JoeFerguson Posted March 15, 2010 Share Posted March 15, 2010 I bought a house two weeks ago that I haven't moved in yet. It is currently vacant. I got a call from the power company saying that the power was off last night for 3 hours. I have a natural gas furnace that is "energy efficient" (whatever that means) and it was installed in 1986. 1) Does my furnace have a pilot light? 2) Do I need to worry about my house filling up with gas if the power went out for three hours? 3) Should I rush home right now to check it? Thanks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Movinon Posted March 15, 2010 Share Posted March 15, 2010 I bought a house two weeks ago that I haven't moved in yet. It is currently vacant. I got a call from the power company saying that the power was off last night for 3 hours. I have a natural gas furnace that is "energy efficient" (whatever that means) and it was installed in 1986. 1) Does my furnace have a pilot light? 2) Do I need to worry about my house filling up with gas if the power went out for three hours? 3) Should I rush home right now to check it? Thanks. 1) Yes 2) No, not unless you have leaks in your lines 3) If it makes you feel better....just don't light any candles Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aussiew Posted March 15, 2010 Share Posted March 15, 2010 The pilot light will stay lit even if your electricity goes out. I think the furnace (and the water heater) only need power for the electronc ignition (to turn the units on). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Tomcat Posted March 15, 2010 Share Posted March 15, 2010 I agree with Aussie.....but to be sure, enter the house with a nice cigar! (jk...you'd be able to smell any issues in which case get the hell out of there and call the fire department!) No worries mate' Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beerball Posted March 15, 2010 Share Posted March 15, 2010 The pilot light will stay lit even if your electricity goes out. I think the furnace (and the water heater) only need power for the electronc ignition (to turn the units on). What's this? A dame giving home improvement advice! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JoeFerguson Posted March 15, 2010 Author Share Posted March 15, 2010 Thanks everyone! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aussiew Posted March 15, 2010 Share Posted March 15, 2010 What's this? A dame giving home improvement advice! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Tomcat Posted March 15, 2010 Share Posted March 15, 2010 What's this? A dame giving home improvement advice! Oh no you didn't! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alaska Darin Posted March 15, 2010 Share Posted March 15, 2010 I bought a house two weeks ago that I haven't moved in yet. It is currently vacant. I got a call from the power company saying that the power was off last night for 3 hours. I have a natural gas furnace that is "energy efficient" (whatever that means) and it was installed in 1986. 1) Does my furnace have a pilot light? 2) Do I need to worry about my house filling up with gas if the power went out for three hours? 3) Should I rush home right now to check it? Thanks. If your furnace was installed in 1986, it's in no way "energy efficient". Be prepared to replace it in the not too distant future because it's pretty much past its useful life. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
realtruelove Posted March 20, 2010 Share Posted March 20, 2010 If your furnace was installed in 1986, it's in no way "energy efficient". Be prepared to replace it in the not too distant future because it's pretty much past its useful life. I agree with Darin. If it has electronic ignition then there is no pilot. the burner is ignited electronically. If it it has a pilot, there is a chance pilot will remain lit even with the power off. You should investigate this so you are prepared in the future for power failure events. No need to worry however. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BuffaloBill Posted March 20, 2010 Share Posted March 20, 2010 I bought a house two weeks ago that I haven't moved in yet. It is currently vacant. I got a call from the power company saying that the power was off last night for 3 hours. I have a natural gas furnace that is "energy efficient" (whatever that means) and it was installed in 1986. 1) Does my furnace have a pilot light? 2) Do I need to worry about my house filling up with gas if the power went out for three hours? 3) Should I rush home right now to check it? Thanks. Code requires pilot lights and possibly an auto- offf if not a pilot light. Otherwise vacant houses would be blowing up all over the place. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chef Jim Posted March 20, 2010 Share Posted March 20, 2010 Code requires pilot lights and possibly an auto- offf if not a pilot light. Otherwise vacant houses would be blowing up all over the place. Now that would be fricken cool and a great way to reduce the inventory and help the housing market. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts