The basic steps to light a pilot light
To light a pilot light on a heater, you will turn the gas control knob to the "Pilot" position, hold down the ignition button while holding a lit match or lighter to the pilot burner opening, and keep the button pressed for 30 to 60 seconds after the flame appears. Once the pilot stays lit on its own, turn the knob to "On" or the desired heat setting.
The exact location of the pilot burner opening and the ignition button varies by heater model, so check your manual first. Most heaters have these controls on the front of the unit or on a panel you can access without tools. If your heater has an electronic igniter button instead of a match-lit pilot, press and hold that button while the gas flows—you should hear a clicking sound as it tries to spark the flame.
Key Takeaways
- Turn the gas control knob to "Pilot" before attempting to light the flame, or gas will flow to the main burner instead.
- Hold the ignition button down for 30 to 60 seconds after the pilot flame appears so the thermocouple can heat up and keep the gas valve open.
- If the pilot does not stay lit after you release the button, wait five minutes for the gas to clear, then try again.
- A pilot light that goes out repeatedly usually means a dirty thermocouple or a draft blowing out the flame, not a problem with your lighting technique.
Locating the pilot burner and controls on your heater
Open the access panel or door on the front of your heater. You will see a small burner opening—this is the pilot burner—and nearby a knob labeled with settings like "Off," "Pilot," and "On." Some heaters also have a red or black button labeled "Ignite" or "Start" next to the knob. Write down the exact label on your knob and button before you begin, because the next steps depend on which type of ignition system your heater has.
If you cannot find these controls or your heater looks different from what you expect, stop and consult your manual. Heaters vary widely by age and manufacturer. A manual for your specific model will show you exactly where to look and what each control does. You can usually find manuals online by searching for your heater's brand and model number, which is printed on a label inside the access panel.
Lighting the pilot with a match or lighter
Turn the gas control knob to the "Pilot" position. This setting lets gas flow to the pilot burner only, not to the main heating element. Wait 10 seconds for any air in the line to clear. Then press and hold the ignition button (if your heater has one) or straightforward hold a lit match or lighter near the pilot burner opening. You should see a small blue flame appear within a few seconds.
Once the flame is lit, keep holding the ignition button or keep the match in place for 30 to 60 seconds. This time allows the thermocouple—a heat-sensing device next to the pilot flame—to warm up enough to signal the gas valve to stay open. If you release too early, the flame will go out as soon as you move the match away. After 30 to 60 seconds, slowly release the button or remove the match. The pilot flame should stay lit on its own.
If the flame goes out when ready after you release the button, wait five minutes for any remaining gas to clear the chamber, then repeat the process. Do not try again right away, or unburned gas may accumulate and create a safety hazard.
Using an electronic igniter button
If your heater has an electronic igniter instead of a match-lit system, turn the gas control knob to "Pilot" and then press and hold the ignition button. You will hear a rapid clicking sound as the igniter creates sparks near the pilot burner opening. Keep the button pressed for 10 to 15 seconds while the sparks try to light the gas.
Once you see a flame appear, continue holding the button for another 30 to 60 seconds so the thermocouple can heat up. Then release the button. The pilot should remain lit. If the electronic igniter does not produce sparks or if sparks appear but no flame lights, the igniter may be faulty or the pilot opening may be clogged with dust. In either case, you will need to have the heater serviced by a technician.
Switching from pilot mode to normal heating
Once the pilot flame is burning steadily on its own, turn the gas control knob from "Pilot" to "On" or to your desired temperature setting. The main burner should ignite within a few seconds. You may hear a soft whoosh as the larger flame comes to life. If the main burner does not light, turn the knob back to "Off," wait a minute, and try again.
Some heaters have a thermostat dial instead of an "On" setting. In that case, turn the knob to the temperature you want. The heater will then light automatically whenever the room temperature drops below that setting. Leave the pilot light on at all times during the heating season—turning it off and on repeatedly can wear out the thermocouple and make the pilot harder to light.
What to do if the pilot light will not stay lit
If the pilot light goes out within a few minutes of lighting it, the thermocouple may be dirty or misaligned. The thermocouple is a thin metal rod that sits in the pilot flame. When it gets too much dust or soot on it, it cannot sense the heat and tells the gas valve to close. You can try cleaning it gently with a soft cloth or fine steel wool, but be careful not to bend it. If cleaning does not work, the thermocouple will need to be replaced by a technician.
A pilot light that blows out only when the heater is running or when there is a draft nearby usually means air is moving the flame away from the thermocouple. Check that all access panels and doors are closed properly and that no windows or vents are blowing cold air directly at the heater. If the problem persists, a technician can adjust the pilot flame or install a wind guard.
Safety steps to follow before you start
Before you attempt to light the pilot, make sure the heater has been off for at least five minutes. This allows any gas that may have accumulated to clear out. Smell around the heater and the room—if you detect a strong rotten-egg or sulfur smell, do not light the pilot. This smell means gas is leaking somewhere. Open windows and doors to ventilate the room, leave the house, and call your gas company or a technician when ready.
Never force the gas control knob or ignition button. If either one feels stuck or broken, stop and have the heater inspected before you try again. Also, keep your face and hands away from the pilot burner opening while you are lighting it. The flame is small, but it can still burn skin if you get too close.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should I hold the ignition button after the pilot lights?
Hold it for 30 to 60 seconds. This gives the thermocouple time to heat up and signal the gas valve to stay open. If you release too quickly, the flame will go out as soon as you remove the match or release the button.
What if I smell gas while trying to light the pilot?
Stop when ready and do not try to light it. Open windows and doors to ventilate the room, leave the house, and call your gas company or a licensed technician. A gas smell usually means there is a leak that needs to be found and fixed before the heater is safe to use.
Can I light the pilot with the heater running?
No. Always turn the heater completely off and wait at least five minutes before you attempt to light the pilot. If the main burner is on, gas will flow to both the pilot and the main burner, which is unsafe and will not allow the pilot to light properly.
Why does my pilot light keep going out after I turn the heater on?
The thermocouple may be dirty, or a draft may be blowing the flame away from it. Try cleaning the thermocouple gently with a soft cloth. If that does not work, check that all heater panels are closed and no cold air is blowing directly at the unit. If the problem continues, have a technician inspect the thermocouple and pilot assembly.
Do I need to relight the pilot every time I turn on the heater?
No. Once the pilot is lit, leave it on all winter. The pilot uses very little gas and staying lit all the time is easier on the thermocouple than turning it on and off repeatedly. Turn it off only if you are shutting down the heater for the season.