once you have inspected the surrounding area of the pilot light, you should check the thermocouple. This is a device located near the pilot light, which is responsible for telling the furnace that the pilot light is lit.
If it is not functioning properly, the furnace will shut off. To test the thermocouple, disconnect it from the gas valve and hold a lighter to the end of the thermocouple. If it heats up, then it is functioning properly.
If it is not heating up, you should replace it.
Finally, you should check the gas pressure and make sure it is not too low, which could cause the pilot light to go out. You can do this by checking the regulator or the meter controlling the gas pressure and making any necessary adjustments.
If you follow these steps and the problem persists, then it is highly recommended that you contact a professional for further assistance in troubleshooting the issue.