Can a pilot light give off carbon monoxide?

Carbon monoxide is only produced when fuel of any type; oil, gas, wood or coal is burned. And a pilot light out of adjustment can produce carbon monoxide gas. The amount produced by even a badly maladjusted pilot is small because the flame size is also small.

How much carbon monoxide does a pilot light produce?

Also, a typical pilot light can generate 450 pounds of carbon dioxide – a greenhouse gas — over a six-month period. If an appliance isn’t needed for a long period of time, its pilot light may be extinguished to save energy, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and reduce the risk of fire or explosion.

Is it safe to have the pilot light on?

Generally speaking, it is safe to leave your continuous pilot light on at all times, assuming it stays lit (more on this in a moment). While it does cost more to keep your pilot light on in between uses, it can actually have some benefits to your system.

What happens when your pilot light goes out?

The worry here is that when a pilot goes out, the gas valve that supplies the fuel for the pilot flame could still be pumping gas. This can mean a buildup of gas, and when the pilot is relit or relights itself, it could result in a very serious explosion. If you notice a gas smell, do not attempt to relight the pilot!

Can you smell gas from a pilot light?

Note that it is totally normal on automatic pilots (pilots that do NOT stay lit all the time) to smell a little natural gas when the are first turned on. A little gas will escape as the pilot and burners light on your heat or appliance.

Do I need to turn gas off if pilot light goes out?

If the pilot light goes out, you can relight it after the gas is shut off using a match or the unit’s electronic ignitor if it has one, following the proper safety precautions. If your gas is shut off, turn the gas shutoff valves on all gas appliances to the “off” position until the gas service is restored.

Is my pilot light too high?

Next to the “Pilot” indicator on the furnace’s control switch, there is a small screw located near the pilot light-thermocouple assembly. If it extends well above the thermocouple, it’s too strong. If the flame covers the top of the thermocouple and burns steadily with a yellow tip, that’s just about right.

Can a gas fireplace cause carbon monoxide poisoning?

Yes, gas fireplaces are one potential cause of carbon monoxide poisoning. An improperly maintained or ventilated gas fireplace can create incomplete combustion, creating carbon monoxide, and causing this toxic gas to linger—putting those inside at risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.

Will gas leak if pilot light goes out?

If the pilot light goes out on a storage or instantaneous hot water heater, space heater or a ducted heater, you will not have a gas leak. This is because all modern gas appliances with pilot lights have a fail-safe device that closes off the gas to the appliance in the case when the pilot may go out.

What does LP smell like?

Recognizing the Smell of Propane Propane has a strong unpleasant smell like rotten eggs, a skunk’s spray, or a dead animal. Propane manufacturers add the smell deliberately to help alert customers to propane leaks, which can create a safety hazard.