There are some real basic things we all should learn in life, lighting a gas furnace pilot is one of them! It’s really not difficult, it’s just knowing what to do when. Erie Plumbing and Heating gives you a step by step guide to lighting a gas furnace pilot. Be a good parent and send this URL to your kids!

If you can find instructions on your furnace on how the furnace manufacturer recommends you light the pilot, follow those instructions exactly. If you can’t find instructions for lighting the pilot follow this general guideline below.

1. Find the pilot light assembly on your gas furnace. It will have a gas valve with “on”, “off”, and “pilot” settings.
2. The next step is to turn the valve to “off” and wait 2-3 minutes.
3. Next you will need to turn the valve to “pilot”. To light the pilot hold a lighted match to the pilot opening and push the reset button on the pilot control panel. Keep the reset button pressed until pilot flame burns strongly, then turn valve to the “on” position.
4. If the pilot flame goes out, the opening could be clogged. Turn the gas valve off, and clean the opening with a thin piece of wire.

If it won’t stay lit after several attempts call a professional heating contractor.