A standing pilot is the standard ignition device for most natural gas burning heating systems, and has been for many years. It’s a continuously burning flame at the bottom of the heater, responsible for starting the burners that actually generate heat for the home. Though it’s a widely used technology, there are a few things that have given it a less-than-stellar reputation. Read on for an explanation of how a standing pilot works, as well as some common issues with it.
How does a standing pilot light work?
A standing pilot light works by keeping a small flame burning near a gas heater’s burners. When the flame heats the thermocouple, it creates an electrical signal that keeps the gas valve open. If the flame goes out, the valve closes to help prevent gas from entering the home.
How it Works
A standing pilot light is actually fairly simple in design. A gas line terminates in a small burner, which creates the flame. A bit of composite metal wire, called a “thermocouple,” connects the burner to a valve in the gas line. When the pilot light is lit, the thermocouple registers the heat and generates an electric current. The current travels down the thermocouple to the gas valve and opens it. This is what keeps the pilot light burning. When the pilot light goes out, the thermocouple’s electric current stops and the gas valve closes. This is a safety measure to prevent gas from flooding your home.
Common Problems
The most common problem for standing pilot lights is the light going out. This tends to happen because the flame is unprotected from air currents or sudden draft. Though there is an ignition system on most heaters to relight the pilot light, routine heating system maintenance can help address other issues that may occur.
The thermocouple for the pilot light often wears out over time, eventually losing the ability to create an electrical current. This can occur from wear and tear, corrosion, becoming detached from the volt meter, or simply becoming bent way from the pilot flame. Regardless of the way that the thermocouple stops working, the effect is the same: the pilot light is unable to stay lit. If your pilot light seems to light without issues, but almost immediately goes out, you may need professional heating system repair because the thermocouple is no longer keeping the gas valve to the flame open.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: What is a standing pilot?
Answer: A standing pilot is a small flame that stays lit continuously inside many older gas heating systems. Its job is to ignite the main burners when the heater needs to produce warm air. This type of ignition was common for many years before newer electronic ignition systems became widely used.
Question: How does a standing pilot light work?
Answer: A standing pilot burns near the gas burners at the bottom of the heater. When the thermostat calls for heat, the system allows gas to flow to the burners, and the pilot flame ignites them. Safety parts like a thermocouple help confirm the pilot is lit before gas continues flowing.
Question: Do modern furnaces still use standing pilot lights?
Answer: Some older gas furnaces still use standing pilots, but many newer systems use electronic ignition instead. Electronic ignition does not keep a flame burning all the time. This can improve efficiency because the system only uses ignition energy when heat is actually needed.
Question: Why does a standing pilot go out?
Answer: A standing pilot can go out because of drafts, dirt around the pilot assembly, gas supply issues, or a failing thermocouple. When the pilot will not stay lit, the heating system may not start properly. Because gas equipment can create safety risks, it is best to have persistent pilot problems checked by a professional.
Question: Is a standing pilot less efficient than electronic ignition?
Answer: Yes, a standing pilot is generally less efficient because it uses a small amount of gas continuously, even when the heater is not actively warming the home. Electronic ignition systems avoid that constant fuel use. However, the right repair or replacement choice depends on the age and condition of the heating system.
If you’re having issues with your pilot light, call A-Professional Heating and Air Conditioning. We offer professional heating services throughout Covington.
Continue Reading
Tags: Covington, Heating
Posted in Heating | Comments Off on What Is a Standing Pilot?
