Where Is the Pilot Light on a Furnace? Homeowner’s Quick Guide 🔥

If your heating stops working, one of the first things you’ll wonder is: where is the pilot light on a furnace? Not all furnaces have one, but for those that do, knowing its location helps you troubleshoot without calling a technician right away.

The pilot light is usually found near the bottom of the furnace, behind a small access panel close to the gas valve.

A well-maintained furnace in a tidy utility room

Where Is the Pilot Light on a Furnace?

On older gas furnaces, the pilot light is a small flame that stays lit to ignite the burners when the thermostat signals heat is needed.

• Look near the bottom front panel of your furnace.

• Remove the access door or cover to expose the burners.

• The pilot assembly is next to the gas control valve and thermocouple.

Furnace Type	Pilot Light Location	Notes
Older gas furnaces	Bottom, near burners	Requires manual relighting if it goes out
Newer furnaces	None (use electronic ignition)	Safer and more efficient
Electric furnaces	No pilot light	Use heating elements instead

If you can’t find a flame, your furnace may not use a pilot at all—newer models often rely on electronic ignition.

Does Furnace Have a Pilot Light?

The question does furnace have a pilot light depends on its age and type.

• Older gas furnaces: Yes, they use a standing pilot.

• Mid-efficiency models: Some used intermittent pilots.

• Modern high-efficiency furnaces: No, they use electronic ignition.

If your furnace is less than 20 years old, chances are it doesn’t have a pilot light.

Furnace vs HVAC: What’s the Difference? ❄️

Many people confuse furnace vs HVAC. Here’s the breakdown:

• A furnace is a single appliance that provides heat.

• HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) is the complete system, including furnace, AC, and ductwork.

• In short: your furnace is part of your HVAC, but HVAC is the whole setup.

Think of HVAC as the team and the furnace as just one player.

How to Relight a Furnace Pilot Ligh

1. Turn off the furnace and wait 5 minutes for gas to clear.

2. Locate the pilot assembly near the gas valve.

3. Switch the control knob to pilot.

4. Press and hold while lighting with a match or igniter.

5. Hold for 30 seconds, then release—flame should stay lit.

Pro Tip: If the pilot light keeps going out after relighting, it may be a bad thermocouple—call a technician to replace it.

Conclusion

So, where is the pilot light on a furnace? It’s typically at the bottom near the burners, but many modern units don’t have one at all. Understanding whether does furnace have a pilot light depends on its age. And when comparing furnace vs HVAC, remember: the furnace heats, while HVAC is the whole comfort system. Knowing these basics helps you troubleshoot heating issues confidently and call for help only when needed.

FAQ

Where is the pilot light on a furnace? Usually at the bottom near the burners and gas valve, behind an access panel.

Does furnace have a pilot light? Only older models do—newer furnaces use electronic ignition instead.

Furnace vs HVAC: what’s the difference? A furnace only heats, while HVAC includes heating, cooling, and ventilation systems.

What if my pilot light won’t stay lit? Likely a faulty thermocouple—call a professional to repair or replace it.

Do electric furnaces have a pilot light? No, they use electric heating elements instead of gas flames.