Has the pilot in your gas furnace suddenly starting going out a lot and interfering with the efficiency of heat in your home? Problems with the pilot can mean that it is time for you to get a new furnace, but you may only need to get a part repaired. Find out why a furnace pilot goes out, as well as how a heating contractor can get the problem fixed.

What Causes a Furnace Pilot to Keep Going Out?

The only way for a gas furnace pilot to ignite is via a part that is called the burner. The burner will not work unless the gas valve is functioning as it should. The gas valve releases gas into the burner so it can assist with igniting a flame, which is what comes out of the pilot. It is possible that the burner is rusty, dirty, or broken and causing the pilot to function in an erratic way.

It is also possible that something is stuck on the pilot hole that is causing it to function erratically. For instance, dirt can get trapped in the hole and prevent the flame from coming out. The pilot can also become rusty and need a replacement before it will work right.

If you have been experiencing a tripping circuit breaker that you constantly have to turn back on, it is possibly associated with the furnace. Your furnace will not work without electricity, although it is gas. There could be a short in the wiring to the furnace that is causing the circuit break to trip as a safety precaution.

How Can an Erratic Furnace Pilot Be Repaired?

A contractor can inspect the electrical cord to the furnace to make sure it is not damaged. Shorts in the cord will require that a new one is installed. The circuit breaker to the furnace can also be the root of the problem, so the contractor will have to inspect it. It may be necessary for the electrical panel to be repaired or replaced.

If the burner or pilot is rusty, they will have to be replaced. If they have an accumulation of dirt on them, the contractor should be able to remove it to fix the problem. It is probably a good idea to get a new gas furnace if there are multiple things wrong with the one you have. Hire a heating contractor to inspect your heating system installation.