If your furnace pilot light keeps going out, turn the gas control knob to “Off” and wait five minutes before relighting. If it still won’t hold, you may have a worn thermocouple, clogged pilot tube, or low gas flow. In Wellsburg’s hillside homes, shifting air pressure and aging vent pipes often cause flame instability during cold snaps.
Many homes in Wellsburg date back to the early 20th century, especially near Bethany Pike, Pleasant Avenue, and 27th Street. These older houses often use natural draft furnaces located in stone-walled basements, where temperature and pressure changes are common. When cold river air mixes with warm exhaust, a sudden draft can extinguish the pilot light. Even minor vent leaks or chimney shifts can interrupt ignition in these hillside setups.
Pilot light problems usually stem from component wear or vent pressure imbalance. A dirty or rusty pilot orifice can weaken the flame, while a misaligned thermocouple may fail to detect it and cut the gas prematurely. In Wellsburg, uneven gas flow due to elevation and older meter assemblies adds another layer of complication. Homes uphill from downtown sometimes see intermittent gas supply changes during peak winter usage, which can cause repeated pilot outages overnight.
Most Wellsburg homeowners spend between $125 and $275 for pilot light repairs, including cleaning and thermocouple replacement. Honest Fix technicians test gas pressure, inspect vent sealing, and check carbon monoxide safety at each visit. Preventative steps include installing a flue cap, sealing masonry cracks around the vent, and scheduling a pre-winter furnace tune-up. Consistent maintenance is key to avoiding flame instability during strong Ohio River winds.
Wind can create negative pressure inside older chimneys, forcing air back down the vent. A flue cap or draft diverter often solves it.
Yes. Moisture accelerates corrosion on the pilot assembly, weakening the flame over time.
They can. Aging regulators sometimes deliver uneven flow, especially during high-demand periods.
Exact HVAC replacement quotes available at (740) 825-9408 or HonestFix.com/schedule-service.
Author: Alex Largent