Furnace Pilot Light Won't Stay Lit? Portland Troubleshooting Guide
This guide covers older furnaces with standing pilot lights - the small flame that burns 24/7. Portland has many older homes with these systems, but modern electronic ignition is more reliable and efficient. Learn to identify your system type and fix common pilot light problems safely.
STANDING PILOT
- • Always-on small blue flame
- • Visible through sight glass
- • Manual lighting required
- • Common in homes pre-2000
- • Burns gas constantly
ELECTRONIC IGNITION
- • No standing pilot flame
- • Spark or hot surface ignition
- • Lights automatically when needed
- • Most efficient and reliable
- • Saves $8-12/month gas
Standing pilot systems • Electronic ignition upgrades • Portland area coverage
Owner & Lead HVAC Technician
Safe Relighting Instructions
How to Relight Standing Pilot Light (Step-by-Step)
Turn thermostat to OFF to prevent main burners from lighting
Locate gas valve knob (usually has OFF-PILOT-ON positions)
Turn knob to OFF, wait 5 minutes for gas to dissipate
Turn knob to PILOT, press and hold down
Light pilot with long BBQ lighter (never use matches)
Hold knob down 30-60 seconds to heat thermocouple
Release knob slowly - pilot should stay lit
Turn knob to ON, turn thermostat to heat
⚠️ Critical Safety Warnings:
- • If you smell gas at any time, STOP and evacuate - call 911
- • Never use regular matches or short lighters near gas
- • Always wait full 5 minutes after turning gas off
- • If pilot won't stay lit after 3 attempts, call professional
- • Keep long BBQ lighter for future use
Standing Pilot vs Electronic Ignition Systems
Standing pilot lights were standard in furnaces before 2000, but most Portland homes built after that date have electronic ignition. Understanding your system type is crucial for proper troubleshooting. Standing pilots burn continuously, wasting gas but providing instant heat. Electronic systems are more efficient but can fail differently.
Portland-Specific Pilot Light Issues
- Crawlspace moisture corrodes thermocouples and flame sensors
- Wind drafts through vents extinguish pilots in exposed locations
- Older homes (pre-1980) often have standing pilot systems
- Earthquake damage can misalign pilot assemblies
- High humidity accelerates corrosion of electrical components
When to Upgrade to Electronic Ignition
Consider upgrading if your pilot fails more than twice per year, your furnace is 15+ years old, or you want to save energy. Electronic ignition eliminates the constant gas burn (saving $8-12/month) and provides more reliable operation. Modern systems include safety features that standing pilots lack.
Faulty Thermocouple (Most Common)
The thermocouple is a safety device that detects pilot flame heat and signals the gas valve to stay open. Over time, Portland's humid crawlspaces cause corrosion and mineral deposits that prevent proper heating. When the thermocouple doesn't reach temperature, the gas valve closes for safety.
Portland Fix:
Clean thermocouple with fine emery cloth, ensure proper positioning in flame. Replace if damaged ($150-$300). Test millivolt output during operation.
Dirty Pilot Orifice
The tiny orifice where gas emerges gets clogged with dust, rust, or debris. Portland's cottonwood pollen and high humidity create perfect conditions for buildup. A clogged orifice produces weak flame that can't properly heat the thermocouple.
Portland Fix:
Turn off gas, remove orifice, clean with compressed air or needle. Annual cleaning prevents recurrence. Cost: $100-$200 with tune-up.
Air Drafts Extinguishing Pilot
Strong air movement from vents, doors, or windows blows out the pilot flame. Common in crawlspace furnaces where air circulation is poor, or homes with frequent door opening. The thermocouple cools too quickly when flame is lost.
Portland Fix:
Seal air leaks around furnace area, install draft diverter, relocate pilot assembly if needed. Portland homes with crawlspaces particularly susceptible.
Low Gas Pressure
NW Natural supply pressure drops below minimum requirements. Can happen during peak usage periods or with line issues. Weak pressure can't maintain steady pilot flame or heat thermocouple adequately.
Portland Fix:
Contact NW Natural (800-422-4012) for pressure test. Technician verifies manifold pressure. Regulator replacement if needed ($200-$400).
Dirty or Bent Flame Sensor
The flame sensor rod gets coated with soot or bent away from flame. This prevents proper flame detection, causing the system to shut off pilot. More common in older furnaces with higher levels of impurities in combustion.
Portland Fix:
Clean sensor rod with emery cloth, gently bend toward flame if needed. Replace if damaged. Test continuity and resistance.
Failed Gas Valve
The gas valve controls pilot gas flow and contains the safety magnet that holds it open. Age (15-20+ years) and electrical issues can cause failure. When the valve fails, pilot lights but won't stay on even with proper thermocouple signal.
Portland Fix:
Gas valve replacement ($300-$600). Often more economical to upgrade entire furnace to electronic ignition system.
Modern Alternatives: Electronic Ignition Benefits
Intermittent Pilot
- • Electronic spark lights pilot only when heating
- • Saves gas vs constant burning pilot
- • Reliable electronic control
- • Most common modern system
Hot Surface Ignition
- • Glow coil heats to ignite burners directly
- • No pilot flame at all
- • Highest efficiency option
- • Most reliable ignition system
💰 Energy Savings & Payback
$8-12
Monthly gas savings
$400-800
Upgrade cost
3-8 years
Payback period
Portland Pilot Light Troubleshooting FAQs
Pilot Light Problems? Upgrade to Modern Ignition
Tired of pilot light issues? Our technicians can upgrade your older furnace to reliable electronic ignition, saving you money and providing better comfort. From thermocouple replacement to complete system upgrades, we handle all pilot light problems safely and professionally.