Tempstar Furnace Pilot Light: Troubleshooting, Relighting, and Maintenance

The pilot light on a Tempstar furnace is the small flame that ignites the burner and keeps the heating system running. This article explains what the pilot light does, how to safely relight it, common causes for outages, diagnostic steps, and maintenance tips to keep a Tempstar furnace operating reliably. Readers will find clear troubleshooting guidance and advice on when to contact a licensed HVAC technician.

Topic	Quick Summary
What Is A Pilot Light	Small flame that ignites the main burner on older Tempstar furnaces
Common Causes Of Going Out	Drafts, dirt, faulty thermocouple, gas supply, or safety switches
Relighting Steps	Turn gas to pilot, depress control, use built-in igniter or match, hold for 30–60 seconds
When To Call A Pro	Persistent outages, gas smell, faulty parts, or complex diagnostics

What The Tempstar Furnace Pilot Light Does

The pilot light provides a continuous ignition source for the furnace burner on many older Tempstar gas furnaces. When the thermostat calls for heat, the pilot lights the main burners so the furnace can produce warm air. Newer furnaces use electronic ignition systems; the pilot light is most relevant to standing-pilot Tempstar models.

Identifying Pilot Light Models And Ignition Type

Tempstar furnaces may use one of three ignition systems: standing pilot (continuous flame), intermittent spark, or hot surface ignition. The phrase “pilot light” specifically applies to standing-pilot systems.

How To Confirm A Standing Pilot

Locate the control compartment on the furnace, usually near the burner assembly. A standing pilot has a constant small flame and a manual gas control knob labeled “Off,” “Pilot,” and “On.”

Safety First: Precautions Before Working On The Pilot Light

Working with gas and combustion equipment involves risk. Before inspecting or relighting a Tempstar furnace pilot light, turn off the furnace, avoid open flames near a gas odor, ensure adequate ventilation, and follow the manufacturer’s label instructions. If a persistent gas smell exists, leave the home immediately and call the gas utility or 911.

Common Reasons A Tempstar Furnace Pilot Light Goes Out

• Drafts Or Wind: Air movement can blow out the small flame.
• Dirty Pilot Orifice: Dust and debris can obstruct the pilot jet, starving the flame.
• Faulty Thermocouple: The thermocouple senses flame and keeps the gas valve open; failure will shut off gas.
• Weak Gas Pressure: Issues with the supply or regulator reduce flow to the pilot.
• Faulty Gas Control Valve: Internal defects can prevent the pilot from staying lit.
• Venting Problems: Poor exhaust or backdrafting can extinguish the pilot.
• Frequent Cycling Or Short Runs: Mechanical issues causing rapid on/off cycles can stress components.

Step-By-Step: How To Relight A Tempstar Furnace Pilot Light

Only attempt relighting if no gas odor is present and the unit is designed for a standing pilot. Follow the owner’s manual for the specific Tempstar model; the procedure below reflects common Tempstar pilot relighting steps.

1. Turn The Thermostat To OFF And Allow The Furnace To Cool For Several Minutes.
2. Locate The Gas Control Knob On The Furnace And Turn It To OFF. Wait Five Minutes To Clear Any Residual Gas.
3. Set The Gas Control To PILOT. Depress The Knob And Use The Built-In Piezo Igniter Or A Long Match/Lighter To Ignite The Pilot.
4. Keep The Knob Depressed For 30–60 Seconds After The Pilot Lights To Ensure The Thermocouple Heats Up.
5. Release The Knob; The Pilot Should Stay Lit. If It Goes Out Immediately, Repeat Once. If It Still Does Not Stay Lit, Stop And Proceed To Troubleshooting.
6. Turn The Control To ON And Restore The Thermostat To HEAT.

Troubleshooting When The Pilot Won’t Stay Lit

If the pilot lights but will not stay lit, investigate the following potential causes in a logical sequence to isolate the issue.

Check For Drafts And Ventilation Problems

Ensure the furnace area is free of strong drafts, blocked vents, or exhaust obstructions. Closing nearby doors temporarily can help diagnose a draft problem.

Inspect And Clean The Pilot Orifice

Deposit buildup can narrow the orifice. A careful cleaning with compressed air or a specialized pilot-cleaning tool can restore flow. Avoid enlarging the orifice or using harsh tools that could damage components.

Test And Replace The Thermocouple

The thermocouple produces a small millivolt signal when heated by the pilot flame. If faulty, it will not keep the gas valve open. Typical troubleshooting includes ensuring the pilot flame fully envelops the thermocouple tip; if replacement is needed, select a Tempstar-compatible thermocouple and follow instructions or hire a pro.

Evaluate Gas Pressure And Supply

Low gas pressure from the utility or a faulty regulator can prevent a stable pilot. Signs may include weak flame or burner issues. Diagnosing gas pressure generally requires a qualified technician with gauge equipment.

Inspect The Gas Control Valve

A malfunctioning gas control valve can cause pilot failure. Valve replacement involves handling gas connections and should be performed by a licensed technician for safety and code compliance.

Maintenance Tips To Prevent Pilot Light Problems

• Schedule Annual Furnace Service: A professional inspection and cleaning reduce pilot and burner issues.
• Replace Air Filters Regularly: While not direct to the pilot, cleaner airflow reduces dust that can reach the pilot assembly.
• Keep The Area Clear: Avoid storage or debris near the furnace that can create drafts or obstructions.
• Inspect Venting And Chimney: Ensure exhaust pathways are clear to prevent backdrafting and flame outages.
• Watch For Corrosion: Replace corroded pilot tubing or brackets promptly.

When To Call A Licensed HVAC Technician

Contact a licensed HVAC technician when relighting fails more than once, if there is any smell of gas, if components like the thermocouple or gas valve require replacement, or when complex diagnostics such as gas pressure checks or venting inspections are needed. Technicians ensure safe repairs and compliance with local codes.

Estimated Costs For Pilot Light Repairs And Parts

Costs vary by region and job complexity. Typical ranges include a service visit $75–$200, thermocouple replacement $50–$150 parts plus labor, and gas control or valve replacement $200–$600 depending on the Tempstar model and parts availability. Always request itemized estimates from contractors.

How To Identify Tempstar Model Information

Find the model and serial number on the furnace nameplate inside the access panel. Model information helps technicians source correct replacement parts for pilot assemblies, thermocouples, or gas valves.

Safety Signs That Require Immediate Action

• Persistent Gas Odor: Evacuate and call the gas utility or emergency services.
• Unusual Noises: Loud popping or hissing may indicate combustion or gas issues.
• Frequent Pilot Failures: Repeated outages suggest a systemic safety or component problem.

Frequently Asked Questions About Tempstar Furnace Pilot Lights

Is It Normal For The Pilot To Go Out Occasionally?

Occasional pilot outages can occur from drafts, power outages, or brief interruptions. Frequent outages point to a problem requiring inspection.

Can A Homeowner Replace A Thermocouple?

Technically possible for a capable DIYer with gas experience, but replacing gas-related parts is best left to licensed technicians to ensure safety and code compliance.

Should A Pilot Light Be Blue?

A healthy pilot flame is mostly blue with a small inner lighter-blue cone. A yellow or flickering flame suggests combustion issues or contamination and should be evaluated.

When Should The Pilot Be Converted To Electronic Ignition?

Converting to electronic ignition reduces standing gas use and maintenance. Conversion depends on furnace age, cost, and compatibility; consult a qualified HVAC professional for options and cost-benefit analysis.

Relevant Resources And Warranty Considerations

Check the Tempstar owner’s manual and the manufacturer’s website for model-specific procedures and parts diagrams. Warranty coverage may apply to certain components; retain service records and the original purchase information when seeking warranty claims.

Key Takeaways For Tempstar Furnace Pilot Light Care

• Safety First: Always check for gas odor and follow manufacturer instructions.
• Routine Maintenance: Annual service prevents many pilot-related failures.
• Know When To Call A Pro: Persistent issues, gas-related repairs, or component replacements require licensed technicians.

For persistent problems or uncertainty, scheduling a certified HVAC service visit ensures safe diagnosis and repair of a Tempstar furnace pilot light and related systems.