How to Troubleshoot and Relight Your Intertherm Furnace Pilot Light

Maintaining your Intertherm furnace pilot light is crucial for ensuring efficient home heating. The pilot light ignites the furnace burner, which heats your home during cold months. A pilot light that won’t stay lit or won’t ignite can leave your home uncomfortably cold and may indicate underlying furnace issues. This article covers essential troubleshooting steps, relighting procedures, and safety tips tailored for American homeowners using Intertherm furnaces.

Topic	Details
Furnace Model	Intertherm Series Furnaces with Standing Pilot
Common Issues	Pilot light out, flame unstable, ignition failure
Relighting Tools Needed	Long match or lighter, screwdriver
Safety Precautions	Gas off before relighting, ventilation check
Maintenance Tips	Clean pilot tube, check thermocouple, inspect gas valve

Understanding The Role Of The Intertherm Furnace Pilot Light

The pilot light in an Intertherm furnace acts as a constant ignition source for the furnace burner. It is a small flame that stays lit continuously to ignite the gas burner when heating is needed. Without a properly functioning pilot light, the furnace cannot start, causing heating interruptions and potential system damage. Recognizing pilot light function is key to efficient furnace operation and home comfort.

Common Reasons Why The Intertherm Furnace Pilot Light Goes Out

Several issues can cause the pilot light to go out, impacting furnace reliability. The most frequent causes include:

• Dirty or clogged pilot tube: Dirt restricts gas flow, preventing stable ignition.
• Faulty thermocouple: The safety sensor may fail to detect the flame, shutting off gas supply.
• Drafts or airflow problems: Sudden air gusts can extinguish the small pilot flame.
• Gas supply issues: Problems with the gas valve or fuel line pressure reduce flame stability.
• Pilot orifice blockage: The tiny opening may accumulate debris affecting gas flow.

Identifying the root cause helps in timely repair, ensuring the pilot light remains lit and the furnace functions safely.

Preparing To Relight Your Intertherm Furnace Pilot Light Safely

Before attempting to relight the pilot light, it is essential to prioritize safety:

• Turn off the furnace: Switch off the furnace and gas supply to prevent accidents.
• Ventilate the area: Open windows or doors to disperse any accumulated gas fumes.
• Check for gas leaks: Never proceed if you smell a strong gas odor—contact a professional immediately.
• Consult your Intertherm furnace manual: Follow model-specific instructions for handling the pilot light.

Safety first reduces risk and ensures a smooth relighting process.

Step-By-Step Guide To Relighting The Intertherm Furnace Pilot Light

Follow these steps to safely relight the pilot light on a typical Intertherm furnace with a standing pilot:

1. Locate the pilot light access panel: Remove the furnace cover to access the burner area.
2. Turn the gas control valve to “Off”: Wait five minutes for any residual gas to clear.
3. Set the gas valve to “Pilot”: Press and hold the control knob to start gas flow to the pilot.
4. Use a long match or fireplace lighter: Carefully ignite the pilot flame and keep holding the knob.
5. Hold the knob for 30-60 seconds: This heats the thermocouple to generate the necessary current to keep the pilot lit.
6. Release the knob: If the pilot flame stays lit, turn the gas valve to “On.”
7. Replace the furnace panel: Ensure all covers are reinstalled properly.
8. Turn on the furnace: Set the thermostat to the desired temperature and observe normal furnace operation.

Successful ignition confirms pilot light stability and proper furnace readiness.

Maintaining Your Intertherm Furnace Pilot Light For Long-Term Reliability

Regular maintenance helps prevent pilot light failures and extends furnace service life:

• Clean the pilot tube and burner assembly: Remove any dust or soot buildup biannually.
• Inspect and test the thermocouple: Replace if worn or malfunctioning.
• Check gas valve and connections: Ensure there are no leaks or obstructions.
• Schedule annual professional furnace inspection: A certified HVAC technician can diagnose deeper issues and tune the system.

Proactive care reduces emergency repairs and keeps your heating system operating efficiently.

When To Call A Professional For Intertherm Furnace Pilot Light Issues

Some pilot light problems require expert diagnosis and repair, including:

• Persistent pilot light outages despite relighting attempts
• Unusual odors or suspected gas leaks
• Malfunctioning gas valves or thermocouples
• Ignition system or control board failures
• Furnace producing strange noises or uneven heating

Professional service ensures safety and thorough resolution, avoiding costly damage or hazards.

Understanding Intertherm Furnace Pilot Light Replacement Parts And Costs

Replacement parts can restore pilot light function efficiently. Common components include:

Part	Function	Estimated Cost (USD)
Thermocouple	Detects pilot flame and signals gas valve	$15-$40
Pilot Assembly	Includes pilot tube and burner	$30-$70
Gas Control Valve	Regulates gas flow to pilot and burner	$100-$200
Igniter (if equipped)	Electronic ignition for pilot-free models	$50-$120

Costs vary by model and parts supplier; professional installation may add to total expenses.