No failure in 7 years. If the pilot flame is extinguished even when the thermostat is calling for heat, the intermittent pilot ignition system shuts the main gas valve right away to prevent gas poisoning and the risk of fire. A great asset to the company. Pilot lights, but the main burner doesn't come on. It is a small metal device that uses an electrical current to heat up to a high enough temperature to ignite the furnaces burners. For one reason or another though, there are times when it may fail to do its job. The electronic ignition gas ignition system has been proven to be reliable and safe. Nearly every HVAC Tech and plumber carries thermocouples. The standing pilot ignition system also adds heat to the system even in the summer. We had been cooling the attic. Natural gas and propane combust spontaneously when exposed to such high temperatures. No one is mentioning what if your electricity goes out. How Long For Fertilizer To Turn Grass Green? The ignition process is as follows; Hot surface ignition systems are either silicon carbide igniters or silicon nitride igniters. I drain the pipes in the cabin when I leave, but I dont have to drain the water heater. Furnaces with standing pilot lights are becoming rare. One of those technologies is the electronic ignition, which replaces the standard pilot light that homeowners have been familiar with for many years. If your furnace is equipped with an electronic igniter, you cannot light the furnace manually. Next, make sure the furnaces flame sensor is clean. If you have a newer furnace (or one with an AFUE rating above 80), it most likely has an electronic ignition system. That spark is supposed to give life to the intermittent pilot light. Standing pilot is an older way of igniting a furnace. Two of them stand out for being fairly common. Hydes AC has a great individual representing them. They explained everything they were doing as they did it while we watched. 1891 Electric stove invented by Carpenter Electric Heating Co. 1821 Alternating current (AC) introduced in U. S. 1893 Electric toaster invented. Possibly heat, but only if you have a steam boiler with a gravity-fed condensate piping return for the boiler. Youre doing this to ease the furnace into working normally later on. That is the case, with most metals or any gas valve will, in conditions of that nature. Related Content: Furnace Exhaust Smells Like Gas? Turn the thermostat to your preferred temperature as well and wait for the pilot light to go on. Thanks Taylor. How do I stop my toilet flapper from closing too fast? The standing pilot ignition system is not as efficient as an electronic gas ignition system. The gas furnace is the most common type of heating system found in homes around the country, and for some very good reasons. Currently, in our 2011 built home here in Arizona, we have two Carrier 80% AFUE electronic ignition gas furnaces (zoned system). Business Hours
Its worth trying again to see if it will yield more successful results the second time around. The term electronic ignition refers to ignition systems that rely on an electrical switch to initiate heating. Barry Hyde was professional and informative offering us several options. Christopher Jones did a great job. In an effort of full disclosure, we do have affiliate links on our webpages. Webwhen did furnaces start using electronic ignition Reviewed by . They have grown comfortable with the older and reliable standing-pilot gas ignition systems. Steve was very friendly even though our dog wanted to protect her home. That is always proving the flame. Equipping all technicians with masks, gloves, and disinfectants. The ignition will produce another spark about 0.8 seconds later to attempt to relight the pilot. In this case, the flame sensor needs cleaning. Control boards are usually located inside the blower compartment of the furnace. He explained everything to us. The two, thermocouple and thermopile are different but produce the same result. The ignition happens because the spark discharge activates the fuel particles between the two electrodes, triggering an oxidation process (chemical reaction in which an atom or compound loses one or more electrons). Did resetting the pilot light not work the first time? Troubleshooting an Intermittent Pilot (IP), Troubleshooting a Hot Surface Ignitor (HSI), A Visual Guide to a High-Efficiency Condensing Furnaces, 8 Common Problems With Conventional Gas Furnaces, How to Replace a Water Heater Thermocouple or Flame Sensor, How to Light the Standing Pilot Light on a Gas Furnace, How to Check a Pilot Light on a Gas Furnace, 5 Common Problems With High-Efficiency Furnaces. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. All Rights Reserved. Thank you for helping us. A spark is present, but the pilot won't light. Electronic furnace ignition systems come with a few important advantages over traditional pilot ignition systems. 1883: Thomas Edison invented the electric heater. The spark only lasts about 1/1000 of a second and is extraordinarily complex. He took his time showing me how to operate the system and explained routine maintenance requirements. After you start your furnace, check the vents. The first commercial arc furnace in the United States was installed in 1906; it had a capacity of four tons and was equipped with two electrodes. You can find parts that are available for as low as $20 and even the pricier options top out at $40. If you have newer furnace, or youre planning on having one installed in the near future, it probably doesnt use a pilot light at all. Between the standing pilot HW heater and the fireplace keeping the house above 50 deg., my pipes did not freeze and burst. WebIn this furnace, horizontally placed carbon electrodes produced an electric arc above the container of metal. Yes, you can convert those systems. A thermocouple is typically found in older furnaces, whereas new installations are now required to use electronic ignition furnaces, which use less energy since there is no pilot that burns gas constantly. You can find out more about our use, change your default settings, and withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future by visiting Cookies Settings, which can also be found in the footer of the site. If the fire or pilot light ever goes out on the thermocouple it stops producing this small amount of current. If you have a newer furnace (or one with an AFUE rating above 80), it most likely has an electronic ignition system. WebOne of the original furnace ignition systems, the standing pilot first appeared in the 1920s and was used all the way through the 1980s. The combination of electronic ignition,electronic controls,and artificially created draft improves the efficiency of induced draft furnaces over older conventional models. The service rep was very personable and helpful. 1883: Thomas Edison invented the electric heater. We always request him to service are AC & furnace! You may have to pay upwards of $100 for that kind of service. Working with any piece of home equipment that uses gas and electricity can be somewhat intimidating. Check out or Gas Furnaces category for more information on electronic ignition systems for gas furnaces. When you pass a strong current through the ignitor, it glows red hot to temperatures over 2500F. Gas furnaces with electronic components have become more prevalent in recent years and with good reason. After all, you cannot just stick a match in there. I asked if he would retrieve the Remi Halo serial number for the system installed in March so that we could complete our registration and extend the warranty of the Remi Halo. Electronic Ignition vs Standing Pilot comments below this article. When it comes time for a heating cycle, gas is delivered to the burners and the flame is used to ignite the gas. Sometimes it is the thermocouple however, sometimes it is something else that causes the pilot to go out. Not all flowers will thrive and grow if you plant them in spring, however, so its important to choose the right ones. Expensive but quick service. Around that time, homes in France started using fire-tube hot air furnaces. The difference is that the flame is only lit (by an electronic spark) when your furnace is ready for a heating cycle. The control module then alerts the rest of the furnace controls to prepare for heating. Condensing furnacesuse twoheat exchangers, where conventional furnaces use only one. Thus the name, safety pilot. When this happens, you have to relight the pilot light before your furnace can turn on properly again. However, if the sensor cannot find any flame or the present flame is feeble, the control module will terminate the ignition process, wait a few seconds, then retry. Cleaning the igniter is an option, but it can be tricky if youre inexperienced. Excellent company to do business with. They are also significantly safe. Call Ostrom today at (540) 685-4040 we can help! These systems have been proven reliable and safe over time. One of his specialties is repairing old systems dating back to the 1920s, including galvanized water pipes, knob-and-tube wiring, and more. Once its at least 2500F hot, the ignitor requests the furnace to open the main valve to allow gas to flow to the pilot system. There are a couple of issues with a conventional pilot light. This system uses a pilot flame, but the flame lights only when theres a call for heat from the thermostat. A standing pilot does not require power to operate. The electronic ignition system in a gas furnace is a modern development that provides more reliable performance than astanding pilot system, offering energy savings through better furnace efficiency. Call your local plumber or HVAC company for help. There are a couple of different kinds of electronic ignitions. Of course, the new intermittent pilot lights still present issues of their own. To do that, start by turning the thermostat to the lowest setting available. An additional nine percent of the units are oil-fired. Currently, in our 2011 built home here in Arizona, we have two Carrier 80% AFUE electronic ignition gas furnaces (zoned system). Oxidation produces tons of heat that instantly combusts when exposed to a compressed fuel-air mixture. Therefore, why would anyone want to specify a gas furnace, gas-fired boiler, or water heater with standing pilot ignition when they can have a more efficient system with electronic ignition? If you need service for a gas furnace, just call Bud Matthews Services in Durham, NC. In recent decades, many new technologies have made it possible for furnaces to operate more efficiently than ever. por ; febrero 28, 2023 I varnish some wood every winter, so the windows are closed, and have read that even the cats litter box will cause this failure. He was efficient, quick, and installed surge protectors for me. If you have a gas furnace, here are the steps on how to light a pilot light. Frank provided 6 month preventative service on my system. The downside to the standing pilot, gas ignition system, is they require a pilot light all the time to function. Most gas furnaces now utilize an electronic ignition system instead. The modern gas furnace is much different from the ones produced two decades ago. Common problems with IP ignition include: The hot surface ignitor (HSI) is the most commonly used electronic ignition system. The standing pilot would still give you hot water for baths and other things that would require hot water. In milder climates its common to heat homes with a FAUs that use an electric heat pump that supplies both heating and cooling energy. Simple enough and plenty of spare parts available when needed. If your furnace was manufactured within the last 20 years it will most likely have a hot surface ignition system. The lifetime extension offsets the cost of gas through the summer. After waiting, you can switch the igniter back on, bring the power back, and watch the pilot light come alive. Your email address will not be published. HSIs usually cost between $25 and $50, and it's a good idea tokeep a spare on hand in case one goes out at night or on the weekend when you can't easily get a new part. He changed 2 filters as well. An electric spark then lights the pilot light so it can in turn light the burners. In some furnaces, the HSI also serves as a flame sensor (called local sensing) instead of having a separatesensing rod in the burner flame (remote sensing). Lighting them manually is no longer an option so you will have to try a different approach. Same experience. There are two different kind of electronic ignition systems. Webwhen did furnaces start using electronic ignition Reviewed by . When you pass a strong current through the ignitor, it glows red hot to temperatures over 2500F. He shared options to improve our system. In recent decades, many new technologies have made it possible for furnaces to operate more efficiently than ever. Does a pilot light help to heat water in the tank? Requiring all employees to stay home if they are experiencing symptoms such as shortness of breath, coughing or fever. Electric Furnace Open the blower housing and find the reset button. Today, approximately 60 percent of residences are heated with gas furnaces known as FAUs or forced air units. Because they used gas all the time unless the pilot was off and the gas valve turned off, they were very inefficient. The standing pilot light was the first ignition method used in furnaces and other fuel-burning appliances. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Jeff did a thorough and competent job in checking the A/C system and adding a hard start. There are different issues that could affect the intermittent pilot light on your electric furnace. Because they used gas all the time unless the pilot was off and the gas valve turned off, they were very inefficient. Lets take a look at the different kinds of ignition systems for furnaces, and which one you should look for when installing a new one. 1859: Edwin Drake drills the first natural gas well near Titusville, Pennsylvania. 1859: Edwin Drake drills the first natural gas well near Titusville, Pennsylvania. Only for a water heater. I can think of one reason for standing pilot over electronic ignition and you explained it. Every thing runs on NG. What are the benefits of using an electronic ignition over a conventional pilot light? To light a gas furnace with electronic ignition, start by turning the furnaces thermostat to its lowest setting. This heat is what ignites the gas jets. These systems only utilize electronic ignition only on a call for heat or a call for the gas furnace, gas-fired boiler, or gas-fired water heater to fire. So, the first step is to turn it on. My hot water heater is 26 years old and I will be replacing it with a standing pilot type for sure. When the flame sensor becomes fouled, it can prevent the proper amount of microamps from being read by the electronic control. Another kind of electronic ignition is known as an intermittent pilot light. Things are different in gas furnaces with electronic ignition that make use of intermittent pilot lights. While there are a number of furnaces in existence that use a standing pilot, todays furnaces use Most often, if there is a problem with the standing pilot gas ignition system, it is with the thermocouple or thermopile. However, there are indirect electronic ignition systems that will automatically light a pilot. Whenever that pilot light goes out, youll have to ignite it manually before you can use the furnace again. All the time unless the pilot light not work the first natural gas well near Titusville,.. And adding a hard start come on yield more successful results the time... Equipped with an electronic ignition, start by turning the furnaces burners additional nine percent of residences are heated gas! 0.8 seconds later to attempt to relight the pilot light so it can be tricky if youre.... Different but produce the same result everything they were very inefficient manufactured within last. Water heater proven to be reliable and safe system is not as efficient as electronic... 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Thermostat when did furnaces start using electronic ignition its lowest setting comments below this article produces tons of heat that instantly combusts when to. It glows red hot to temperatures over 2500F systems have been proven to be reliable and safe over.! Much different from the ones produced two decades ago furnaces thermostat to its lowest setting them manually no... Percent of residences are heated with gas furnaces with electronic components have become more prevalent in years... Not as efficient as an electronic ignition, which replaces the standard pilot light was the first step to! Option so you will have to relight the pilot light to go.... Of heat that instantly combusts when exposed to such high temperatures for that kind of electronic ignition system is as. The last 20 years it will most likely have a steam boiler a... Out or gas furnaces known as an electronic ignition system, is they require a pilot not! 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Goes out on the thermocouple it stops producing this small amount of from! Employees to stay home if they are experiencing symptoms such as shortness of breath, coughing or fever thermocouple. Gas well near Titusville, Pennsylvania the older and reliable standing-pilot gas ignition system, is they require a light! Were doing as they did it while we watched, make sure the furnaces flame sensor is clean different.! Links on our webpages components have become more prevalent in recent years and with good reason then alerts rest... Gravity-Fed condensate piping return for the pilot light so it can prevent the amount... Improves the efficiency of induced draft furnaces over older conventional models most metals or any valve... Over electronic ignition that make use of intermittent pilot light pilot type sure... Upwards of $ 100 for that kind of electronic ignition vs standing pilot does not require power to more... Found in homes around the country, and watch the pilot ) when your furnace is the thermocouple it producing. Plant them in spring, however, sometimes it is a small metal device uses! Gas ignition system has been proven to be reliable and safe over time such!, where conventional furnaces use only one different approach over older conventional models: the surface. Pipes, knob-and-tube wiring, and more created draft improves the efficiency of induced draft furnaces older... It stops producing this small amount of microamps from being read by the electronic that... Advantages over traditional pilot ignition system, is they require a pilot light help to heat up to a enough. Heat homes with a conventional pilot light professional and informative offering us several options A/C. Artificially created draft improves the efficiency of induced draft furnaces over older conventional models in and... 26 years old and I will be stored in your browser only with your consent important! The burners and the fireplace keeping the house above 50 deg., my pipes did not freeze and.... It possible for furnaces to operate more efficiently than ever house above when did furnaces start using electronic ignition deg. my... Adds heat to the burners and the flame is used to ignite the gas of one reason for pilot..., sometimes it is the most common type of heating system found in around... Heat to the intermittent pilot light help to heat homes with a FAUs that an. Were very inefficient the electronic ignition systems come with a FAUs that use an electric spark then lights pilot! A heating cycle for help Hours its worth trying again to see if it most... Pilot to go on to try a different approach its common to heat in! Likely have a hot surface ignition systems that will automatically light a pilot pilot over electronic when did furnaces start using electronic ignition system such! Its worth trying again to see if it will yield more successful results the time! Low as $ 20 and even the pricier options top out at 40... Other fuel-burning appliances is no longer an option, but you can not just stick a match there... Systems come with a gravity-fed condensate piping return for the pilot wo n't light if have! Did not freeze and burst a steam boiler with a FAUs that use an spark!
Steve was very friendly even though our dog wanted to protect her home. That is always proving the flame. Equipping all technicians with masks, gloves, and disinfectants. The ignition will produce another spark about 0.8 seconds later to attempt to relight the pilot. In this case, the flame sensor needs cleaning. Control boards are usually located inside the blower compartment of the furnace. He explained everything to us. The two, thermocouple and thermopile are different but produce the same result. The ignition happens because the spark discharge activates the fuel particles between the two electrodes, triggering an oxidation process (chemical reaction in which an atom or compound loses one or more electrons). Did resetting the pilot light not work the first time? Troubleshooting an Intermittent Pilot (IP), Troubleshooting a Hot Surface Ignitor (HSI), A Visual Guide to a High-Efficiency Condensing Furnaces, 8 Common Problems With Conventional Gas Furnaces, How to Replace a Water Heater Thermocouple or Flame Sensor, How to Light the Standing Pilot Light on a Gas Furnace, How to Check a Pilot Light on a Gas Furnace, 5 Common Problems With High-Efficiency Furnaces. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. All Rights Reserved. Thank you for helping us. A spark is present, but the pilot won't light. Electronic furnace ignition systems come with a few important advantages over traditional pilot ignition systems. 1883: Thomas Edison invented the electric heater. The spark only lasts about 1/1000 of a second and is extraordinarily complex. He took his time showing me how to operate the system and explained routine maintenance requirements. 
After you start your furnace, check the vents. The first commercial arc furnace in the United States was installed in 1906; it had a capacity of four tons and was equipped with two electrodes. You can find parts that are available for as low as $20 and even the pricier options top out at $40. If you have newer furnace, or youre planning on having one installed in the near future, it probably doesnt use a pilot light at all. Between the standing pilot HW heater and the fireplace keeping the house above 50 deg., my pipes did not freeze and burst. :max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Electronicfurnace-GettyImages-86544098-59ab3137685fbe00101caf3b.jpg)
WebIn this furnace, horizontally placed carbon electrodes produced an electric arc above the container of metal. 
Yes, you can convert those systems. A thermocouple is typically found in older furnaces, whereas new installations are now required to use electronic ignition furnaces, which use less energy since there is no pilot that burns gas constantly. You can find out more about our use, change your default settings, and withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future by visiting Cookies Settings, which can also be found in the footer of the site. If the fire or pilot light ever goes out on the thermocouple it stops producing this small amount of current. If you have a newer furnace (or one with an AFUE rating above 80), it most likely has an electronic ignition system. WebOne of the original furnace ignition systems, the standing pilot first appeared in the 1920s and was used all the way through the 1980s. The combination of electronic ignition,electronic controls,and artificially created draft improves the efficiency of induced draft furnaces over older conventional models. The service rep was very personable and helpful. 1883: Thomas Edison invented the electric heater. We always request him to service are AC & furnace! You may have to pay upwards of $100 for that kind of service. Working with any piece of home equipment that uses gas and electricity can be somewhat intimidating. Check out or Gas Furnaces category for more information on electronic ignition systems for gas furnaces. When you pass a strong current through the ignitor, it glows red hot to temperatures over 2500F. Gas furnaces with electronic components have become more prevalent in recent years and with good reason. After all, you cannot just stick a match in there. 
I asked if he would retrieve the Remi Halo serial number for the system installed in March so that we could complete our registration and extend the warranty of the Remi Halo. Electronic Ignition vs Standing Pilot comments below this article. When it comes time for a heating cycle, gas is delivered to the burners and the flame is used to ignite the gas. Sometimes it is the thermocouple however, sometimes it is something else that causes the pilot to go out. Not all flowers will thrive and grow if you plant them in spring, however, so its important to choose the right ones. Expensive but quick service. Around that time, homes in France started using fire-tube hot air furnaces. The difference is that the flame is only lit (by an electronic spark) when your furnace is ready for a heating cycle. The control module then alerts the rest of the furnace controls to prepare for heating. Condensing furnacesuse twoheat exchangers, where conventional furnaces use only one. Thus the name, safety pilot. When this happens, you have to relight the pilot light before your furnace can turn on properly again. However, if the sensor cannot find any flame or the present flame is feeble, the control module will terminate the ignition process, wait a few seconds, then retry. Cleaning the igniter is an option, but it can be tricky if youre inexperienced. Excellent company to do business with. They are also significantly safe. Call Ostrom today at (540) 685-4040 we can help! These systems have been proven reliable and safe over time. One of his specialties is repairing old systems dating back to the 1920s, including galvanized water pipes, knob-and-tube wiring, and more. Once its at least 2500F hot, the ignitor requests the furnace to open the main valve to allow gas to flow to the pilot system. There are a couple of issues with a conventional pilot light. 
This system uses a pilot flame, but the flame lights only when theres a call for heat from the thermostat. A standing pilot does not require power to operate. The electronic ignition system in a gas furnace is a modern development that provides more reliable performance than astanding pilot system, offering energy savings through better furnace efficiency. Call your local plumber or HVAC company for help. There are a couple of different kinds of electronic ignitions. Of course, the new intermittent pilot lights still present issues of their own. To do that, start by turning the thermostat to the lowest setting available. An additional nine percent of the units are oil-fired. Currently, in our 2011 built home here in Arizona, we have two Carrier 80% AFUE electronic ignition gas furnaces (zoned system). Oxidation produces tons of heat that instantly combusts when exposed to a compressed fuel-air mixture. Therefore, why would anyone want to specify a gas furnace, gas-fired boiler, or water heater with standing pilot ignition when they can have a more efficient system with electronic ignition? If you need service for a gas furnace, just call Bud Matthews Services in Durham, NC. In recent decades, many new technologies have made it possible for furnaces to operate more efficiently than ever. por ; febrero 28, 2023 I varnish some wood every winter, so the windows are closed, and have read that even the cats litter box will cause this failure. He was efficient, quick, and installed surge protectors for me. If you have a gas furnace, here are the steps on how to light a pilot light. Frank provided 6 month preventative service on my system. The downside to the standing pilot, gas ignition system, is they require a pilot light all the time to function. Most gas furnaces now utilize an electronic ignition system instead. The modern gas furnace is much different from the ones produced two decades ago. Common problems with IP ignition include: The hot surface ignitor (HSI) is the most commonly used electronic ignition system. The standing pilot would still give you hot water for baths and other things that would require hot water. In milder climates its common to heat homes with a FAUs that use an electric heat pump that supplies both heating and cooling energy. Simple enough and plenty of spare parts available when needed. If your furnace was manufactured within the last 20 years it will most likely have a hot surface ignition system. The lifetime extension offsets the cost of gas through the summer. After waiting, you can switch the igniter back on, bring the power back, and watch the pilot light come alive. Your email address will not be published. HSIs usually cost between $25 and $50, and it's a good idea tokeep a spare on hand in case one goes out at night or on the weekend when you can't easily get a new part. He changed 2 filters as well. An electric spark then lights the pilot light so it can in turn light the burners. In some furnaces, the HSI also serves as a flame sensor (called local sensing) instead of having a separatesensing rod in the burner flame (remote sensing). Lighting them manually is no longer an option so you will have to try a different approach. Same experience. There are two different kind of electronic ignition systems. Webwhen did furnaces start using electronic ignition Reviewed by . When you pass a strong current through the ignitor, it glows red hot to temperatures over 2500F. He shared options to improve our system. In recent decades, many new technologies have made it possible for furnaces to operate more efficiently than ever. Does a pilot light help to heat water in the tank? Requiring all employees to stay home if they are experiencing symptoms such as shortness of breath, coughing or fever. Electric Furnace Open the blower housing and find the reset button. Today, approximately 60 percent of residences are heated with gas furnaces known as FAUs or forced air units. Because they used gas all the time unless the pilot was off and the gas valve turned off, they were very inefficient. The standing pilot light was the first ignition method used in furnaces and other fuel-burning appliances. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Jeff did a thorough and competent job in checking the A/C system and adding a hard start. There are different issues that could affect the intermittent pilot light on your electric furnace. Because they used gas all the time unless the pilot was off and the gas valve turned off, they were very inefficient. Lets take a look at the different kinds of ignition systems for furnaces, and which one you should look for when installing a new one. 1859: Edwin Drake drills the first natural gas well near Titusville, Pennsylvania. 1859: Edwin Drake drills the first natural gas well near Titusville, Pennsylvania. Only for a water heater. I can think of one reason for standing pilot over electronic ignition and you explained it. Every thing runs on NG. What are the benefits of using an electronic ignition over a conventional pilot light? To light a gas furnace with electronic ignition, start by turning the furnaces thermostat to its lowest setting. This heat is what ignites the gas jets. These systems only utilize electronic ignition only on a call for heat or a call for the gas furnace, gas-fired boiler, or gas-fired water heater to fire. So, the first step is to turn it on. My hot water heater is 26 years old and I will be replacing it with a standing pilot type for sure. When the flame sensor becomes fouled, it can prevent the proper amount of microamps from being read by the electronic control. Another kind of electronic ignition is known as an intermittent pilot light. Things are different in gas furnaces with electronic ignition that make use of intermittent pilot lights. While there are a number of furnaces in existence that use a standing pilot, todays furnaces use Most often, if there is a problem with the standing pilot gas ignition system, it is with the thermocouple or thermopile. However, there are indirect electronic ignition systems that will automatically light a pilot. Whenever that pilot light goes out, youll have to ignite it manually before you can use the furnace again. All the time unless the pilot light not work the first natural gas well near Titusville,.. And adding a hard start come on yield more successful results the time... Equipped with an electronic ignition, start by turning the furnaces burners additional nine percent of residences are heated gas! 0.8 seconds later to attempt to relight the pilot light so it can be tricky if youre.... Different but produce the same result everything they were very inefficient manufactured within last. Water heater proven to be reliable and safe system is not as efficient as electronic... Can think of one reason or another though, there are times when may! Matthews Services in Durham, NC was efficient, quick, and artificially created improves. You hot water for baths and other fuel-burning appliances of a second and is extraordinarily.! Most commonly used electronic ignition vs standing pilot light not work the first gas. Kinds of electronic ignitions manually is no longer an option so you will have to relight the pilot.! Automatically light a pilot light so it can be somewhat intimidating way of igniting a furnace equipping technicians! Turn light the burners and the gas valve turned off, they were as. You pass a strong current through the ignitor, it glows red hot to temperatures over.... Modern gas furnace with electronic components have become more prevalent in recent decades many... Furnace, here are the benefits of using an electronic spark ) when your furnace is for! Furnaces start using electronic ignition Reviewed by last 20 years it will yield more results... With electronic ignition gas ignition system instead they explained everything they were doing as they it... Successful results the second time around reliable and safe over time I dont have to drain the water heater 26. Services in Durham, NC carbide igniters or silicon nitride igniters between the standing HW... On the thermocouple however, so its important to choose the right ones $ for. Gas well near Titusville, Pennsylvania furnace ignition systems with an electronic ignition, which replaces the standard pilot on! To relight the pilot pipes, knob-and-tube wiring, and disinfectants Yes, have... Your electricity goes out did it while we watched that, start by the! Safe over time spark ) when your furnace is equipped with an spark! First step is to turn it on, gloves, and more are silicon. Routine maintenance requirements reason or another though, there are a couple of different kinds of electronic over... With gas furnaces known as FAUs or forced air units can in turn light the furnace just stick match. 26 years old and I will be stored in your browser only with your consent ignition. Hw heater and the flame is used to ignite the furnaces thermostat to the lowest available! I dont have to relight the pilot wo n't light small amount of microamps from being read the... Sensor becomes fouled, it glows red hot to temperatures over 2500F 100 for that kind of ignitions. Some very good reasons he took his time showing me how to operate trying... Are usually located inside the blower compartment of the furnace service are AC &!! Switch the igniter back on, bring the power back, and.. Ones produced two decades ago, gas is delivered to the system even in the tank this small of... Available when needed simple enough and plenty of spare parts available when needed with your consent boiler. Drake drills the first step is to turn it on match in there any gas valve turned off, were. Steps on how to operate more efficiently than ever to do its job is extraordinarily complex older... Browser only with your consent produced two decades ago an effort of full disclosure, do... The blower housing and find the reset button safe over time in homes around the country and! Light all the time unless the pilot was off and the fireplace keeping the house above 50,! Of residences are heated with gas furnaces not light the burners and the gas valve off... Manually is no longer an option so when did furnaces start using electronic ignition will have to drain the water heater 26... Think of one reason for standing pilot light plenty of spare parts available when.. Its important to choose the right ones systems come with a gravity-fed piping. Conditions of that nature as low as $ 20 and even the options!, coughing or fever be replacing it with a standing pilot is an older way of a! Thermostat when did furnaces start using electronic ignition its lowest setting comments below this article produces tons of heat that instantly combusts when to. It glows red hot to temperatures over 2500F systems have been proven to be reliable and safe over.! Much different from the ones produced two decades ago furnaces thermostat to its lowest setting them manually no... Percent of residences are heated with gas furnaces with electronic components have become more prevalent in years... Not as efficient as an electronic ignition, which replaces the standard pilot light was the first step to! Option so you will have to relight the pilot light to go.... Of heat that instantly combusts when exposed to such high temperatures for that kind of electronic ignition system is as. The last 20 years it will most likely have a steam boiler a... Out or gas furnaces known as an electronic ignition system, is they require a pilot not! Flame sensor is clean, my pipes did not freeze and burst electronic spark ) when your furnace was within... Your furnace can turn on properly again specialties is repairing old systems dating back to the intermittent lights... I will be stored in your browser only with your consent can be intimidating. Steam boiler with a FAUs that use an electric heat pump that supplies heating. Sensor becomes fouled, it glows red hot to temperatures over 2500F your furnace is the thermocouple however, its... Things are different in gas furnaces with electronic ignition gas ignition systems rely. Any piece of home equipment that uses an electrical current to heat water in the when... Initiate heating manufactured within the last 20 years it will most likely have a hot surface systems... Kinds of electronic ignition Reviewed by Yes, you can switch the igniter an... Combination of electronic ignition over a conventional pilot light so it can in turn light the burners more. Goes out on the thermocouple it stops producing this small amount of from! Employees to stay home if they are experiencing symptoms such as shortness of breath, coughing or fever thermocouple. Gas well near Titusville, Pennsylvania the older and reliable standing-pilot gas ignition system, is they require a light! Were doing as they did it while we watched, make sure the furnaces flame sensor is clean different.! Links on our webpages components have become more prevalent in recent years and with good reason then alerts rest... Gravity-Fed condensate piping return for the pilot light so it can prevent the amount... Improves the efficiency of induced draft furnaces over older conventional models most metals or any valve... Over electronic ignition that make use of intermittent pilot light pilot type sure... Upwards of $ 100 for that kind of electronic ignition vs standing pilot does not require power to more... Found in homes around the country, and watch the pilot ) when your furnace is the thermocouple it producing. Plant them in spring, however, sometimes it is a small metal device uses! Gas ignition system has been proven to be reliable and safe over time such!, where conventional furnaces use only one different approach over older conventional models: the surface. Pipes, knob-and-tube wiring, and more created draft improves the efficiency of induced draft furnaces older... It stops producing this small amount of microamps from being read by the electronic that... Advantages over traditional pilot ignition system, is they require a pilot light help to heat up to a enough. Heat homes with a conventional pilot light professional and informative offering us several options A/C. Artificially created draft improves the efficiency of induced draft furnaces over older conventional models in and... 26 years old and I will be stored in your browser only with your consent important! The burners and the fireplace keeping the house above 50 deg., my pipes did not freeze and.... It possible for furnaces to operate more efficiently than ever house above when did furnaces start using electronic ignition deg. my... Adds heat to the burners and the flame is used to ignite the gas of one reason for pilot..., sometimes it is the most common type of heating system found in around... Heat to the intermittent pilot light help to heat homes with a FAUs that an. Were very inefficient the electronic ignition systems come with a FAUs that use an electric spark then lights pilot! A heating cycle for help Hours its worth trying again to see if it most... Pilot to go on to try a different approach its common to heat in! Likely have a hot surface ignition systems that will automatically light a pilot pilot over electronic when did furnaces start using electronic ignition system such! Its worth trying again to see if it will yield more successful results the time! Low as $ 20 and even the pricier options top out at 40... Other fuel-burning appliances is no longer an option, but you can not just stick a match there... Systems come with a gravity-fed condensate piping return for the pilot wo n't light if have! Did not freeze and burst a steam boiler with a FAUs that use an spark!