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The main questions here are do you know how to turn on a gas heater? Do you know how to light a gas furnace? It’s not as difficult as it sounds. You could consult your owner’s manual or call a technician if you don’t feel comfortable doing it yourself. This guide will talk about the steps to light a gas furnace and show you some basic safety precautions.
The first step is turning the main power switch off and ensuring that the ventilation is clear of any debris before proceeding. Next, locate the thermostat panel and open it up. You should find a button labeled “Pilot” in one corner of the panel.
How to Turn On the Pilot Light
To turn on your gas furnace, you press the “Pilot” button. The pilot light, located at the bottom of the thermostat will be lit for a few seconds, indicating that the pilot light is active. Once the pilot lighting button has been pressed, the furnace pilot light button will light. You will be able to hear a type of hissing sound coming from the pilot, indicating that the pilot is working.
Next, hold the thermostat lever for approximately two seconds and then release it. The pilot should then turn it off. The pilot light is the only light source you need to light your furnace, so do not confuse it to a filter light that is flashing. To ignite the heating elements, you just need to turn on the main power switch. Fill up the gas cylinders and heat the house before turning on the main power.
When to Turn the Gas Heater On
There are many reasons why you may want to use gas heat. Let’s say that you want to use a fireplace, fireplace insert, or heater insert in the window for supplemental heating. If that’s the case, it will make sense to turn your thermostat to pilot mode. You wouldn’t want to run any gas appliances such as a wood-burning stove or fireplace without turning on your furnace, though. That would be dangerous.
Gas heat may also be used for wall heating, cooking, or space heating if you have a gas stove, water heater, or oven. It’s also used in outdoor heated pools, hot tubs, and spas. Finally, you may want to use gas heat to heat the water pipes of your swimming pool, hot tub, or spa.
What to Do When Turning On a Gas Furnace
Gas heaters are required to stay on at least 24 hours per day during the winter and between 14 and 20 hours per day in the summer. Generally, the thermostat control panel is located within reach of the owner’s manual and set to the location where the technician would typically reach the thermostat. If the thermostat is in an out-of-the-way location, like the master bedroom, it’s recommended that you call a technician to check the thermostat’s location. What is the process for turning on a gas heater?
While the pilot light will be lit when gas is turned on, to turn the pilot on, you will first need to verify that it’s actually in working order. First, remove the fuel line and place the knob on top of the burner to activate the pilot.
When to Turn a Gas Heater Off
If the pilot light is out, your house’s gas heating system is out of commission. So, the next step is to find the main switch for the system and turn it off. Keep in mind that every furnace has a different type of gas gauge. Most condensing gas heaters are equipped with a test button, which will light a pilot light if the gas tank is not full. Use this button to verify that the pilot is on or off.
Once you turn the main switch off, the gas tank should be empty. If the pilot light is still on, call a professional to help you find the leak and fix it. If the main switch is not on, try pushing the panel’s lock button and listening for a click. Once you hear it, push the button a few more times to make sure you heard it.
Where is the Pilot Light Located?
The thermostat is located inside the furnace, so it is the most important to turn on. Turn the gas thermostat so that the pilot light is on. While holding the gas valve open, turn on the furnace and wait 30 seconds to ensure there is a flame. If the flame does not go out, do not turn the gas valve off, as there may be a leak, and a fire could start.
Turn the gas valve so it is no longer opened and ensure that you can see the flame. Remove the gas valve from the gas valve ball. Remove the wiring cap located near the pilot flame. Remove the thermostat screw and install it into the valve. The next step is to check for a gas leak.
How to Adjust your Thermostat
Now that the pilot is illuminated, you can make adjustments to the thermostat using the wrench mounted on the unit. Click on the wrench wheel to adjust the temperature. Adjusting your thermostat is one of the most basic ways to increase the efficiency of your heating system. However, you will want to work with a professional because the thermostat can be more complex than you think.
So, first, you should go through the manual and ensure that your thermostat is set to the correct setting. Now, you need to click the correct numbers into the sensor so the heater will begin warming your home. Next, shut the thermostat entirely off and open the trapdoor.
Using a Gas Furnace
Remember to unplug the boiler if it is still in the house. Next, light a match and ignite it by holding it to the chimney flue. Remember to move away from the fire before it gets too hot, as you don’t want to start a fire.
Although you can quickly light a gas furnace using a few simple steps, you will likely require a professional to complete the job if you are new to it. A technician is a great person to call for gas heater installation, repair, or service.
We also recommend that you replace your thermostat if it is cracked, chipped, corroded, or malfunctioning. Gas-powered furnaces are designed to be managed by a professional. So, call a technician to assist with any installation, repairs, or maintenance of your gas heating system.
Gas Heater Safety Precautions
Familiarise yourself with the safety features of the gas heater and keep in mind the following safety tips:
- Do not touch the pilot light
- Do not blow into the pilot hole
- Do not pour any gas, light any matches, or use the gas adapter in direct sunlight
- Do not leave a gas heater unattended
- Do not use a gas heater for welding
- Do not leave the gas heater on overnight
- Do not play in a gasoline-contaminated area
- Do not smoke inside the heater
Gas and Propane Furnaces
To make things easier, most furnaces will usually be grouped into two categories: gas furnaces and propane furnaces. Gas furnaces heat the air through a combustion process to make the room feel warm. Propane furnaces use propane to heat the air.
Troubleshooting your Gas Furnaces
When operating your gas heater, there are several safety rules that you will need to follow. We will be going through these quickly to save you time.
- Do not operate the heater without first turning on the main power switch.
- Do not put the door of the heater directly over a burning candle or gas appliance.
- Do not turn on the heater unless you can see the pilot light glowing brightly and clearly.
- Do not leave the gas heater on overnight.
- When you want to turn on the heater, open the main power switch.
- Never leave the heater unattended. The heater has gas; therefore, it can explode if you leave it running and unattended.
- Do not use the heater as a regular space heater. That is dangerous.
Remember: You are the only person who can shut the pilot light off.
Be Safe with Gas Heaters
Having to use a gas furnace is an unfortunate but unavoidable reality in some homes. Using the pilot light for more than a minute or two can be dangerous, however, if you follow these safety tips you will have a safe and convenient way to use your gas furnace and gas water heater.