How do I restart my pilot light on my furnace?

Restarting a standing pilot light on an older gas furnace requires careful execution of safety procedures and manufacturer instructions. First, locate the gas control valve on your furnace and turn the knob from the "On" position to the "Off" position. Wait at least five full minutes to ensure that any residual, unburned gas has completely dissipated into the air and ventilated away from the unit, preventing any accidental flare-ups. Next, turn the control knob to the "Pilot" setting. Press down firmly on the pilot button or turn the knob into the depressed position while holding a long-reach butane lighter or lit match directly next to the pilot burner assembly inside the combustion chamber. Once the small blue flame catches and ignites, continue holding the pilot button down for approximately thirty to sixty seconds to allow the thermocouple tip to heat up and generate enough electrical millivolts to keep the safety magnetic valve open. Slowly release the button; if the flame stays lit, turn the knob to the "On" position. You can verify that this step was successful by checking that the pilot flame remains steady and the main burners ignite when you turn up the thermostat.