Furnace Pilot Light Keeps Going Out in Greater Vancouver

Older gas furnaces use a standing pilot light that must stay lit for the furnace to operate. When that pilot keeps going out, Greater Vancouver homeowners often find themselves relighting it repeatedly through the winter — a sign that a component is failing.

What This Symptom Means

A pilot light that keeps going out is usually telling you the thermocouple — a safety device that holds the gas valve open when it detects heat — is wearing out. It can also mean the pilot flame itself is too weak or that a draft is reaching the pilot assembly.

Common Causes

• Thermocouple worn out and no longer generating enough electrical current to hold gas valve open
• Pilot orifice partially clogged reducing flame size
• Draft near the furnace — from a nearby door, unsealed flue, or open window — blowing out the flame
• Thermocouple not positioned correctly in the pilot flame
• Gas supply pressure slightly low
• Pilot flame adjusted too low — not engulfing enough of the thermocouple tip

What Homeowners Can Check Safely

• Follow your furnace manual to relight the pilot — the procedure is printed on most furnace labels
• After relighting, check how long it stays lit before going out — seconds means thermocouple; minutes may mean a draft issue

When to Call a Licensed Technician

Some furnace issues require a licensed HVAC technician. Do not attempt to open gas lines, replace internal components, or reset persistent lockouts without professional diagnosis.

• Thermocouple testing with a multimeter (should produce 25–35 mV when hot)
• Thermocouple replacement — a common and inexpensive repair
• Pilot orifice cleaning
• Gas pressure verification
• Flue and cabinet inspection for draft sources

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should a thermocouple last?

Thermocouples typically last 8–12 years with normal use. If your furnace is older than 15 years and the pilot keeps going out, thermocouple replacement is very likely the cause. It is also worth considering whether the age of the furnace makes a newer system with electronic ignition a better long-term investment.

Is it safe to keep relighting my pilot light?

Relighting a pilot following the manufacturer instructions is generally safe as a short-term measure. However, if the pilot goes out repeatedly, have a technician identify the cause. A cracked heat exchanger or improperly vented flue can create combustion backdrafting that extinguishes the pilot — a safety concern that needs professional evaluation.

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