How to relight the pilot on the gas furnace

This one covers how to light the pilot on the gas furnace. This video is part of the heating and cooling series of training videos made to accompany my websites: www.graycoolingman.com and www.grayfurnaceman.com to pass on what I have learned in many years of service and repair. If you have suggestions or comments they are welcome.
If you are a homeowner looking to repair your own appliance, understand that the voltages can be lethal, the fuels are highly flammable and high pressures are used. Know your limits.

[@jantabakman1064]

Owning a home is daunting for a single woman, but this single woman has videos like this to help her. It took me a couple of views to figure it out but once I paid closer attention I got it done in no time. Thanks so much!!!!!

[@grayfurnaceman]

+Jan Tabakman That's the neat thing about youtube. You get to be shown multiple times how to do something and you get to see it too. I use it all the time. Glad I was able to help. GFM

[@captainpegs0740]

Oh! You poor woman!

[@brenthanks44]

Thank u so much. It's 20 degrees outside and my little 2 year old daughter was saying daddy I'm cold. This video was perfectly put together and with awesome institutions and explanation of every step. We stayed warm thanks to you !!!

[@NaturalGroundation]

We have been tolerating a cold house thinking that our HVAC was just lousy. Followed your instructions, and wam bam thank you mam we are in business. Thank you for helping us little folk! You the man.

[@electriccar3253]

Glad you got it going. GFM

[@wulfinn9738]

I'm in my 20s in an older rental with an elderly landlady who works with us on rent if we help out with some small repairs - i am frequently out of my depth, and my dad passed away a little over a year ago so I can't ask him for help. this video showed the exact valve we need and let me get heat back on the coldest day we've had in months. thank you!

[@grayfurnaceman]

Glad it helped. GFM

[@lisalesinszki7536]

Your video is still helping people. Thank you!

[@typhoolin]

THANKS MUCH! You helped me immensely! 10 Degrees outside (Michigan) and your video told me everything I needed to get my furnace working again!

[@grayfurnaceman]

Welcome GFM

[@thincrediblewho]

I've literally watched a dozen videos trying to get this damn thing lit. Yours is the first that actually showed what to do beyond pressing the pilot knob, and you did it without a 22 minute intro! I was trying to light the wrong place, based on terrible instructions in other videos. Your video had me follow the correct line, and everything went fine after that. You have instantly made my life better, and my wife happier. Thank you!

[@grayfurnaceman]

Welcome GFM

[@jworden4560]

THIS IS THE BEST VIDEO. I've watched many other videos and read many How-To articles. None compare to the advice given here. Finding the pilot was where I was stumped. This video completely covered FINDING IT and saved my day on a cold morning. A BIG thank you. You are the best! :)

[@RicehXc]

I just wanted to say thank you so much. These cold nights in NEPA have been rough and tonight the pilot light decided to go out with my 2 kids sleeping upstairs. I didn't know what to do and then watched your video and now I have heat. I just wanted to say thank you!

[@ryantwins1]

21 degrees outside....pilot went out....husband and kids asleep...I watched your video, read the instructions and lit the pilot! Feeling pretty good about myself! However, I think the credit goes to you! Thank you...starting to feel my fingers again!

[@grayfurnaceman]

Kyla Ryan Its good to be warm. GFM

[@judithmack920]

Thank you dear Sir! Winter in Alaska. Tonight (Sat, of course) and 14 degrees.Thank you for giving me the power and instruction to do this. I had visions of thousands of dollars going up in replacement furnace flames! You have done a great service with this video. Thank you.

[@grayfurnaceman]

Welcome. 18 F here in Wa state. Going to Hawaii soon! GFM

[@judithmack920]

Have a wonderful time! No furnace issues In HI!

[@loubuggamI]

Just wanted to give you a big thank you and a hug for helping me get my heater back on. Long story short...it's going to get well below freezing out tonight and this single mom and her kids will be nice and toasty thanks to you and this video!!!

[@cherryceleron]

Just moved into a new home and it's my first time with a gas furnace. The furnace sticker instructions had all the steps for relighting a pilot except the fact you have to hold the button down when lighting. Thanks. Warm again.

[@nickaloadedgun]

Thank you so much sir! It worked great. My bedroom door is next to the furnace. We expect when i opened the door a gust of wind blew out the pilot. We thought we would have to spend a ton of money tonight and this simple informative video saved us!

[@grayfurnaceman]

Merry Christmas GFM

[@dailyvault]

THANK YOU!!! I'm currently looking at replacing both my furnace and A/C, but for some reason the pilot on the old furnace went out on me. (Guess I should never talk about replacing old equipment around it... just like computers.) Your video helped me get it back on "life support" again. If you were located in my area and weren't retired, I'd be asking you to quote on the job. Thank you again from a VERY grateful (and slowly warming up) homeowner!

[@grayfurnaceman]

Quite welcome GFM

[@JohnPamplin]

Just watched this today to relight a 1983 Trane furnace - 2 in fact. Your video helped, and I have heat again! Thanks very much!

[@grayfurnaceman]

Welcome GFM

[@thatoneguyyep101]

Extremely helpful video. I was jamming a lighter into the holes where the air intake is. Apparently I'm one of those people that thought if I got a lighter in there and waved it around while holding the button down it would magically work. But that's not how it works... you actually have to get the lighter near this piece of metal where the gas comes out.

[@LenaBeellc]

THANK YOU! I've been telling my hubby for days that I don't think the furnace is on. of course, he said it was. After watching this video I learned that the power wasn't on (we actually have a power switch for ours. It was flipped to OFF.) So, I lit the furnace myself. :)

[@grayfurnaceman]

+Selena Boyts Good for you. Tell him to listen to you next time. GFM

[@nolongerandaccount7271]

Pilot on a furnace on a mobile home

[@CatalinaInLA]

Your video is very intuitive! My 19yo was able to light our pilot with ease following your tips. Thank you!!

[@grayfurnaceman]

Catalina Juarez Glad it helped.GFM

[@newera1234567]

I had preconception of how to light the old furnace and it took a few views of your video , but you straightened me out. After a few views to catch all the details. (follow the tube, turn switch to pilot and especially "push down" the pilot switch) I got the furnace lit. Very good video and the zooms in were critical to my success. . Thank you.

[@jonnycakes4704]

Just got my furnace going by using this video. Saved at least $100 in a service call! Thanks!!!!!!!

[@grayfurnaceman]

Welcome GFM

[@aconvall7304]

Video made 7 years ago and still helping people in 2021, thanks 🙏

[@Angeladvntg]

Thank you SO MUCH for your video. My Brother owns a large HVAC Company, and refuses to help me. With your & other videos, you've helped me save my furnace!

[@gregohare1814]

Thank you very much for this tutorial. Your description, along with seeing it, gave me enough confidence to try it. I successfully light my pilot and turned the valve back to ON. Everything kicked on and I am now enjoying watching my thermostat reflect a warmer-than-57-degree house! My next step was finding HVAC repair on Saturday. Again, thank you very much!

[@LeighMusic]

Thank you so much! I've lit pilots before but I was having trouble finding it on this furnace. You saved my cold little family with a cold little toddler. Thanks so much!

[@grayfurnaceman]

+Steven Leigh Welcome GFM

[@michelleneasha]

Thanks a million it's like under 12 degrees and our pilot light went out at 4 in the morning and we didn't have a clue on how to find the pilot until we watched your video. You're a life savor we would of eaighter blew ourselves up trying to do it or froze to death so thank you for your video.

[@grayfurnaceman]

Glad its working. GFM

[@Theedeewd]

This vid helped me out and got my house warm again after watching this. Informative without overdoing it, perfect!

[@grayfurnaceman]

Glad it helped. GFM

[@esbb4u]

GREAT JOB!! Excellent camera work, simple - direct explanation for a guy with 10 thumbs. Thank you so much for your expertise, very helpful...

[@grayfurnaceman]

Welcome GFM

[@offdatgogo]

I stopped by in Fall off 2019 to say thank you so much! I turned my pilot off this spring to conserve wasted gas and $. Thank you again!

[@grayfurnaceman]

Welcome GFM

[@lenks0]

After watching I lit my furnace with no problems. Great instruction. Thanks.

[@grayfurnaceman]

Welcome GFM

[@bisaac08]

Thank you sir! I have been freezing my ass off for the last week or so because it gets down to roughly 30ish degrees at night and you have given me warmth!

[@grayfurnaceman]

Its good to be warm. GFM

[@jaycampbell5378]

It's an old video, but just wanted to say Thank You! It help me get the Pilot Light going on my old Ruud Furnace :)

[@grayfurnaceman]

Glad you got it going. GFM

[@stephenwong5536]

Thank you very much for the video! The turbulence which caused by Santa's light speed slate blew the pilot night on Christmas Eve. Saw your video today on Boxing Day and got it back in a minute. The most time consuming part, in my case, was to put the covers back. Thanks again for your help and have a great wonderful holiday season!

[@grayfurnaceman]

+Stephen Wong That darn Santa will do it every time. Glad you got it going. GFM

[@mashraf4830]

Thank you sir, just lighted it. The furnace was not working for two days and i saw your video and lighted it.

[@teonstrong4963]

Thank you Mr. You have been a "God Send." I have never done this . But you have helped me be independent even more on my own. Thank you again .12/2018

[@grayfurnaceman]

Welcome GFM

[@stephaniejackson2422]

I did it! Yay! Didn't have to call my landlord..... mine went out because my 2 year old thought it would funny to blow it out... like a candle.. thank you for the video.

[@grayfurnaceman]

Glad you got it. GFM

[@kiraparser]

I have an old heater. You cover everything and in a simple manor. Thank you

[@grayfurnaceman]

Merry christmas GFM

[@momauri1012]

Thank you for sharing that! My furnace set up wasn't exactly the same but very similar...BUT your detailed voice walk through got me to locate the respective pieces and processes....your instructions worked like a charm!! Thank you!! (now my grandchildren won't be cold when they show up today! LOL) Seriously, big help!!

[@grayfurnaceman]

+Mo Mauri Glad I could help. GFM

[@andrielestodden4079]

Thank you so much! After watching this and finding the directions on the unit under an ancient pile of dust (my unit was older and so slightly different-no pushing for lighting it) i was able to connect the dots and light it no problem :)

[@laurenrosser6447]

Thank you so much! I couldn't find any way to get this thing lit and was scared to just mess around with it. Cannot thank you enough!

[@gonzofy]

Thanks so much for taking the time to do this. Really excellent instruction. Even with a different model furnace I was able to figure it out based on this video!

[@grayfurnaceman]

Glad it was helpful. GFM

[@fnar15]

Rob Gonzalez Agreed. thanks for making this video GFM!

[@wederharmon8402]

Thanks for the how to! It lit in 2 secs and didn't have to call a repairman for something minor!!! 🤗

[@grayfurnaceman]

+Weder Harmon Glad it worked. GFM

[@jasonkato65]

Just what the doctor ordered! Thanks!

[@grayfurnaceman]

Merry Christmas GFM

[@johnpalma7265]

Thank you sir, The instructions on how to light the pilot are worn out and blurry on my furnace, your video is very helpful. Thanks again

[@42dunbar]

Worked like a charm. My landlord wanted me to have the gas company come out to re-light the stupid pilot.

[@AhBluntz]

Here in 2023 and this is still very helpful tysm

[@alecsarkas]

Thank you! I was able figure out how to relight my gas furnace myself by watching this video. Many thanks. :)

[@grayfurnaceman]

+Alec Sarkas Welcome GFM

[@flacky87]

Awesome video! I did the opposite how to turn it off, combat this CA heat. But saved it if I ever need to turn it on. Thank you

[@JaJa-hi6jz]

Omg thankyou sooooooo much, I managed to deal with this myself instead of having to wait for my boyfriend. You sir.....are awesome!

[@grayfurnaceman]

Welcome GFM

[@Dr.CorneliaKratzer]

Yeahh!! Thanks! I Got it to work after carefully watching your tutorial! Hallelujah! :)

[@grayfurnaceman]

Glad you got it going. GFM

[@ryanspengler4877]

Many thanks for this great video! It helped my family a lot! 🔥

[@grayfurnaceman]

Its good to be warm. GFM

[@mikehmiller]

Thank you, sir-- your explanation pointed a laser beam at what I wasn't understanding about the pilot setting on the knob. Now my lady might consider the pilot setting on MY knob, hyuck-hyuck... Seriously tho, thanks

[@kittyboo2121]

Hahahahaaaa! Good one 😂

[@loveanpeace4eva]

Lmao

[@PyrexVisionEntertainment]

This video comes through every time!

[@dreamingcode]

lit my furnace in two secs! Thanks for this vid

[@grayfurnaceman]

+dreamingcode Welcome GFM

[@dbak3k]

dreamingcode may sound stupid sorry . but the thermostat has to be switched "on" to light the pilot

[@rafaelmoreno9098]

Same here

[@kikisweetie16]

Thanks for this video! Was able to relight it with no problems!

[@amphibiandingoman9361]

Thank you!!!!! Made it so easy! We’re warm again!

[@grayfurnaceman]

Jonathan Rueben Welcome GFM

[@froglipsgaming]

Thank you for making this video. It was really helpful.

[@grayfurnaceman]

Welcome GFM

[@jamieyoho2310]

Hope I'm as lucky as u. I suck at this. I'll let u know if I survive.

[@kusgan101]

saved me $125. Thanks alot.

[@grayfurnaceman]

+voltaire overdone Welcome GFM

[@rsierra1000]

Thank you. God bless you for this.

[@cammiosis]

Soon as he said “propane” he sounded like Hank Hill for the rest of the video

[@DoBeLove]

Kermit de frog here. I love it!

[@cuznboodro32]

LMFAO! You shooooowl know what 2 say!😂😅🤣

[@shawnashady79]

This was amazing and simple and saved the day! Thank you sir for sharing this.

[@shugo12263]

Thank you so much for the information I was able to light our furnace finally. You are a life saver!

[@grayfurnaceman]

+Daniel Gomez Glad you got it going. GFM

[@jenniferdover8513]

Thanks! Saved me a phone call to the furnace guy!

[@grayfurnaceman]

Welcome GFM

[@michelleneasha]

Wow I don't no what happened lol I'm sorry all I was trying to say was Thank you for your video couldn't have done it without it and some how my words turned into numbers but anyways Thanks a million

[@maureengill6332]

Thank you so much....this was very helpful.

[@frankdegan8972]

Thanks! Saved me a service call! Gas is not my forte.....

[@sallysmiththechaosqueller9536]

Thank you so much! Great video.

[@MMAEXTREMEBRASIL.]

Thank you. Just got my pilot on.

[@grayfurnaceman]

Glad you got it going. GFM

[@heydrdj]

Thanks! Saved us a service charge and it was really simple. I wonder if there are any worries about gas leakage and danger of explosion or does the furnace mechanism cut off any gas flow if the pilot light is off. Cheers!

[@grayfurnaceman]

The gas valve on that furnace is a flame safety control. When the pilot goes out, the thermocouple cools and drops out all gas supply. So, no worries. GFM

[@skatesfobia]

Thanks for helping me warm the house up!

[@corycote3585]

thanks Gary from Canada

[@Pandanomic]

Just wanted to say thanks, you've saved me from dying of frostbite tonight.

[@grayfurnaceman]

***** Its good to be warm. GFM

[@franciscomanrique2302]

Thanks for this. This is actually my exact furnace. Old Ruud.

[@grayfurnaceman]

Welcome GFM

[@quaun]

Thank you so much, this video was a big help

[@grayfurnaceman]

Welcome GFM

[@michaelravenready2922]

Thanks!!! Helped a bunch. Perfect vid for my furnace.

[@grayfurnaceman]

+Michael Raven Welcome GFM

[@Michtario]

Man did this video help me out today! Thank you.

[@grayfurnaceman]

Welcome GFM

[@gscadwalader]

Thank you, worked like a charm!

[@grayfurnaceman]

+Gouverneur Cadwalader Welcome GFM

[@NguyenNguyen-rv9yw]

Very good video. Thank you.

[@grayfurnaceman]

Welcome GFM

[@d1morto]

Thanks! This saved me some money.

[@grayfurnaceman]

+d1morto Welcome GFM

[@atomatom6442]

Great teacher, he even makes beer!!!

[@grayfurnaceman]

I'll drink to that. GFM

[@organiccc7514]

If the pilot won't stay lit, a professional was nice enough to tell me by email that most of the time it means your thermocouple is dirty. It was my first time attempting to clean it and I was successful. All you need is a thin, stiff brush to scrub at it. Scrub for a nice amount of time. Now there's no yellow in my furnace's flames (the pro said you want blue flames). Mine stays lit now (whew) with no expensive repairman visit. I hope this helps someone.

[@kirkmbutterfield]

thanks had to relight mine this morning. very helpful.

[@justme3771]

thank you I did not want to ask my ex to light it. thank you thank you I have heat now.

[@grayfurnaceman]

+Pamela Reed Welcome GFM

[@DadBodGamer81]

Your a life saver. Thank you Sir. Worked like a champ. Thanks for the info. God Bless. :-)

[@mrdougeran1]

Thank you very much, precise and right to the point!

[@grayfurnaceman]

Welcome GFM

[@GeneGraver]

This video is perfect and apprecitaed!

[@Jetblast01]

Thank you again. I guess it also helps we have similar looking furnaces as well.

[@RineboBohead]

There’s nothing like learning more about the classic, big dumb furnace!😁

[@twoods53able]

Very helpful. thanks

[@deanmartin1966]

Very informative, great video

[@madelinewest4119]

Single mom is THANKFUL!

[@grayfurnaceman]

Welcome Happy new year. GFM

[@TheDriveInGuys]

Great video, GFM!!! Ahhhh, warmth!!!!! I, my five kitty-cats, and two doggies thank you!!!!!

[@grayfurnaceman]

Its nice to be warm. GFM

[@TheDriveInGuys]

grayfurnaceman 👍😀✊

[@erikhendrickson2871]

Life saver !! Thank you !!

[@electriccar3253]

Welcome GFM

[@mikewelch8379]

When I was a kid my grandmother had a wall unit. Wasn't central air type, just one blower unit, but it would keep the whole front part of the house warm. 700sqft or so probably. I recently purchased a house built in 1960 with a Chrysler Airtemp unit [model 4208-32, serial 2G510559...anybody got a wiring diagram?]. The AC compressor outside was replaced recently but the original heater and blower remain. In the pre-purchase inspection, the inspector noted that he could not get the heater to come on. It's been almost 40 years since I've had to turn on a pilot light to a gas heater for my grandmother. I remembered having to turn the button, press it down and hold it, light the pilot, and keep it pressed for about a minute. What I forgot was having to turn it back to the "on" position. Two days ago the temperature dropped to the low 40s. Tonight this video reminded me I have to turn the switch back and lo, poof, on it went! I am feeling so hot right now! (⌐■_■)

[@grayfurnaceman]

Mike Welch Glad it helped. GFM

[@utah2nyc250]

dude you save me thanks a million.

[@grayfurnaceman]

Welcome GFM

[@dakine259]

Well done video. Super helpful. Thanks

[@pineyan]

Exactly what I want to know and the heater is running again! Thanks

[@josueivanruiz]

This was a big help, thank you!

[@grayfurnaceman]

Welcome GFM

[@Jerry_XD]

I need to fix my furnace pilot. Thx for this video

[@yhmltube3403]

Thanks man ur a life saver