Our Blog

Snowflake | Elite Air of Texas

My furnace pilot light won't stay lit. I need to find a furnace repair company in Granbury.

November 14, 2025

Why a Malfunctioning Pilot Light Demands Immediate Attention

My furnace pilot light won't stay lit. I need to find a furnace repair company in Granbury. This is a common problem for Texas homeowners when temperatures drop. A pilot light that keeps going out is more than an inconvenience; it can signal underlying safety issues that require professional attention.

Quick Answer: What to Do When Your Pilot Light Won't Stay Lit

  1. Check thermostat settings and ensure the gas valve is fully open.
  2. Attempt to relight the pilot following your furnace manufacturer's instructions.
  3. If it goes out again within 24 hours, contact a professional HVAC technician.
  4. Look for warning signs: a yellow flame (should be blue), gas smell, or soot buildup.
  5. Find a qualified local company with emergency services and positive reviews.

If you need comprehensive heating services in Texas, or you're ready to schedule a furnace repair in Granbury, professional help is available.

The most common culprits are a faulty thermocouple, a dirty pilot orifice, or gas supply issues. While some basic checks are possible for homeowners, most pilot light problems require professional diagnosis and repair to ensure your family's safety and restore heat to your home.

Infographic showing the five main reasons a furnace pilot light won't stay lit: faulty thermocouple preventing gas flow, dirty pilot orifice restricting flame, drafts blowing out the flame, gas pressure problems, and clogged heat exchanger affecting ventilation, with simple icons for each cause - "My furnace pilot light won't stay lit. I need to find a furnace repair company in Granbury." infographic infographic-line-5-steps-blues-accent_colors

Quick look at "My furnace pilot light won't stay lit. I need to find a furnace repair company in Granbury.":

Why Your Furnace Pilot Light Keeps Going Out

When your pilot light won't stay lit, it's your heating system signaling a problem. This small flame is key to your furnace's operation, igniting the main burners when your thermostat calls for heat. When it goes out, you're left in the cold. Fortunately, most pilot light problems have identifiable causes, and understanding them is the first step toward a solution.

Pilot light flame - "My furnace pilot light won't stay lit. I need to find a furnace repair company in Granbury."

Common Causes of a Pilot Light Failure

Understanding these common culprits can help you explain the situation when you call for professional help.

A faulty thermocouple is a primary suspect. This safety device sits in the pilot flame and signals the gas valve to stay open. If the flame goes out, the thermocouple cools and shuts the gas valve, preventing dangerous gas buildup. However, these parts can wear out, get dirty, or shift. When that happens, the thermocouple shuts off the gas supply even when the pilot is lit.

A dirty pilot orifice is another common issue. This tiny opening delivers gas to the pilot light and can become clogged with dust and carbon deposits. A blockage restricts gas flow, creating a weak, flickering flame that is easily extinguished.

A weak flame is a clear red flag. A healthy pilot flame should be steady and blue. A yellow or flickering flame may not be hot enough to keep the thermocouple engaged. This can be caused by low gas pressure or a blocked orifice.

Gas regulator problems are more complex. The regulator controls the gas pressure to your furnace. If it malfunctions, the pressure might be too low to sustain a strong pilot flame. This issue requires professional diagnosis and specialized equipment.

A clogged heat exchanger can create a domino effect. A severe clog restricts airflow and causes pressure changes inside the furnace, which can blow out a weak pilot flame. This is a serious problem that requires a professional.

Simple DIY Checks You Can Perform Safely

Before calling for help, here are a few safe checks you can perform.

First, check your thermostat settings. Ensure it's set to "Heat" and the target temperature is higher than the current room temperature.

Next, inspect your gas valve, usually located near the furnace. The handle should be parallel to the gas pipe, indicating it's fully open. If it's perpendicular, it's closed.

Look for drafts around your furnace. A strong breeze from a nearby window or vent can sometimes blow out the pilot flame.

If you try relighting the pilot, always follow your manufacturer's instructions, which are typically on a label inside the furnace access panel. If you are uncomfortable at any point, stop and call a professional.

If you relight the pilot but it goes out again within a day, it indicates a deeper problem. If My furnace pilot light won't stay lit. I need to find a furnace repair company in Granbury describes your situation, it's time for an expert to diagnose and fix the underlying issue.

My furnace pilot light won't stay lit. I need to find a furnace repair company in Granbury.

When your pilot light won't stay lit despite attempts to relight it, the problem requires professional hands. Losing heat in your Granbury home is unsettling, and your family's comfort and safety are paramount. Knowing when to call for help—and how to find the right help—is crucial.

Professional HVAC technician inspecting a furnace - "My furnace pilot light won't stay lit. I need to find a furnace repair company in Granbury."

Signs It's Time to Call a Professional

Here are clear signals that it's time to seek professional heating repair in Granbury:

If your pilot relights but won't stay on, it almost always points to a faulty thermocouple or an underlying gas supply issue. Repeatedly relighting it is unsafe and won't solve the problem.

A yellow or flickering pilot flame is a major warning sign. A healthy pilot is a steady blue flame. A yellow or orange flame indicates incomplete combustion, which can produce dangerous carbon monoxide.

Soot buildup around the furnace also signals incomplete combustion and a potential carbon monoxide risk. If you see black, sooty deposits, do not wait for the problem to worsen.

Smelling gas or unusual odors requires immediate action. If you detect the rotten egg smell of natural gas, turn off your furnace and gas supply, evacuate your home, and then call your gas company and a professional. Gas leaks are emergencies.

Strange noises from your furnace, such as grinding, banging, or squealing, indicate that mechanical parts are failing. These issues can lead to bigger breakdowns and should be addressed promptly.

How to Choose the Right Furnace Repair Company in Granbury

When searching for "My furnace pilot light won't stay lit. I need to find a furnace repair company in Granbury," you need a reliable partner.

A local service area is important. A company serving Granbury and nearby communities understands local climate challenges and can respond faster.

Positive customer reviews from other Granbury homeowners offer honest insight into a company's service quality and professionalism.

Emergency services availability is critical, as furnaces often fail at the worst possible times. Access to emergency heating repair provides essential peace of mind.

Service guarantees show a company's confidence in its work. Look for warranties on repairs and parts, which protect your investment.

Comprehensive heating services, from maintenance to installation, indicate a depth of expertise. This means you have a single trusted team for any heating issue.

When you're ready to restore warmth and comfort to your Granbury home, we're here with expert heating services you can count on.

How to Prepare for Your Furnace Repair Appointment

You've made the smart decision to call for professional help. A few simple preparations can help the repair appointment go smoothly and get your Granbury home warm again faster.

Clear and accessible furnace area in a basement - "My furnace pilot light won't stay lit. I need to find a furnace repair company in Granbury."

Getting Your Home Ready for the Technician

The easier it is to access your furnace, the faster the problem can be diagnosed and fixed.

Clear a path to the furnace. Please move any boxes, storage items, or other obstacles from the area around your furnace so the technician can work freely and safely.

Make a note of the problem's history. Your observations are valuable. Jot down when the problem started, any unusual sounds or smells you've noticed, and how often the pilot light goes out. These details can help the technician pinpoint the root cause faster.

Secure any pets in another room. For everyone's safety, it's best to keep pets away from the work area. This prevents accidents and reduces stress for both your pet and the technician.

My furnace pilot light won't stay lit. I need to find a furnace repair company in Granbury.: Key Questions to Ask

An informed homeowner is an empowered one. Don't hesitate to ask our technician questions to understand the repair.

What is the cause of the issue? Ask for a clear explanation of what went wrong. We'll explain the diagnosis in plain English.

How can this be prevented in the future? Once the problem is fixed, we can provide tips to help you avoid a repeat issue, such as scheduling regular maintenance.

What was involved in the repair? We will walk you through the work performed, including any parts that were cleaned or replaced, so you are fully informed.

Do you offer a maintenance plan? Regular maintenance is the best way to prevent small issues from becoming big problems. Ask about our plans to keep your system running smoothly and give you peace of mind.

The Importance of Regular Furnace Maintenance for Your Granbury Home

When my furnace pilot light won't stay lit. I need to find a furnace repair company in Granbury becomes your reality, it's often a sign that your system is overdue for professional care. For Granbury homeowners, routine furnace maintenance is a smart investment in comfort, safety, and long-term savings. Preventative care goes a long way toward keeping your home warm and your family safe during chilly Texas winters.

Technician performing furnace maintenance - "My furnace pilot light won't stay lit. I need to find a furnace repair company in Granbury."

Benefits of an Annual Furnace Tune-Up

An annual furnace tune-up is a comprehensive wellness check for your heating system that provides peace of mind.

Preventing unexpected breakdowns is a key benefit. During a tune-up, we catch and address small problems before they lead to a furnace failure on the coldest night of the year.

Safe operation is non-negotiable. We perform critical safety checks for gas leaks, proper ventilation, and carbon monoxide levels, and we verify that all safety devices are functioning correctly.

Improved heating efficiency saves you money. By cleaning components and optimizing settings, we ensure your system runs at peak efficiency, lowering your monthly utility bills.

Regular maintenance extends your furnace's lifespan. A well-cared-for furnace can last 15-20 years or more, making annual service a small investment compared to the cost of premature replacement.

For more information, visit our page on heating services.

My furnace pilot light won't stay lit. I need to find a furnace repair company in Granbury.: How Maintenance Prevents This Issue

Regular maintenance directly targets the common causes of pilot light failure.

Cleaning the pilot orifice ensures a strong, steady blue flame by removing dirt and carbon buildup that can restrict gas flow.

Inspecting the thermocouple is crucial. We check that this safety device is clean, correctly positioned, and free of corrosion to ensure it senses the pilot flame properly.

Checking gas pressure verifies that your furnace receives gas at the manufacturer's specified pressure, preventing a flame that is too weak or erratic.

Ensuring all components are working correctly is part of our holistic approach. We inspect the heat exchanger, ventilation, and electrical connections to catch indirect problems before they affect your pilot light or overall furnace operation.

Frequently Asked Questions about Furnace Pilot Lights

When your furnace pilot light acts up, it's natural to have questions. Here are answers to the most common concerns we hear from Granbury homeowners.

Is it dangerous if my pilot light won't stay lit?

Yes, it can be. A pilot light that repeatedly goes out is a warning sign. The issue could be a faulty thermocouple, which is a safety device designed to shut off the gas supply if the flame is out. If it fails, it could allow unignited gas to accumulate.

Another critical concern is carbon monoxide (CO). A yellow or flickering pilot flame or soot buildup indicates incomplete combustion, which produces this colorless, odorless, and highly dangerous gas. This is why the search "My furnace pilot light won't stay lit. I need to find a furnace repair company in Granbury." should prompt immediate professional attention. Don't risk your family's safety.

How often should I have my furnace inspected?

We recommend a professional furnace inspection and maintenance service at least once a year. The best time to schedule this is in the fall, before the heating season begins. An annual tune-up allows a technician to catch potential issues, like a dirty pilot orifice or a failing thermocouple, before they leave you in the cold. Regular maintenance ensures your system runs safely and efficiently, saving you money and preventing emergency repairs.

What is the difference between a standing pilot light and electronic ignition?

Your furnace's ignition system affects how it operates and the types of issues it may have.

Standing pilot light systems, found in older furnaces, use a small flame that burns continuously to ignite the main burners when heat is needed. This is the type of system that experiences classic pilot light problems. The constantly burning flame also uses a small but steady amount of gas.

Electronic ignition systems are used in modern, high-efficiency furnaces. They use an electronic spark or a hot surface igniter to light the burners only when the thermostat calls for heat. This on-demand system is more energy-efficient. While they don't have pilot light issues, their igniters can fail over time.

Our technicians can identify your system type and explain how to keep it running smoothly.

Your Trusted Partner for Furnace Repair in Granbury

When you're searching "My furnace pilot light won't stay lit. I need to find a furnace repair company in Granbury," we know you're not just looking for a quick fix—you're looking for someone you can count on. At Elite Air Texas, we've made it our mission to be that trusted partner for Granbury homeowners, understanding that your comfort and safety aren't things you want to gamble on.

We've built our reputation right here in the communities we serve, from Granbury to Aledo, Weatherford, and Fort Worth. Our team doesn't just show up with tools and technical know-how—we arrive with a genuine commitment to solving your furnace problems with professional repair that lasts. Whether it's those frustrating pilot light issues or a more complex heating challenge, we treat every home as if it were our own.

What sets us apart? We believe in giving you choices and peace of mind. That's why we offer free second opinions—because sometimes you just need a fresh set of expert eyes to confirm you're making the right decision. And when we complete your repair, we stand behind our work with an impressive 10-year labor warranty. That's not just a promise; it's a guarantee that we're invested in your long-term comfort, not just a one-time service call.

We also understand that quality service shouldn't break the bank. As a Platinum Vendor, we can offer significant savings—up to 35% off select units—making affordable comfort more than just a tagline. It's our commitment to ensuring every Granbury family can stay warm without worrying about their budget.

Don't spend another night wondering if your pilot light will stay on or if you'll wake up to a cold house. Our experienced technicians are ready to bring reliable warmth back to your home with the elite service you deserve.

Contact us for expert heating repair today, and let's get your furnace working the way it should. Your comfort is our priority, and we're here whenever you need us.

Heating | Elite Air of TexasSnowflake | Elite Air of Texas

Ready to Enhance Your Comfort?

Contact our experts today to discover tailored HVAC solutions that fit your needs perfectly.

Healthy Home | Elite Air of Texas
Orange Wavy Element | Elite Air of Texas