How Do You Troubleshoot A Furnace Ignition?
A furnace is rarely used over the warm summer. Most of us don’t bother to inspect our furnaces until the first sudden cold day of winter, when it is too late to do major furnace repairs. One common problem involves the ignition system on gas furnaces. The pilot flame that ignites the furnace may need adjustment, or worse, it may have gone out entirely. Either of these problems are quite easily repaired, with heat restored after only a short time. Turn off any electric power to the furnace (there is usually a power switch near the unit). This renders the furnace inert so that the pilot ignition can be safely worked on, with no chance of electric shock. It also ensures that the furnace doesn’t go into operation when the parts are removed for cleaning. Check the gas pilot light. When the front service panel is removed, if the pilot light is working, the flame should be clearly seen. If there is no flame, attempt to relight it following the printed instructions on the furnace (don’t forget
