Quick Answer
If your furnace pilot light keeps going out, first turn the gas control knob to “Off” and wait at least five minutes before relighting. If it still won’t hold, the cause is usually a dirty pilot tube, worn thermocouple, or basement draft. In New Cumberland’s older river-hill homes, humidity and gas conversions often contribute to unreliable pilot flames.
Why This Matters for New Cumberland Homes
Many homes in New Cumberland sit along steep streets like Ridge Avenue, Liberty Street, and Court Street, where basements tend to stay cool and damp. During the 1970s and 1980s, numerous houses converted from oil to natural gas heat. These legacy systems often use open pilot designs more sensitive to moisture and airflow. River-hill winds and fluctuating temperatures can cause backdrafting that snuffs out the flame, leaving homes without heat on the coldest nights.
Frequent Pilot Light Problems in New Cumberland
Pilot failure often begins with contamination or sensor wear. Dust, rust, or residual oil from older systems can block the pilot opening, reducing flame strength. A weak thermocouple may misread the flame and shut off gas prematurely. Basements near the Ohio River are particularly prone to condensation, which corrodes connections over time. Honest Fix technicians frequently encounter these symptoms during winter inspections throughout Hancock County.
- Dust, rust, or oil residue blocking the pilot opening
- Weak thermocouple failing to detect the flame
- Condensation corroding pilot connections and sensors
- Backdrafting caused by fluctuating river-hill winds
- Moisture-related pilot flame instability in damp basements
Repair and Prevention Recommendations
Typical pilot light repairs in New Cumberland cost between $125 and $250, including cleaning and part replacement. Honest Fix technicians test gas pressure, inspect vent seals, and verify carbon monoxide safety before relighting any system. Homeowners can prevent relighting issues by sealing basement windows, maintaining dehumidifiers, and scheduling annual tune-ups. For oil-to-gas conversions, upgrading to an electronic ignition system adds reliability and reduces ongoing pilot problems.
- Seal basement windows and wall penetrations
- Use a dehumidifier to control basement moisture
- Schedule annual furnace tune-ups before winter
- Upgrade to an electronic ignition system for oil-to-gas conversions
FAQs
Why does my pilot light go out on damp days?
Humidity in New Cumberland basements can weaken the flame and corrode metal components. A dehumidifier helps reduce moisture around the furnace.
Do converted oil furnaces need special maintenance?
Yes. Older conversion burners can leave residue in the pilot assembly, requiring more frequent cleaning.
Can hillside winds blow out the pilot flame?
They can. Installing a vent hood or flue cap prevents backdrafting from strong winds off the river hills.
Exact HVAC replacement quotes available at (740) 825-9408 or HonestFix.com/schedule-service.
Author: Alex Largent
Alex Largent
Alex Largent is the Owner and Senior HVAC Efficiency Analyst at Honest Fix Heating, Cooling & Plumbing. With more than 20 years of field experience, NATE and EPA certifications, and a hands-on leadership style, Alex teaches his team to fix systems right the first time — with transparency, precision, and no upsells. He writes about HVAC diagnostics, home energy efficiency, and practical maintenance advice for homeowners across the Upper Ohio Valley. Read Alex Largent's full bio at "honestfix.com/about/alex-largent" to learn more about his expertise in the HVAC/Plumbing Industry. Updated October 2025
