In a climate as unpredictable as Boston, not having hot water or heat when needed can be beyond frustrating.
The first place to check when you are experiencing water temperature or heat issues in your home should be your boiler and its ignition source. However, it can be confusing to find the ignition source if you are not familiar with your manual and components.
Let the contractors affiliated with HVAC 911 Boston clue you in on some of the most common boiler pilot light problems so that you can tackle them and quickly bring comfort back into your home.
Weak or intermittent pilot light
A functioning pilot light emits a strong, continuously burning flame. If the flame you see looks muted or stops and starts, there is a good chance there is dirt, dust or debris blocking the way and interfering with its operation.
You can clean the pilot assembly carefully with compressed air or a soft brush, but you may need to consult a professional to inspect other possibilities, like a faulty gas valve or low gas pressure, if that does not do the trick.
Extinguished pilot light
A pilot light can completely go out for a myriad of reasons, from something simple like a blocked airflow or strong gust of wind to more complex like an unknown blockage in the gas supply or malfunctioning thermocouple, which is the safety device that detects the presence of a flame on your system.
You can try to relight the pilot light following the manufacturer’s instructions to see if it is a quick fix before contacting a professional to repair or replace a more significant issue.
Pilot light that will not re-ignite
You should always follow the specific instructions to relight the pilot light as provided by the manufacturer of your boiler, but here are the basics:
- Turn off the gas at the shut-off knob, and wait five to 10 minutes for the residual gas to dissipate. Remove the access panel to locate the pilot light, if necessary.
- Turn the temperature control valve to “pilot” (or the lowest setting), and turn the gas regulator valve to the “pilot” position.
- Press the manual “ignite” button, or hold a grill lighter or long match up to the pilot light valve while pressing the regulator valve.
- Hold the button down for one minute to ensure that the light stays lit.
- Once the pilot light is ignited, turn the knob to the “on” position. Check that the main burner is turned on before you close the access panel.
If the pilot light does not re-ignite, there may be an issue with the gas supply or ignition system that a professional should diagnose and repair.
Call HVAC 911 Boston for emergency boiler service
If troubleshooting these pilot light issues fails to bring your boiler back to life, then it might be time to call in a professional. HVAC 911 Boston is here to help.
Whether you need regular maintenance or an emergency fix, the HVAC 911 Boston contractor referral service will connect you with local, fully insured, bonded and licensed contractors who employ highly skilled technicians you can trust to get the job done right.
Do not settle for cold showers or reduced comfort inside your home. Contact a professional affiliated with HVAC 911 Boston today.
