How To Use An Electronic Ignition To Light A Gas Furnace

This electronic igniter is commonly found in any furnace that burns propane or natural gas. It continuously burns and ignites the gas when the appliance’s controls send fuel to the main burners. Are you curious about lighting this type of furnace? We have done the necessary research to provide you with the specific instructions you require.

The steps to ignite a gas furnace with electronic ignition are:

1. Set the thermostat to its lowest setting.
2. Shut off the furnace entirely.
3. Burner door should be removed.
4. Deactivate the igniter.
5. Light the igniter again.
6. Put the burner door back in place.
7. Restart the electronic ignition on the gas furnace.

We will go into more detail about the aforementioned stages in this article. We’ll also provide you some advice in case you’re unsuccessful in lighting a gas furnace.

How Electronic Ignition Operates

Compared to other types of ignition systems, the electronic ignition system is less complicated and possibly easier to understand. When the engine begins, the ignition switch is turned on and immediately goes to work. Since the positive connection of the battery is connected to the ignition switch and the negative terminal is grounded, the battery generates electricity.

The second transmission is made to the close-by spark plug terminal through the high-tension cable. Following that, the spark produced at the spark plug’s tip as a result of the voltage difference created between the ground electrode and the center electrode causes combustion to occur.

How Do I Use An Electronic Ignition To Light A Gas Furnace?

Some furnace systems’ pilot lights might flicker out even in mild breezes, leaving a house without heat while having the thermostat turned up. Fortunately, starting a furnace pilot light is a straightforward procedure.

Furnaces regularly fail to function when you need them. This makes sense if you think about it because furnaces work the hardest during the winter and may start to show symptoms of aging and wear and tear.

Older furnaces sometimes need to have their pilot lights manually lighted whenever they went out. Things are different in gas furnaces with electrical ignition. Since manual lighting is no longer an option, you will need to try a different tactic, which is covered in more detail below.

1. Put The thermostat In The Lowest Setting
   Check your thermostat first. Reduce the temperature on the thermostat. This action will aid in the furnace’s later gradual return to regular operation.
2. Turn The Furnace Off Entirely
   Once you’re done changing the thermostat, you can now completely switch off the power to the furnace. While turning off the gas furnace is an excellent idea, you might want to do more. The machine should be turned off entirely because it consumes both gas and electricity. Locate the furnace’s circuit switch, then turn it off. If you are unable to locate the circuit switch for your furnace, shut off the main circuit.
3. Take Away The Burner Door
   The burner door must be found in order to complete it. Finding burner doors with electrical ignition might be difficult because they are not always in the same spot. But you’ll frequently discover it at the bottom of the furnace. If you’re still confused, use the instructions in the manual to guide you through this. Put it aside while you do the other duties if you are able to figure it out.
4. Disconnect The Igniter
   It’s time to turn off the igniter after removing the burner door. Turn off the igniter according to the user manual’s instructions. Sometimes the igniter is described in the handbook as a control knob with the general markings “On,” “Off,” and “Pilot.” In this case, the igniter is turned to the “Off” position. It should be at least five minutes. Given that it gives the gas time to disperse, this is essential to preventing the possibility of a fire starting. Note the location of the reset button while you wait; it should be near to the dial you just set to “Off.”
5. Light The Igniter Again
   When the gas has had time to disperse, turn the knob to “Pilot,” then hold down this button while putting a long lighter’s flame up close to the pilot light aperture. Wait a short while. If the pilot is still burning after releasing pressure, turn the knob to “On.”
6. Put The Burner Door Back In Place
   Put the burner door back where it belongs. When grabbing it, be cautious and pay attention as you mend it. Make sure it is placed properly. Any negligence could have negative effects; in the worst instance, the furnace might not function.
7. Restart The Electronic Ignition On The Gas Furnace
   Everything is about finished. Only enough is left behind to re-ignite the furnace. In order for the furnace to operate, turn both the gas and the electricity on. Keep in mind to adjust the thermostat properly. Watch as the pilot light then shines charmed after that.

How Should I Proceed If The Pilot Light Still Isn’t Lit?

Let’s say you followed the directions before, but despite setting the thermostat, you are still without heat. You have a variety of possibilities.

Repeat It
If restarting the pilot light doesn’t work the first time, it’s worth trying again to see if the results would be better the second time. It is safe to try restarting the erratically behaving pilot light. Your gas furnace with electronic ignition won’t be harmed even if you do that.

Measure The Gas Level
If your pilot light is dim or won’t burn continually, check your gas levels. It’s possible that the gas reservoir for the furnace is low on gas. Simply by looking at it, the supply tank’s pressure gauge can be used to determine.

Control Any Draft
Sometimes the pilot light keeps going out because of a draft you weren’t aware of. Give it some time and try relighting your pilot light. If you see it starting to flicker, keep your hand nearby to feel for any air movement.

Replace Or Tighten The Thermocouple
If your pilot light keeps going out, your thermocouple may be loose or damaged.

Clean Air Filters And Dirty Burners
In order for the burners to fire, the oxygen supply must not be cut off by dirt passing over them. Cleaning is so essential. Additionally, if your furnace’s air filters are dirty, they might be unable to perform as intended.

Check those air filters as you examine your gas furnace. If necessary, clean them because they can very well be the problem with the gas furnace.

Make Sure The Sensor And Igniter Are Clean
If the igniter on your gas furnace isn’t working properly, it could be because it’s dirty, which prevents it from performing as it should.

By loosening the igniter’s screw and removing the wire, try to remove it. The surface of the igniter can be cleaned with steel wool or sandpaper. Place it back where it was taken after cleaning.

The igniter can be cleaned, although it can be difficult if you’ve never done it before. The igniter may be damaged if it is poorly cleaned. If the igniter has to be cleaned properly, it’s not a danger to call the professionals.

Replace The Worn-Out Igniter Or Flame Sensor
Another option is that the igniter in your furnace is old and worn out. It is then better to replace it in order to fix the furnace problem.

By loosening the igniter’s screw and removing the wire, try to remove it. The surface of the igniter can be cleaned with steel wool or sandpaper. Place it back where it was taken after cleaning.

The igniter can be cleaned, although it can be difficult if you’ve never done it before. The igniter may be damaged if it is poorly cleaned. If the igniter has to be cleaned properly, it’s not a danger to call the professionals.

Replace The Worn-Out Igniter Or Flame Sensor
Another option is that the igniter in your furnace is old and worn out. It is then better to replace it in order to fix the furnace problem.

Contact A Professional
It is advisable to consult a professional if you are experiencing persistent problems with your gas furnace with electronic ignition. As we already indicated, the professionals can handle any necessary cleaning of the igniter. The experts can also resolve other critical issues that may be affecting your gas furnace.

Conclusion

The furnace pilot light won’t need to be lit very frequently, but you should be able to do it if necessary. If you follow the above directions for starting a gas furnace, your home will be warm and cozy in no time.