How to Relight a Criterion 2 Gas Furnace Pilot Light

The pilot light is a small burner embedded in the furnace that serves as a heat source for the ignition system.

Criterion 2 Gas Furnace Pilot Light

A Criterion 2 Gas Furnace Pilot Light is a key component of a furnace’s operation. The pilot light helps the furnace ignite the main burner, which then uses gas to regulate the temperature inside of your home. This small but essential flame is lit manually with a match and should be checked periodically and replaced if necessary. The purpose of the pilot light is to create an ignition source for the furnace, allowing it to ignite either all of the time in “universal” models or only when needed in other models. With proper maintenance and periodic replacement, a Criterion 2 Gas Furnace Pilot Light can keep your home warm and comfortable for many years to come.

What is a Pilot Light?

A pilot light is a small, continuously burning flame that lights a gas furnaces main burner. This flame is usually located in the lower part of the furnace and serves as the ignition source for the main burner. It is sometimes referred to as a standing pilot because the flame stays lit continuously. The pilot light consists of several parts, including an igniter, thermocouple, main gas valve, and control knob.

The igniter is responsible for lighting the flame when the furnace is turned on. The thermocouple senses when the flame is lit and sends an electrical signal to the gas valve to keep it open until it detects that the flame has gone out. The control knob regulates how much gas flows into the pilot light and how hot it will burn.

How Does a Pilot Light Work?

The basic process of how a pilot light works involves two steps: igniting the gas and keeping it burning. When you turn on your furnace, an electric current flows from the thermostat to the igniter, which creates sparks that ignite the gas in the pilot light. The thermocouple then senses that there is a flame present and sends an electrical signal to open up the main gas valve so that gas can flow into and ignite the main burner of your furnace. This process creates heat which warms up your home or business.

Once ignited, its important for your furnaces pilot light to stay lit as long as possible so that it can continue to provide heat when needed. To maintain its flame, most furnaces use whats known as a thermocouple-controlled safety device which keeps track of whether or not there is a sufficient amount of heat being generated by your furnaces pilot light. If not enough heat is detected, then this safety device will shut off your furnace until you can relight its pilot light again.

How to Locate the Pilot Light on a Furnace

If you need to relight your furnaces pilot light or just want to inspect it for any potential issues, first you need to be able to find where its located inside your home or business. There are usually two ways you can go about doing this: knowing where to look and checking for an ignition lever.

Start by looking in any room where you think your furnace might be located such as closets, basements or atticsbasically anywhere near where air ducts are present in your home or business. Once you have identified where your furnace may be located, look around its exterior components such as vents or blower motorsyou should see either an ignition lever or small door with screws holding it shut near these components which covers up where your furnaces pilot light may be located underneath.

If you see an ignition lever nearby then try turning it clockwise with a pair of pliers until you hear a click noisethis should turn on both your furnace and its associated pilot light since they are connected together through their wiring system (if this doesn’t work at first try turning off all power sources leading into your home from outside such as breakers before attempting again). If no ignition lever is present then unscrew any screws holding together any small doors nearbybehind these doors should be access points for inspecting or relighting your furnaces associated pilot light (if needed).

Procedure for Lighting the Pilot Light on a Furnace

If you have determined that your furnaces associated pilot light needs relighting then follow these simple steps: first turn off any power sources leading into your home from outside such as breakers; inspect all areas near where air ducts are present in order to locate any small doors with screws holding them shut; unscrew these screws if necessary; inspect both inside and outside areas near these doors/screws for access points leading towards/associated with any piping/tubing; locate any valves controlling how much natural gas flows through these pipes/tubes; adjust these valves until they are completely open (allowing maximum flow); use either matches/lighters or special tools designed specifically for lighting pilots (depending on model) in order to ignite all tubing associated with pilots; once lit check all valves again making sure they remain open not allowing too much/too little natural gas flow; once satisfied use fingers/tools designed specifically for closing valves safely again making sure all pilots remain lit; finally turn all power sources back on again leading into building from outside.

Troubleshooting Common Problems with Furnace Pilots Lights

When troubleshooting common problems associated with furnaces related pilots lights some basic tasks can help identify root causes faster than others: resetting affected thermocouples found near pilots helping ensure they remain producing enough electricity keeping them ignited properly; fixing affected flame adjusters making sure they aren’t blocking proper amounts of air causing too much oxygen preventing proper combustion resulting in extinguishing flames; inspecting affected pipes/tubes making sure they aren’t blocked preventing proper amounts of natural gases entering combustion chamber affecting amount of heat produced by system.

Additionally if possible inspecting affected burners making sure they aren’t blocked preventing even distribution of flames across entire surface area preventing uneven heating temperatures throughout system resulting in poorly operating unit overall should take place as well helping uncover other potential issues within system requiring repairs before unit will operate properly again conserving energy costs during winter months when used most often.

Safety Practices for Working on Furnaces

When working with gas furnaces, it is important to take safety precautions. This includes wearing protective gloves, and cutting off the gas supply before starting any maintenance work. It is also important to ensure proper ventilation and make sure that the carbon dioxide detector is in working order. Additionally, all tools and materials should be handled and stored safely to avoid any accidents.

Cleaning and Maintenance Tips for Furnace Pilots Lights

A furnace pilot light needs regular cleaning and maintenance. This includes cleaning out any debris that may have accumulated in the pilot light or burner area, as well as checking for worn parts or broken components which should be replaced if necessary. Additionally, it is important to check the condition of the flame if it is yellow or orange in color instead of blue then there may be an issue with the gas supply which should be addressed immediately.

Other Things to Remember When Working with Gas Furnaces

Finally, when working with gas furnaces there are a few other things to keep in mind. This includes making sure that all connections are secure and tight, being aware of where the main shut-off valve is located in case of emergency, and regularly testing both smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors. Additionally, it is important to make sure that all flues are kept clear of debris so that airflow can pass freely through them. Following these safety measures will help ensure that everything runs smoothly when working with gas furnaces.

FAQ & Answers

Q: What is a Pilot Light?
A: A pilot light is a small flame, usually natural gas or propane, that remains lit to serve as an ignition source for a larger gas burner. It is typically located near the main gas valve and used to ignite the main burner which heats the furnace.

Q: How Does a Pilot Light Work?
A: The pilot light works by igniting the gas when a switch is flipped to on. Once it is lit, the flame will remain burning as long as the switch remains in the on position. In order to keep it burning, there must be a steady flow of fuel and oxygen present in the area.

Q: How to Locate the Pilot Light on a Furnace?
A: The pilot light can typically be found near the main gas valve on your furnace. It should be easy to identify as it will have a small flame burning. If you have trouble locating it, you can also check for an ignition lever located near the valve which will allow you to turn on and off the pilot light.

Q: What are Some Safety Practices for Working on Furnaces?
A: When working with any furnace or other appliances that use natural gas or propane, it is important to take safety precautions such as wearing gloves and making sure that all potential sources of ignition are removed from the area before beginning work. Additionally, make sure that all vents are open and that there is proper ventilation in order to avoid any buildup of fumes or carbon monoxide.

Q: What are Some Cleaning and Maintenance Tips for Furnace Pilots Lights?
A: Regular cleaning and maintenance can help ensure that your furnace pilot light stays lit and working properly. This includes periodically checking for debris buildup around the burner area, replacing parts if necessary, and making sure that all connections are tight and secure. Additionally, if you notice any signs of wear or corrosion on any parts of your furnace pilot light system, replace them immediately in order to avoid potential safety hazards.

The Criterion 2 gas furnace pilot light is an essential safety feature for any gas furnace. It provides a visible flame that acts as an indicator to the user that the gas is on and ready for use. This flame also serves as a heat source to ignite the main burner. While these furnaces are designed to be trouble-free, it is important to follow manufacturer instructions and maintain your unit regularly in order to ensure a safe and efficient operation.