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Furnace Pilot Light or Ignition Failure
in Columbus, GA
Furnaces built before 1990 use a standing pilot light that burns constantly. Newer ones use an electronic igniter that sparks or glows when heat is needed. Either way, if ignition fails, you get no heat at all. Columbus sees wind-driven pressure changes during winter storms that can blow out a standing pilot if the furnace is in an exterior closet or garage.
Quick Answer
If your furnace won't light at all, you either have no gas reaching the burner or the ignition system has failed. Older Columbus homes with standing pilot furnaces lose the pilot flame in high winds or after the gas gets interrupted. Call (762) 275-8579 to get the ignition system checked before you go another night without heat.
Telltale Signs
Warning Signs to Watch For
- You look through the furnace window and see no flame at all when it should be running
- The furnace makes clicking sounds repeatedly but never starts
- The thermostat calls for heat, the furnace hums, but no burner flame appears
- You have relit the pilot multiple times this season and it keeps going out
- The igniter glows red but the gas never catches and the furnace shuts down
Root Causes
What Causes Furnace Pilot Light or Ignition Failure?
Worn Hot Surface Igniter
Hot surface igniters are fragile ceramic parts that heat to over 1800 degrees to light the gas. They crack or burn through over time, especially on furnaces running 10 or more years. Once cracked, they may glow partially but cannot reach a temperature that ignites the gas.
The Fix
Hot Surface Igniter Replacement
The cracked igniter is replaced with a manufacturer-compatible part. The replacement typically takes under an hour and the furnace lights normally on the first cycle after.
Thermocouple Failure on Older Units
The thermocouple is a safety sensor that keeps the gas valve open as long as the pilot flame is present. On furnaces installed before 1995, the thermocouple wears out and starts reading the flame as absent even when it is lit, causing the gas valve to close and the pilot to go out.
The Fix
Thermocouple Replacement
A technician replaces the thermocouple with a matched part. This is a simple mechanical fix that restores normal pilot operation and keeps the gas valve responding correctly.
Self-Diagnosis
Which Cause Applies to You?
Check the signs you're observing to narrow down the likely root cause before your inspection.
| What You're Seeing | Worn Hot Surface Igniter | Thermocouple Failure on Older Units |
|---|---|---|
| Furnace is a newer model with a glowing igniter but no pilot light | ||
| Furnace is an older model with a standing pilot that keeps going out | ||
| Igniter glows but gas does not catch after three attempts | ||
| Pilot lights when held but goes out when you release the button |
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