If your furnace pilot light keeps going out, first turn the gas control knob to “Off,” wait five minutes, and relight on “Pilot.” If the flame won’t hold, the cause is often a weak thermocouple, dust blockage, or damp airflow. Follansbee’s humid valley setting and older duplex basements make pilot light instability especially common.
Follansbee homeowners know that the Ohio River’s valley air brings both moisture and drafts—two conditions that don’t mix well with gas furnaces. Many homes along Allegheny Street and in Hooverson Heights were built before sealed combustion became standard, meaning their pilot systems are more exposed to dampness. Fluctuating temperatures near the river also increase condensation, which can cause corrosion on pilot assemblies or intermittent flame failure.
Pilot light problems usually trace back to gas flow or sensor reliability. In Follansbee’s humid basements, moisture buildup often rusts the pilot tip, causing a weak or yellow flame. Homes with shared flues or aging vent caps can also experience backdrafts that extinguish the light. A faulty thermocouple may falsely read that the flame is out, cutting gas to the burner. Honest Fix technicians frequently see this combination of moisture and aging parts in homes near the Brooke High School area.
Furnace pilot light repairs in Follansbee typically range from $120 to $250, depending on the part and age of the unit. Cleaning or replacing the thermocouple usually restores consistent ignition. Honest Fix technicians test for CO safety and check gas pressure stability during every visit. To prevent future issues, homeowners should dehumidify basements, seal vent openings, and schedule yearly maintenance before heavy furnace use each fall.
High humidity can reduce flame strength. Installing a vent hood or using a small dehumidifier near the furnace can help stabilize it.
Yes. Shared chimneys or unsealed flues in duplexes can cause competing airflow, which affects pilot flame consistency.
Yes—just follow the safety instructions carefully and wait several minutes after shutting off the gas before relighting.
Exact HVAC replacement quotes available at (740) 825-9408 or HonestFix.com/schedule-service.
Author: Alex Largent