Frustrated by “Pilot Fade”? Here’s What It Is & How to Fix It

Frustrated by “Pilot Fade?” Here’s What It Is & How to Fix It

When the weather gets colder, you may notice your appliances’ pilot lights struggling to stay lit or the flame appearing smaller than usual. This can be a real source of aggravation, especially when the winter months hit in North Carolina and Virginia.

This is called “pilot fade”, and it can make items like heaters, gas log sets, water heaters and other propane appliances run less reliably as time goes on. While it can feel like a major concern, it’s a common occurrence that our technicians can easily handle.

Residential Hall customer lighting a propane gas fireplace

Why Pilot Fade Gets Worse

Pilot fade doesn’t happen overnight. As your appliances run, dust and debris can build up inside the pilot light assembly. This buildup hinders propane from flowing to the pilot correctly.

The result? The flame becomes weaker and less consistent, and your appliances function less efficiently. So the longer dust and debris collect, the worse the pilot fade gets.

The Band-Aid Approach: Refilling Your Tank

It’s easy to assume pilot fade is tied to a low propane tank. We often hear “my unit goes out when the tank is below X percent.” After all, more propane in your tank means more pressure moving fuel through your system. And while that’s true, refilling your tank only provides a temporary fix, and it will get worse with time, slowly becoming completely inoperable.

Dust buildup and sensitive components inside the pilot assembly don’t clear up on their own. Until the debris is removed, the flame is likely to weaken again, even after a refill.

The Right Approach: Regular Maintenance & Service Plans

The easiest and most effective way to stop pilot fade is through regular equipment maintenance. With our propane service plans, an experienced technician performs an annual tune-up, removing dust and debris, cleaning the pilot assembly and making adjustments to keep your system running properly.

These routine checks help stop small issues from becoming big problems, especially when you need warmth most in the winter. *Maintenance is completed on burning operation assemblies. We do not clean appearance parts, only operational parts.

Service Plans Keep You Comfortable All Year Long

Don’t let a weak pilot light leave you frustrated and freezing. Hall Propane’s trained technicians can quickly remove dust and debris and make the small adjustments your system needs. Contact us about our service plans so you stay warm, safe and stress-free no matter the season.

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Frustrated by “Pilot Fade”? Here’s What It Is & How to Fix It