Reasons Why Your Pilot Light Keeps Going Out

Are you wondering why your furnace pilot light keeps going out? If this happens in the middle of winter, this problem can leave your family in the cold. To stay warm and comfortable, it's important to fix this issue right away.

When your furnace pilot light won't stay lit, finding a solution can be challenging. In this post, we'll discuss a few common reasons why this pilot light keeps going out, including some quick troubleshooting tips.

Bent Thermocouple

On some occasions, your thermocouple can become bent, possibly leading to pilot light issues. If the thermocouple is bent, the flame may not reach this system component, causing your gas valve to automatically shut off. Luckily, finding a solution is relatively simple.

Be sure to follow these steps:



1. Shut off the gas
2. Wait for everything to cool down
3. Bend thermocouple to its normal position
4. Turn gas back on

While a bent thermocouple seems like a bad problem, you can fix the issue in a matter of seconds! Not sure what a thermocouple looks like? The thermocouple is a copper rod that directly touches the pilot flame. It is also called the "flame sensor." This device is used to shut off the gas if the pilot lights go out. This prevents any gas from entering your home, which could be a life-threatening situation.

Dirty Thermocouple

If the pilot light won't stay lit on furnace, another common issue is a dirty thermocouple. When a pilot light keeps going out, you may try to relight it. However, if you find yourself doing this frequently, the thermocouple could be dirty. When this happens, you'll want to clean it properly.



First, shut off your gas, wait for the unit to cool down, then gently wipe away the grime with fine grain sandpaper. Once the job is complete, go ahead and turn the gas back on and fire up the unit. If a dirty thermocouple was the problem, your pilot light should now always stay on when you need it. This can lead to less hassle, more peace of mind, and a more comfortable home!

Broken Thermocouple

As a dirty or bent thermocouple can lead to pilot light issues, a broken thermocouple can also be problematic. However, knowing it's broken isn't always easy. We recommend replacing your thermocouple if you notice physical damage or if the pilot light keeps going out. Not only can these issues be frustrating and time-consuming, but they could also be a safety risk.

If your pilot light just won't stay on, try replacing your thermocouple. This component could be old and worn out. Over time, wear and tear are common. In addition, by purchasing a new thermocouple, you don't have to worry about replacing this device for many years. Also, a new thermocouple may be of higher quality and have more benefits than the older models.

If you're unsure about whether to replace this device or not, contact an HVAC professional. They will inspect the area and look for any areas of concern. Luckily, if a replacement is needed, this job is pretty quick and straightforward.

Dirty Pilot Opening

On many occasions, a furnace pilot light won't stay lit if the pilot light opening is dirty. This typically leads to an unstable flame that appears wavy. As this small flame doesn't have the ability to heat the thermocouple, this issue will need to be fixed.

To fix the problem, you'll want to turn off the system, then use a fine needle to clear up any clogs. This debris could be blocking the entire pilot opening. After the area is cleaned and the pilot light can breathe, the system should work as intended. As long as the flame looks blue and has a cone shape, everything should work properly.

If you're having a hard time cleaning the area, be sure to call a professional. These experts have extensive experience in the industry, and they can solve the issue right away. Also, since you're dealing with a flame source that can be dangerous, we recommend calling a professional if you're inexperienced. Doing so can save you from a serious system malfunction.

Bad Location

If the pilot light won't stay lit on furnace, the system may have been installed in a poor location. In order for a furnace to work effectively, it needs oxygen to breathe. If it's installed in an enclosed area without adequate airflow, there may not be enough oxygen for the system to work properly. While this can be an annoying and time-consuming problem, it could also be serious. Carbon monoxide can leak into your home, possibly leading to carbon monoxide poisoning, which can be fatal.

If this may be the reason why your furnace pilot light won't stay lit, it could be time to relocate your furnace. For his job, call an HVAC professional. They can determine the best place for your unit and handle the relocation process.

Furnace Maintenance is Key!

Unfortunately, furnace problems can happen at any time, and finding a solution isn't always easy. That said, it's important to schedule furnace maintenance at least once a year. During these appointments, a professional will inspect your system and look for any signs of concern. They'll complete various tests and use their expertise to find any problems. If something is broken or needs an adjustment, they can easily handle the project. Many homeowners choose to have furnace maintenance at least once a year, and possibly more if they live in a frigid climate.

While different HVAC providers have different processes, here are some common furnace maintenance tasks:

• Inspecting the vent system and removing any debris
• Looking at the cleaning blower and cleaning it if needed
• Examining the heat exchanger and looking for damage
• Checking the blower motor
• Inspecting the burner and flame sensor
• Checking the electrical connections and repairing if needed
• Examining the belts and looking for cracks or damage
• Lubricating parts as needed
• Looking at the air filter
• Checking and testing the unit's safety controls 
• Inspecting the thermostat and looking for issues



When you schedule furnace maintenance with your local provider, be sure to ask them about the tasks they perform. This can give you a clear idea of what to expect.

Wrapping Up

If your pilot light keeps going out on your furnace, you may be frustrated and confused. Luckily, the problem can be an easy fix! In fact, a long-lasting solution can sometimes take just seconds. If this issue is happening in your home, follow the tips above to find a quick solution and get back to comfort!