Pilot Light Is the pilot light on my stove always on?
I live in an older apartment building and I have a gas stove and a gas furnace, does the pilot light always stay on in the stove and furnace? Is this safe?
Yes, the pilot light is always on and Yes it is safe.
In fact, it's when the pilot light goes OUT that you are in danger.
With a gas stove and furnace, the gas is never completely shut off. Natural gas is considered to be too dangerous for people to turn on, then light by themselves. I'm sure you have seen a lot of the old time cartoons where someone will turn on the gas stove, and the cartoon hero (Sylveter the Cat, Bugs Bunny, or whomever) will blow out the match before the stove can be lit. The gas builds up so much that when a match is finally lit, there is a massive explosion.
The cartoon characters can't get hurt, but you can.
Leaving the pilot light on all the time also makes it easier when you want to turn the heat on, or use the stove. You will have the flame already available, all you need to do is turn the thermostat up, or turn the stove knob to where you want it.
If you smell natural gas in your home (smells kinda like rotten eggs), first open all your windows, then look to see if the pilot light is on in your stove. If it is, or if you can't see it, GET OUT OF THE HOUSE FIRST. Then call either your landlord or the gas company for help.
Do not use your house phone or a cell phone inside the house if you smell gas. The electricity from the phone, or from turning the tv or lights on or off could create a miniscule spark that would be just enough to ignite the gas and cause an explosion.
As long as your pilot lights are burning strong and steady all is well.
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