The middle of summer might not seem like a time to think about your furnace, but summer will soon give way to the colder air of autumn and winter when a working furnace is needed to keep warm. You should fire up your furnace for a few minutes while it is warm outside to make sure everything is in good working order. If the pilot light isn't staying on and the burners don't light when testing the furnace, you could have a bad thermocouple. The thermocouple is the device that opens the gas line to the burners so the furnace works. Here is how you can test, remove and replace a thermocouple.
Make sure you turn off the electrical power and the gas to the furnace before you start removing the thermocouple.
Locating the Thermocouple
Testing the Thermocouple
Here is how you should test the thermocouple.
Removing the Thermocouple
Remove the thermocouple by following these procedures:
Replacing the Thermocouple
You should take the old thermocouple with you to the hardware store or furnace service center. You want to make sure you get an exact replacement part for your furnace so you don't run into trouble with the installation and operation of the thermocouple.
Once you get the proper part, you can reinstall it into your furnace by sliding the thermocouple back into the bracket and tightening the screw (make sure the end of the thermocouple is positioned over the pilot light so the flame can heat up the end).
Reconnect the electrical wire and the gas line.
Restore the electrical power and open the main gas line going to the furnace. Turn the furnace on and wait a few minutes. If the burners light up and hot air starts to circulate throughout your home, you are done. Put the cover back on the furnace and go back outside to enjoy your summer day.Share