Yes, it is entirely possible and actually standard practice in modern residential construction to have a furnace without a standing pilot light. The vast majority of newer gas furnaces manufactured in recent decades do not use a continuous pilot flame; instead, they feature advanced electronic ignition systems, such as intermittent electronic spark igniters or hot surface igniters. These modern systems ignite the gas burners only when the thermostat calls for heat and remain completely unlit during idle periods, saving significant amounts of energy by eliminating the constant burning of gas. Additionally, electric furnaces do not use pilot lights at all, relying instead on resistance heating coils. You can verify that your modern furnace lacks a pilot by checking for an electronic control board and hot surface igniter.
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