If your furnace pilot light keeps going out, start by turning the gas control knob to “Off” and waiting five minutes before relighting. If it won’t stay lit, the cause may be a dirty pilot tube, faulty thermocouple, or a basement draft. These are especially common in Toronto’s older riverfront homes built before modern venting standards.
Toronto’s hillside and river-level homes face unique heating challenges. Many houses near Franklin Street, Clark Hawn Road, and Ridge Avenue still rely on natural draft furnaces installed decades ago. Because of older masonry foundations and lower ceilings, airflow in these basements can change quickly with outside pressure, making pilot lights more vulnerable to flickering or going out during sudden weather shifts from the Ohio River valley.
A failing pilot flame usually points to a blocked or dirty pilot orifice, weak thermocouple signal, or gas pressure inconsistencies. In Toronto, humidity from the river and condensation in basement walls often corrode pilot assemblies and burner ports. Homes with older venting systems can also experience “backdrafting,” where cold air pushes down the flue and snuffs out the flame. If the pilot burns yellow or unevenly, it may need cleaning and realignment by a licensed technician.
Basic pilot light repairs in Toronto generally cost between $125 and $250, depending on furnace age and location. Honest Fix technicians clean the assembly, test CO output, and check gas flow consistency from Columbia Gas. To prevent repeat outages, homeowners should seal wall penetrations, install a flue cap, and schedule annual furnace tune-ups—particularly for homes near the river where moisture and air pressure shift more often than inland neighborhoods.
River gusts can force air back through vent pipes, blowing out the flame. Installing a vent cap or adjusting the flue can help stabilize airflow.
Not always, but upgrading to a modern electronic ignition system improves safety, reliability, and fuel efficiency.
Yes. High humidity accelerates rust and corrosion on the pilot assembly, weakening the flame over time.
Exact HVAC replacement quotes available at (740) 825-9408 or HonestFix.com/schedule-service.
Author: Alex Largent