How To Light The Pilot Light On A Goodman Furnace

Many modern Goodman furnaces come with automatic ignition systems, but some older models still use a pilot light. A pilot light is a small, continuous flame that ignites the main burner when your furnace needs to produce heat. If the pilot light goes out, your furnace won't work. Relighting it is a relatively simple task, but it's crucial to follow the steps carefully to ensure your safety and prevent any potential hazards.

This guide will walk you through the process of safely relighting the pilot light on your Goodman furnace. Always prioritize safety and if you're uncomfortable with any part of this process, it's best to call a qualified HVAC technician.

Before You Begin: Safety First!

Before you even think about touching your furnace, there are a few crucial safety precautions to take:

Smell for Gas: This is the most important step. If you smell gas, do not attempt to light the pilot. Evacuate the area immediately and call your gas company or the fire department from a safe location. Gas leaks are extremely dangerous.
Turn Off the Furnace: Locate the power switch for your furnace (usually on the side of the unit or nearby on the wall) and turn it to the "OFF" position. This will prevent the furnace from accidentally trying to start while you're working on it.
Turn Off the Gas Valve: Find the gas shut-off valve, usually a yellow handle on the gas pipe leading to the furnace. Turn the valve so it's perpendicular to the pipe. This cuts off the gas supply to the furnace. This is a critical safety step.
Ventilate the Area: Open windows and doors to allow any accumulated gas to dissipate. Good ventilation is essential for your safety.
Wait Five Minutes: Even if you don't smell gas, wait at least five minutes before proceeding. This allows any residual gas in the burner chamber to clear.

Step-by-Step Guide to Relighting Your Goodman Furnace Pilot Light

Now that you've taken the necessary safety precautions, you can proceed with relighting the pilot light. Here's a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Locate the Pilot Light Assembly

The pilot light assembly is typically located near the bottom of the furnace, often behind an access panel. Look for a small metal box or compartment with a small opening. Your Goodman furnace may have a diagram on the inside of the access panel showing the location of the pilot light. You'll likely see three components:

Pilot Light: A small metal tube with a tiny opening where the flame burns.
Thermocouple: A small metal rod that senses the heat from the pilot light. It's crucial for safety; if the pilot light goes out, the thermocouple signals the gas valve to shut off the gas supply. Think of it as a safety sensor.
Pilot Gas Valve: A small valve with a button or knob labeled "ON/OFF/PILOT." This valve controls the flow of gas to the pilot light.

Step 2: Prepare to Light the Pilot

Before you turn on the gas, make sure you have a long lighter (like a BBQ lighter) or a long match readily available. You'll need it to ignite the pilot flame. Ensure it's long enough to reach the pilot light safely without getting your hand too close to the burner.

Step 3: Turn the Gas Valve to "PILOT"

Locate the pilot gas valve. It usually has three settings: "ON," "OFF," and "PILOT." Gently push in and turn the knob to the "PILOT" position. You may need to press down firmly on the knob while turning it. Holding it down is crucial in the next step.

Step 4: Press and Hold the "PILOT" Button While Lighting

This is the most important and often trickiest part. While *continuing* to press and hold the pilot gas valve knob in the "PILOT" position, use your other hand to light the pilot light with your long lighter or match. Position the flame near the opening of the pilot light tube.

Why is holding the button important? When you hold the button, you're manually opening the gas valve to allow gas to flow to the pilot light. The thermocouple, once heated by the pilot flame, will then take over and keep the gas valve open automatically. If you release the button too soon, the thermocouple won't have enough time to heat up, and the pilot light will go out.

Step 5: Hold for 30-60 Seconds

Continue holding the pilot gas valve knob in for about 30-60 seconds after the pilot light ignites. This gives the thermocouple enough time to heat up and start generating a small electrical current. This current is what tells the gas valve to stay open.

Step 6: Release the "PILOT" Button

After holding the knob for 30-60 seconds, slowly release the pilot gas valve knob. The pilot light should remain lit. If the pilot light goes out immediately after you release the button, repeat steps 3-6. Make absolutely sure that you are holding the knob in long enough. If it still doesn't stay lit after several attempts, there may be a problem with the thermocouple (see Troubleshooting below).

Step 7: Turn the Gas Valve to "ON"

Once you've confirmed that the pilot light stays lit after releasing the button, gently turn the pilot gas valve knob to the "ON" position. This will allow gas to flow to the main burner when the thermostat calls for heat.

Step 8: Turn the Furnace Power Switch to "ON"

Turn the power switch on the side of the furnace back to the "ON" position.

Step 9: Test the Furnace

Set your thermostat to a temperature higher than the current room temperature. The furnace should start up, and you should feel warm air coming from the vents. If the furnace doesn't start, check the thermostat settings, the circuit breaker, and the gas valve to ensure everything is properly connected and turned on.

Troubleshooting Common Problems

Sometimes, relighting the pilot light doesn't go as smoothly as planned. Here are some common problems and how to troubleshoot them:

Pilot Light Won't Light:
- No Gas: Double-check that the gas shut-off valve is fully open and that you haven't run out of gas.
- Clogged Pilot Orifice: The small opening in the pilot light tube might be clogged with dust or debris. You can try carefully cleaning it with a small wire or needle. Be extremely gentle!
- Faulty Igniter: If you're using a spark igniter built into the furnace (instead of a lighter/match), it may be faulty. You may need to replace it.
Pilot Light Goes Out After Releasing the Button:
- Faulty Thermocouple: This is the most common cause. The thermocouple may be damaged or worn out and not generating enough current to keep the gas valve open. You'll likely need to replace it.
- Dirty Thermocouple: Sometimes, the thermocouple can get dirty, preventing it from properly sensing the heat. You can try cleaning it gently with fine steel wool.
- Weak Pilot Flame: A weak or flickering pilot flame may not be providing enough heat to the thermocouple. Check for obstructions or debris in the pilot light tube.
Furnace Won't Start After Lighting the Pilot:
- Thermostat Issues: Make sure the thermostat is set correctly and that the batteries (if applicable) are good.
- Circuit Breaker: Check the circuit breaker for the furnace to ensure it hasn't tripped.
- Blocked Flue: A blocked flue can prevent the furnace from starting. Make sure the flue pipe is clear of any obstructions.
- Flame Sensor: Many furnaces have a flame sensor that detects the presence of a flame. If the flame sensor is dirty or faulty, the furnace may not start.

When to Call a Professional

While relighting a pilot light is often a simple task, there are times when it's best to call a qualified HVAC technician. Here are some situations where professional help is recommended:

You Smell Gas: As mentioned earlier, never attempt to light the pilot if you smell gas. Evacuate and call the gas company or fire department immediately.
You're Uncomfortable: If you're not comfortable working with gas appliances, it's best to leave it to the professionals.
The Pilot Light Won't Stay Lit After Several Attempts: This could indicate a more serious problem with the thermocouple, gas valve, or other components.
You Suspect a Gas Leak: If you have any reason to believe there might be a gas leak, call a professional right away.
Your Furnace Is Old or Hasn't Been Serviced in a While: Older furnaces may have underlying issues that need to be addressed by a qualified technician. Regular maintenance can prevent problems and extend the life of your furnace. Think of it as preventative medicine for your furnace.

Preventing Pilot Light Problems

While pilot lights can sometimes go out unexpectedly, there are steps you can take to minimize the chances of it happening:

Regular Furnace Maintenance: Schedule annual maintenance for your furnace with a qualified HVAC technician. This includes cleaning, inspection, and tune-up, which can help prevent pilot light problems and other issues.
Keep the Area Around the Furnace Clean: Dust and debris can clog the pilot light orifice and affect its performance.
Check the Flue: Ensure the flue pipe is clear of any obstructions, such as leaves or bird nests.
Consider Upgrading: If you have an older furnace with a standing pilot light, consider upgrading to a newer model with electronic ignition. Electronic ignition systems are more energy-efficient and eliminate the need for a constantly burning pilot light.

By following these steps and taking the necessary precautions, you can safely relight the pilot light on your Goodman furnace. Remember, safety is always the top priority. If you're ever unsure about any part of the process, don't hesitate to call a qualified HVAC technician for assistance. Keeping your furnace in good working order will help ensure a warm and comfortable home during the colder months.