If you have an older furnace, you may have a standing pilot light — a continuously burning flame that lights the main burners when heat is called. Every furnace made in the last 25+ years uses electronic ignition instead. Understanding the difference helps you diagnose older furnace problems and understand why modern equipment is superior.
Standing Pilot Light
A standing pilot burns continuously, 24/7, whether the furnace is heating or not. A thermocouple sits in the flame — it generates a small voltage that holds the gas valve open. If the pilot blows out, the thermocouple cools, voltage drops, and the gas valve closes for safety.
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Common problems: failing thermocouple (most common — $10–$20 part, easy DIY replacement), blocked pilot orifice, drafts extinguishing the flame. The standing pilot also consumes approximately 5–10 therms/year in gas just to stay lit year-round.
Electronic Ignition (Modern Standard)
Modern furnaces use hot surface ignitors (HSI) — an electrically heated element (silicon carbide or silicon nitride) that glows red-hot only during ignition. No continuous burning, no continuous gas waste. The ignitor cycles only when heat is called, then stays off. See our ignitor types guide for the full breakdown.
Why Electronic Ignition Is Superior
No continuous gas consumption. More reliable ignition in drafty conditions. Longer component life on average. Better integration with modern control board safety sequences.
If You Still Have a Standing Pilot Furnace
A standing pilot furnace is at minimum 30 years old — well past typical lifespan. It runs at 60–70% AFUE vs. 96%+ for modern equipment. Annual gas savings from upgrading can reach $400–$600 in a Minnesota home. If you have a pilot furnace still running, replacement is almost certainly cost-justified. Browse Goodman replacements at factory-direct pricing: furnace.direct/collections/heating.
Related reading: Furnace Ignitor Types Guide | How Long Does a Furnace Last? | Annual Heating Cost Guide
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