If the heating system in your Charleston, SC, uses a conventional pilot light, you might wonder what it means when this pilot light is yellow. A yellow flame is a warning that furnace repair is around the corner. Keep reading to learn more about what this color means and how to fix it.
What Color Should the Flame Be?
The flame should always burn a deep blue. When the flame is this color, you know the system’s receiving the correct amount of oxygen. If the flame burns yellow, something is blocking the flame from getting the amount of oxygen it needs, causing restricted combustion.
Why a Yellow Flame Is Dangerous
A yellow flame is a “lazy” flame, meaning it doesn’t completely burn up carbon monoxide. When a flame burns yellow, it leaks the excess carbon monoxide into your home’s indoor air. All it takes is a little carbon monoxide in your home to cause anyone in the household to feel ill, and if enough gas builds up it can be deadly.
What to Do If Your Pilot Light Is Yellow
If you discover your heating system’s flame is burning yellow, call for furnace repair immediately. Your system likely needs a thorough professional cleaning to remove dirt from the air intake valve that supplies oxygen to the light. Cleaning the valve isn’t a DIY job. It’s something that only an HVAC technician is qualified to do. During the service call, the technician will also check for other issues that could cause flame discoloration, such as a cracked heat exchanger.
A steady blue flame ensures your furnace works as intended, is burning fuel efficiently, and isn’t leaking deadly carbon monoxide into your home. For more information about heating system repairs, check out M & B Heating and Air’s furnace repair solutions today!
