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    hwestern's Avatar
    hwestern Posts: 2, Reputation: 1
    New Member
    		  
    #1

    Jan 28, 2011, 01:29 PM
    Any danger in using propane lighter to light pilot light in gas furnace?
    Our furnace is "forced air heat" - a gas furnace that is in the garage, and the pilot light keeps going out which we do have someone coming to fix it. In the meantime, my husband has been using a "flame thrower" to light it, (that's what I call this device
    He's using) as it's a small canister that's propane filled, and literally blows an extended flame out of the end of it.

    This seems EXTREMELY dangerous to me, what would your advice be?
    Is this actually safe?
    Or this just a horrible accident waiting to happen?

    Your input would be greatly appreciated.

    Thank you.
    Sharon
    T-Top's Avatar
    T-Top Posts: 1,871, Reputation: 100
    Ultra Member
    		  
    #2

    Jan 28, 2011, 06:11 PM
    A pilot light not staying lit can be a easy fix or a major problem. Its one of your first safety controls in the system to let you know if you have a problem. If its not staying lit it may be a bad thermocouple-- quick fix and cheap part. But a hole in the heat exchanger will also blow the pilot out. Hole in heat exchanger = Flame rollout on burners and or carbon monoxide poisioning each can equal death. This info is not to scare you but to let you know you could have a serious problem that can multiply problems.
    hwestern's Avatar
    hwestern Posts: 2, Reputation: 1
    New Member
    		  
    #3

    Jan 29, 2011, 07:39 PM
    Comment on T-Top's post
    T-Top, thank you very much for your help. And yep, a carbon monoxide detector is in order since you've helped
    Me realize too how important it is. Thanks again.
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