How to Light a Goodman Furnace Pilot Light: 1 Minute to a Warm Home: Light Your Furnace Easily

Lighting the pilot light on your Goodman furnace is a straightforward process, but it’s essential to follow proper safety precautions to ensure both effectiveness and safety. The pilot light is a small flame that ignites the main burner; if it goes out, your furnace won’t heat your home effectively. Before you begin, make sure to read your Goodman furnace’s user manual, as instructions can differ slightly depending on the model. Always wait several minutes to allow any residual gas to dissipate in case the pilot light has recently gone out. Here’s a step-by-step guide to relighting the pilot light on a typical Goodman furnace:

1. Turn Off the Furnace: Set your thermostat to the lowest setting and switch the furnace’s power off. Allow several minutes for any gas to clear.
2. Access the Pilot Assembly: Locate the burner cover and remove it to access the pilot light assembly.
3. Find the Gas Control Knob: Identify the gas control knob on the furnace, which usually has “OFF,” “PILOT,” and “ON” positions.
4. Turn the Knob to ‘OFF’: Rotate the knob to “OFF” and wait at least five minutes for unburned gas to clear.
5. Switch to ‘PILOT’ Position: Turn the knob to “PILOT.”
6. Light the Pilot: While holding the knob down in the “PILOT” position, use a long lighter to ignite the pilot light. Keep holding the knob down for 30–60 seconds to allow the thermocouple to heat up, which ensures the flame stays lit.
7. Release and Check: Release the gas control knob. If the pilot light stays on, turn the knob to “ON.”
8. Power Up: Replace the burner cover, restore power to the furnace, and reset the thermostat to your desired temperature.

If the pilot light does not remain lit after several attempts, there may be an issue with the thermocouple or gas supply, in which case it’s recommended to contact a professional HVAC technician.

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Tips 1:

Always ensure proper ventilation when working around gas appliances to prevent accumulation of dangerous fumes. If you smell gas or suspect a leak, leave the area immediately and contact your gas provider; do not attempt to reignite the pilot light.

FAQ

Q: How do I know if my Goodman furnace has a standing pilot light?

A: Most older Goodman furnaces have standing pilot lights, while newer models use electronic ignition. Check your model’s manual for specifics or look for a visible flame when the furnace is running.

Q: What if the pilot light keeps going out after I relight it?

A: This could indicate a faulty thermocouple or blocked pilot tube. Contact an HVAC professional for diagnosis and repair.

Q: Can I light the pilot light without a manual?

A: It’s best to refer to the furnace’s manual for model-specific instructions. If unavailable, follow the general safety procedure outlined above or consult a professional.Q: Is it safe to light my furnace pilot light myself?

A: Yes, if you follow proper safety precautions. However, if you feel uncomfortable, or if the flame won’t stay lit, call an HVAC professional.

Q: Should I turn off the gas supply before attempting to light the pilot?

A: No, you should not turn off the main gas supply, but do switch the control knob to ‘OFF’ and wait several minutes to let gas dissipate before relighting.