Still Using an Older Furnace? Brush Up on Pilot Light Safety

Still Using an Older Furnace? Brush Up on Pilot Light SafetyToday’s energy-efficient propane and natural gas furnaces rely on an electronic igniter to start the furnace. Before electronic ignition became widespread, the vast majority of furnaces used pilot lights to ignite the furnace burner. If you have a furnace that was made in the last 10 to 15 years, then chances are it still relies on a pilot light as an ignition source.

Appliances equipped with a pilot light always pose a significant hazard that could result in serious injury or worse. To keep your family and your home safe from harm, it’s important to follow these essential pilot light safety tips:

  • Keep an eye on the pilot light flame color. The pilot light should always burn blue — if it’s any other color, then there’s a problem that should be addressed by your HVAC technician.
  • Keep an eye on the pilot light itself. If it goes out, open the doors and windows to vent any excess gas out of your home, and then follow your furnace manufacturer’s instructions to safely re-light the pilot. If it continues to extinguish itself, you should have your HVAC technician take a look.
  • Before lighting your pilot, make sure the area is clear of all flammable items, as well as other sources of ignition.
  • Refrain from using airborne foggers and other aerosol sprays around a lit pilot light. The potentially explosive gases generated by an airborne fogger can detonate when they come into contact with the pilot light.
  • If you smell a strong, overpowering gas aroma, exit your home immediately and contact your gas company’s emergency hotline once you’re outside.

Preventive maintenance is also a big part of pilot light safety. You should have your furnace checked by an experienced and certified HVAC technician prior to each year’s heating season.

Contact the professionals at Hansberger Refrigeration and Electric Company and learn more about pilot light safety. Our aim is to provide Yuma homeowners with efficient and innovative HVAC solutions.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Yuma, Arizona about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about furnaces and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Guide or call us at 928-723-3183.

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