Manually Start Gas Furnace with Electric Ignition During Blackout

During a power outage, gas furnaces with electric ignition systems will not operate normally. This guide provides step-by-step instructions for manually starting your gas furnace when electricity is unavailable. Below are key sections for safety precautions, preparation, step-by-step procedure, troubleshooting, and important warnings.

1. Safety Precautions 2. Preparation Steps 3. Step-by-Step Procedure 4. Troubleshooting Common Issues 5. Restoring Normal Operation 6. Important Warnings

Safety Precautions

Critical safety measures to follow before attempting manual start:

Precaution	Description
Gas leak detection	If you smell gas, do not proceed - evacuate immediately and call emergency services
Ventilation check	Ensure proper ventilation to prevent carbon monoxide buildup
Clear area	Remove flammable materials from furnace area
Proper lighting	Use battery-powered flashlight - no open flames
Carbon monoxide detector	Verify CO detector is functioning with battery backup

Preparation Steps

Gather necessary items and prepare the furnace area:

Locate furnace emergency switch: Usually red switch on wall near furnace.
Find gas shutoff valve: Identify main gas valve to furnace.
Gather tools: Flashlight, long fireplace matches or grill lighter.
Clear access: Remove any items blocking furnace access.
Check thermostat: Set to lowest temperature setting.

WARNING! Never use candles or open flames for lighting during gas furnace operation.

Step-by-Step Procedure

Follow these steps carefully to manually start your furnace:

Turn off power: Switch furnace emergency switch to OFF position.
Wait 5 minutes: Allow any accumulated gas to dissipate.
Locate pilot light: Remove front access panel to find pilot assembly.
Turn gas valve: Rotate gas control knob to PILOT position.
Light pilot: While holding down red button, use long match/lighter to ignite pilot.
Hold button: Continue holding red button for 60 seconds after ignition.
Switch to ON: Turn gas control knob from PILOT to ON position.
Restore power: Turn furnace emergency switch back to ON.
Adjust thermostat: Set to desired temperature.

CAUTION! If pilot won't stay lit after multiple attempts, stop and call professional.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Problem	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Pilot won't light	Gas valve closed/obstruction	Check main gas valve; ensure gas is flowing; clear any debris from pilot tube
Pilot lights but won't stay lit	Thermocouple issue	Hold red button longer (90 seconds); check thermocouple connection
No gas flow	Main valve closed	Verify main gas valve to furnace is fully open
Furnace doesn't start	Safety lockout	Wait 30 minutes and restart procedure from beginning
Strange odors	Dust accumulation	Normal initial odor; if gas smell persists, shut down immediately

Restoring Normal Operation

When power returns, restore automatic operation:

Turn thermostat to lowest setting.
Switch furnace emergency switch to OFF.
Wait 5 minutes.
Turn emergency switch back to ON.
Set thermostat to desired temperature.
Furnace should now operate normally with electric ignition.

Tip: Test your carbon monoxide detector after restoring power.

Important Warnings

Critical safety information and limitations:

Carbon Monoxide Risk: Never operate furnace without proper ventilation.
Professional Assistance: If unsure or uncomfortable, call HVAC technician.
Modern Furnaces: Some newer models cannot be manually started - check manufacturer instructions.
Regular Maintenance: Schedule annual furnace inspection to prevent issues.
Emergency Contacts: Keep gas company and HVAC technician numbers accessible.

WARNING! If you experience dizziness, headache, or nausea while furnace is operating, evacuate immediately and call emergency services - possible carbon monoxide leak.