Losing heat during a Twin Cities cold snap is stressful and possibly dangerous. For older furnaces, the first step to restoring heat is finding your pilot light. That’s the small blue flame you can see behind your furnace grate. It’s what ignites the gas from the main burner.

This furnace style is common in pre-2000 Minneapolis homes. Most homeowners can locate and relight the pilot light themselves, but if issues persist or you’re uncomfortable with the flame, it’s best to call experts. Total Comfort provides the premier furnace services in Minneapolis.

Safety First – Before You Look for the Pilot Light

You must turn off furnace power at the breaker to avoid accidental burner ignition. Natural gas can be dangerous, so if you smell sulfur gas odor is present, immediately evacuate, avoid sparks/switches, call the gas company, and do not search for the pilot.

Broken furnaces can also cause carbon monoxide leaks. Keep your family safe by maintaining a working CO detector in all furnace areas. If you have ongoing safety concerns or suspect a gas or carbon monoxide issue, professional heating repair is the safest next step.

Where Most Furnace Pilot Lights Are Located

Most pilot lights are located at the bottom front or center of the furnace. Behind a small, removable access panel or door clearly marked "PILOT" or labeled with safety labels.

When it’s time to find the pilot, look for:

• a narrow gas line
• a 1/2 inch tall blue flame (if the pilot is still on and lit)
• a nearby gas control knob labeled OFF/PILOT/ON

Every furnace is different. Some have a pilot at the very bottom of the furnace; others slightly to the right or left. Always check the furnace model label or door instructions first.

Step-by-Step: Safely Locating Your Furnace Pilot Light

Drafty Minnesota basements often blow out pilots. A professional can replace your standard pilot light with an electronic ignition for better reliability.

In the meantime, use these steps to safely find your pilot light.

1. Find the furnace breaker and turn it off.
2. Locate your furnace; in Twin Cities homes it’s typically in the basement or utility room. Bring a flashlight and turn the gas control knob to off.
3. Wait a few minutes for the gas to dissipate.
4. Find and remove the lower access panel/door. You may need a screwdriver to do so, and read all warning labels inside.
5. If lit, look for the small blue flame near the gas valve/control knob.
6. If unlit, you’ll need to identify the pilot assembly. We’ll explain what that looks like and how to relight below.

How to Relight the Pilot Light

Pilot lights are powered by continuous gas, and your furnace uses a safety device called a thermocouple to prevent this gas from leaking when the flame goes out.

The thermocouple sits in the pilot flame and generates a small electrical current from the heat. That current keeps a gas valve open. If the flame goes out, the thermocouple cools, the current stops, and the gas valve automatically closes to cut off the gas for safety.

It’s a simple process that keeps you and your family safe from gas leaks; however, relighting a thermocouple pilot light is a little more complicated than lighting a match.

Here’s how you do it:

1. Again, turn the control knob to OFF and wait a few minutes to let any lingering gas clear. Then, turn the knob to PILOT.
2. Press and hold the pilot button to manually open the gas valve.
3. Light the pilot using a long lighter or built-in igniter.
4. Keep holding the button for about 30 seconds. This gives the thermocouple time to heat up.
5. Release the button slowly. If the flame stays lit, the thermocouple is working.
6. Turn the knob to ON and replace the access panels.

When to Call Total Comfort Instead of DIY

Relighting a pilot light isn't always simple. If you notice any of these red flags, call for immediate professional service.

• Yellow or orange pilot flame
• Pilot won't relight after two tries
• Constantly flickering flame
• Gas smell
• Rapid cycling

Total Comfort's NCI-certified technicians service all furnace brands and offer free HVAC estimates on replacements. Our flexible scheduling and emergency furnace repair services put you and your family’s needs first.

Reach out to get the furnace service you need or to learn about our heating maintenance program designed to prevent furnace issues.