Gas furnaces now come with an igniter that works electronically to light the gas and heat the home.
Electronic ignition furnace pilot light.
The most common reason for this problem is because the pilot light is not on.
If you have a newer furnace or one with an afue rating above 80 it most likely has an electronic ignition system.
How to tell if an ignitor on a gas furnace is working.
Although i understand that electronic ignition is more efficient i worry about not having hot water during a power outage.
Electronic ignition vs standing pilot modern gas furnaces use electronic ignition systems to light the burners in modern furnaces.
This is typically the problem if you can hear your furnace click on but it does not fire up.
The electronic ignition is only turned on when the furnace is ready to begin a heating cycle and it eliminates the need for a constant fuel supply that a conventional pilot light requires.
Intermittent pilot ignition.
There are two basic types of electronic ignition systems.
The electronic ignition system in a gas furnace is a modern development that provides more reliable performance than a standing pilot and offers energy savings through better furnace efficiency.
Unlike older pilot lights which have to be lighted by hand automatic pilot lights now commonly found in most home furnaces are regulated by a thermostat and only ignite when needed.
These newer furnaces do not use a pilot.
Like a conventional pilot light an intermittent pilot light still uses a small gas powered flame to ignite the furnace s burners.
I may have to replace my gas water heater soon and am weighing the options.
When your furnace fails to ignite the first place to look is the pilot light.
One can still purchase a gas furnace or water heater with the old standing pilot ignition systems these systems have been proven reliable and safe over time.
As a result an electronic ignition cannot blow out and it is also more efficient because it doesn t require a gas supply at all times like a traditional pilot light does.
Thank you for your interesting discussion of pilot lights vs.
Lighting a pilot that is electronic ignition comment.
The pilot light faulty ignition sensor the pilot light or ignition sensor is usually the most common issue when your furnace will not ignite.
This type of electronic ignition uses a small flame to ignite the burners just like a conventional pilot light.
Another kind of electronic ignition is known as an intermittent pilot light.
One type of electronic ignition is an intermittent pilot.
If you have an older furnace with a traditional pilot light especially if your system is experiencing operational problems consider upgrading to a new system that uses an.