How to Adjust Pilot and Burner Flames
Pilot lights or burners that produce weak discolored flames indicate blockage, debris, or dirt within your heating system and require cleaning and adjustment. Adjusting pilot lights and/or burner flames on your furnace is a simple matter of observation, basic maintenance, and tailored adjustment. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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1
Cut electric power to your furnace and remove the front panel. This should mean you can still see the gas flames inside (or under your burner cover after removal) but should not be at risk for electric shock.
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2
Inspect the quality and color of your flame. Straight, pure blue flames indicate a properly functioning furnace. Yellow or bending flames indicate cleaning is required before adjustment. Blue flames with small yellow tips or blue flames with greener edges are also acceptable.
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3
Turn off the gas at the valve and clean the pilot nozzle (the place where the flame shows up) with a wire brush. Use a flashlight to ensure all debris is gone from area surrounding pilot light and/or burner nozzle.
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4
Put furnace back on full power (electric and gas) and inspect the color and quality of the flame. Breathing too close to the flame will make it yellow so allow moderate distance between yourself and the furnace. It should be blue and straight, blue and perhaps a little bent, or even still a little yellow.
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5
Turn the gas shutter/valve until flame appears to jump off its position before turning it in the opposite direction until blue flame positions itself steadily over pilot nozzle.
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6
Turn off electric power and replace burner cover and main door panel. Remember to turn power back on when you have finished.
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7
Contact a professional if you are unable to produce a blue flame after following these steps.
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Tips & Warnings
Check pilot lights and/or burner flames once each month as part of your regular furnace maintenance.
Remember to have your furnace inspected at least every three years by a professional.
Because of the electricity and gas flames involved in this process, adjustment should be conducted by an adult.
