The pilot light in your furnace is one of the things you hardly ever pay attention to. Until it is not working or appearing as it is supposed to. Perhaps it is flickering or burning yellow instead of the common blue.

Although this might be a small point of concern, a flickering or yellow pilot light is a serious problem. It may be an indication of incomplete combustion. This is not at all safe for you and your home.

Knowing what your pilot light means is particularly important to prevent hazardous conditions and costly repairs. Read on to learn more.

A normal furnace pilot light

A properly performing furnace pilot light burns a continuous and bright blue flame. Such a color is a sign that the natural gas is fully combusted. Thus, the furnace is functioning effectively and safely. In other words, the furnace is receiving the right level of oxygen. This helps it to continue running smoothly and make your home cozy.

The danger of a yellow or orange flame

A burning yellow or orange furnace pilot light is an indication of incomplete combustion. This occurs when the flame is not getting sufficient oxygen to burn the fuel. Incomplete combustion can produce carbon monoxide. This is an invisible and potentially fatal gas that can build up rapidly in your home.

Ordinary causes of a yellow or orange flame are:

• Dirty or clogged burners
• Pilot assembly dust, rust, or debris.
• Poor airflow or ventilation.
• Defective furnace components.

Although your furnace may appear to be heating your home as usual, a discoloured pilot light is one of the initial signs that something is amiss that you should never overlook. A search for furnace repair near me on Google can help you find a trusted professional. They will clean the burner, adjust airflow, and make sure your furnace is operating safely.

A flickering flame is also risky

A flickering pilot light may signify unstable combustion. Causes may include:

• Drafts near the furnace
• Loose or worn components
• Irregularities in gas pressure
• Dirty or damaged sensors.

When the pilot light becomes unstable or changes colour, it may fail altogether or allow the accumulation of dangerous gases. This is the time to stop guessing and call furnace repair to ensure your system is safe and efficient.

The dangers of not heeding the warning

A discolored or flickering pilot light causes inefficiency. In addition, it is also a safety hazard. Exposure to carbon monoxide may lead to:

• Headache
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Death from high concentrations.

Moreover, a defective pilot light may cause the following:

• Furnace damages
• Increasing energy costs
• Premature system breakdown.

A key takeaway

Beware of these signs on your furnace pilot light:

• A yellow flame
• A flickering light
• Anything that seems weird.

In such a case, shut off the furnace immediately. Then, call in a licensed professional. A technician can clean the burner and fix airflow problems. They can make sure your furnace is safe and efficient.