Determine That You Actually Have a Standing Pilot Gas System
Check to Make Sure You Have Fuel
Understand the Valve Function
Light the Pilot Light
Enjoy the Warmth
How To Light a Pilot Light – Standing pilot gas furnaces and water heaters are still around today even in newer homes. All the major hardware stores and HVAC dealers carry standing pilot appliances. Although a new standing pilot gas furnace or boiler is rare finds these days. Because of the move to higher efficiency models and the wide use of electronic ignition technology which improves efficiency.
Before you proceed you’ll want to determine if you actually have a standing pilot system in your HVAC furnace, boiler, or water heater.
In many cases, on many appliances, there are basic instructions on lighting it, in fact, you do have a standing pilot system. Check around the main panel or look at the gas valve itself. Sometimes, especially on older appliances, there are no instructions on it if the pilot light goes out on a standing pilot gas furnace, boiler, or water heater.
The label or sticker on the furnace, boiler, or water heater faded a long time ago and you will need to follow the instructions in this article. (more…)
What You Will Learn from this How to Wire a Thermostat Article:
the most common trouble call by service and repair HVAC companies
about thermostat wire with a resource for more information
the best advice for changing your thermostat
the most common mistakes made by DIY thermostat changers
the importance of identifying the type of HVAC system you have so you will select the proper thermostat.
advisory and disclaimer for installing a new thermostat
list of tools commonly needed to install a new thermostat
step by step instructions on changing your thermostat along with hints and tips for making the job easier
lots of extra links to other articles to make sure you completely understand everything you need to know. (and more about thermostats, thermostat wire, and installing a new thermostat)
Resource to color codes to make it easier for installation.
HVAC Indoor Air Quality Solutions - There are many different types of HVAC air filters. The most common type of HVAC air filters is the fiberglass disposable filter that you buy at most hardware or retail stores. Other types of HVAC air filters include the metal or plastic fiber type filters, which are washable.
These HVAC air filters save you money because they are washable, but some are not as efficient at filtering the air as the disposable kind, so they are not as good for HVAC indoor air quality as other alternatives. (more…)
This is a horizontal flow air handler installed in the attic. Notice the drain pan under the air handling unit to catch condensation if the primary pan were to overflow. This is the secondary condensation pan which is installed under the air handler to save a ceiling.
Also slightly visible is a float switch which offers triple protection against flooding in an attic if the primary drain were to plug up. The primary and secondary drains coming from the air handler also drain into condensation pumps. These pumps have floats inside them and a reservoir. (more…)
Superheat and Sub-cooling - In HVAC refrigeration coils and fans are used for air conditioners and heat pumps to transfer heat in one direction or another. A good HVAC technician is well versed in refrigeration. Refrigeration is defined as moving heat from one place to another. Modern air conditioners and heat pumps use a chemical refrigerant used in vapor compression refrigeration.
This chemical refrigerant has great properties for absorbing heat. What makes these chemicals so efficient is the temperature at which they change state or change from a liquid to a vapor and condense back to a liquid again. This is key to understanding superheat and subcooling. (more…)
Gas Furnace is Making Too Much Noise - Richard, my gas furnace makes a lot of noise when it is running and it is somewhat annoying and sometimes bothers me when I am sleeping. It is installed in a closet close to my bedroom. What can I do to fix this gas furnace that is making too much noise? I’m growing to hate my noisy gas furnace. Jenny
Jenny, sorry to hear about the noise your gas furnace is making. I know an overly noisy gas furnace can be irritating. All gas furnaces make some noise when operating and we can break it down into three different noises. Depending on which noise your furnace is making will depend on a fix to your furnace making too much noise. (more…)
HVAC School Education | Heating and Cooling - A solid career in HVAC career begins with a good education in a good HVAC school. You can start at different levels and work your way up with a career. As you work your way up you will want to continue your education not only to increase your skill level but also to keep up with emerging technology.
HVAC Mechanical Code Overview - Many people unfamiliar with air conditioning and heating do not know that the mechanical code regulates air conditioning and heating system installation in many municipalities. (more…)
Proper ventilation is necessary for good indoor air quality
IAQ Ventilation Basics - Indoor air pollution can be reduced and possibly eliminated by taking corrective action using a defined plan. The first step is called an IAQ audit and often requires the services of both an HVAC Test and Balance (TAB) Company and an industrial hygienist.
First of all, it must be determined where the source of pollution is coming from and then steps taken to eliminate it. Vapor barriers and foundation sealant can often be the source of indoor air pollution but other areas need to be studied to ensure they are not allowing pollution into the structure. (more…)
Oil Furnace Condensation Problems - This Oil Furnace has flue gas condensation problems as one can see from the white residue forming on the front of this oil furnace. This problem occurs when the flue gases are not hot enough to rise above and out of the flue. (more…)
HVAC Tip - Air Conditioner & Heat Pump Tips: Additional Helpful Hints:
Always change your air filter on a monthly basis
Make sure all your supply vents are open and unobstructed
Keep area clean around indoor unit especially the return grills
Keep outdoor units free of leaves, grass, and debris including trash cans and/or children's toys or playthings like small plastic pools or playhouses.
Additionally your service technician will appreciate you not planting holly bushes near the outside unit
Lastly have system serviced every six months - once for heating and once for cooling before the season starts
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This is a horizontal flow air handler installed in the attic. Notice the drain pan under the air handling unit to catch condensation if the primary pan were to overflow. This is the secondary condensation pan which is installed under the air handler to save a ceiling.
Gas Furnace is Making Too Much Noise - Richard, my gas furnace makes a lot of noise when it is running and it is somewhat annoying and sometimes bothers me when I am sleeping. It is installed in a closet close to my bedroom. What can I do to fix this gas furnace that is making too much noise? I’m growing to hate my noisy gas furnace. Jenny
HVAC School Education | Heating and Cooling - A solid career in HVAC career begins with a good education in a good HVAC school. You can start at different levels and work your way up with a career. As you work your way up you will want to continue your education not only to increase your skill level but also to keep up with emerging technology.
HVAC Mechanical Code Overview - Many people unfamiliar with air conditioning and heating do not know that the mechanical code regulates air conditioning and heating system installation in many municipalities. 
