Why is the flame flickering on my gas heater?

Author: Therese Grant  |  Last update: Monday, September 1, 2025

There are two main causes for a weak or flickering flame — dirt and airflow. Dirt in the tube can obstruct gas flow and cause the flame to flicker or weaken.

Why is my furnace flame flickering?

Here's what happens: Thermostat kicks on when temperature below the target. Once the sequence has the flames going, there is usually a flickering or sputtering action which eventually triggers a few ``reboots'' of the flames, eventually resulting in the unit shutting down.

Why does my gas burner flutter?

Burner fluttering sounds are more often caused by the gas valve. Has to do with the valves built in gas regulator. The diaphram flutters or pulsates causing the gas valve to open and close very rapidly. If that is the case, replacement of the gas valve is the only solution.

Why is my gas fire flickering?

Airflow Issues: If your flame is flickering or fluctuating, it might be due to drafts or issues with the air supply to the burner. Safety Concerns: This could also point to a problem with the gas supply or the burner itself, both of which require professional inspection.

How do I know if my gas furnace flame sensor is bad?

The most common symptom of a bad flame sensor is when the furnace reaches ignition and the burners shut down after only a few seconds. If it runs longer than that, the problem is likely elsewhere.

This Furnace Malfunction KILLS PEOPLE! Homeowners Should watch (ROLLOUT GAS BURN FURNACE)

How to fix a malfunctioning flame sensor?

DIY Flame Sensor Maintenance and Repair
  1. Turn off power to the furnace.
  2. Locate and remove the flame sensor.
  3. Gently clean with fine-grit sandpaper or steel wool.
  4. Reinstall and test the furnace.

How much does it cost to replace a flame sensor on a gas furnace?

They will cost around $200 if it is done during regular maintenance service. Likewise, flame sensors can become too dusty and malfunction, but a thorough cleaning can restore them. However, if it's too late and you need to replace the flame sensor, expect to pay between $80 and $250.

Why is my flame flickering?

A wick that is too large will burn too quickly, causing the flame to flicker. A wick that is too small will not produce enough heat to melt the wax properly, also causing the flame to flicker. Dirty or damaged wick. A dirty or damaged wick can also cause the candle to flicker.

Why does my gas heater keep flickering?

There are two main causes for a weak or flickering flame — dirt and airflow. Dirt in the tube can obstruct gas flow and cause the flame to flicker or weaken. Poor airflow starves the flame of oxygen, causing it to sputter and flicker as it tries to stay alive.

Why is my gas fireplace fluttering?

Insufficient voltage, a failing thermocouple or malfunctioning thermostat are common causes of flickering burners. The burner or pilot may be dirty.

How to fix flickering gas stove?

The burner ports which release gas may be clogged with food or wet from cleaning. This is probably the case if you notice the flames around the burner are uneven. Turn your cooktop off and wait for the burner caps to cool down. Once the burners are cool, clean the ports using a pin.

Why does my gas fire keep popping?

An igniter is one of the most critical parts of any gas stove because this is what switches on the fire on a stove. However, when the igniter gets damaged, it makes different sounds, and a popping sound is one of them. In addition to the damaged igniter, the damaged igniter wire could also be the reason behind it.

Why does my gas heater make a whooshing sound?

You should only hear a gentle whoosh as the burners come on. If the sound is too loud, it probably means that ignition is getting delayed so that there is too much unburned gas in the combustion chamber that's igniting at one time. The ignition system may need to be replaced, or the burners might need to be cleaned.

Why is the flame on my thermostat blinking?

A blinking thermostat is a sign that the AC isn't able to maintain constant power. For many programmable modern thermostats, the blinking will align with a code to check the issue.

What color should the flame be on a gas heater?

you always want to see a blue color flame. A gas flame appearing yellow or orange in color or behaving with pops of yellow or orange indicates an improper ratio of oxygen for combustion. Often this improper combustion is temporary and could be caused by dust particles or a dirty burner that needs cleaning.

Why is my gas furnace pulsing?

Most of the time when the flame is pulsating that means you either have gas pressure issues or the burner is still dirty.

What does flickering gas light mean?

The light flashes when you are going low on fuel (1 gallon left IIRC), and a solid light means get fuel now (1/2 gallon left). Now, if you have a full tank (i.e. > 1 gallon), and it is still flashing, the problem is most likely a stuck tank level float.

Why is the flame flickering on my gas water heater?

If it's flickering or yellow, you might have a problem with the gas or air mixture. Keep It Clean: Dust and debris can mess with the flame, so make sure the area around the pilot light is free of clutter and dirt. Annual Tune-Up: Have a pro check the whole system once a year.

Why is my gas heater flame making noise?

If your furnace is making a loud booming or banging noise, the problem may be caused by a small gas explosion that happens when there's a delay in ignition. Gas can build up in your combustion chamber when the gas burners in your furnace do not ignite on time.

What is the meaning of flame flicker?

noun. an unsteady flame or light: A dim flicker of lamplight was all that illuminated the room.

Is a flickering light a fire hazard?

A flickering light bulb can be caused by something as simple as a loose or incompatible bulb or a utility issue, but it can also be dangerous and potentially lead to fire or injury if caused by a loose service conductor or damaged circuit.

Why is the flame flickering on my propane heater?

If your propane heater has a standing pilot, you should be able to see it through a small window or opening near the control knob. The pilot should be around an inch high and mostly colored blue. If it's flickering, split, small, orange or yellow-colored, then the pilot tube needs to be cleaned.

How do you know if your flame sensor is bad?

Your Furnace Turns On and then Off Quickly

Short cycling is a common sign of a bad flame sensor. The sensor thinks that there isn't a flame, so it shuts off the gas as a safety mechanism. Except, there is a flame and without the gas to supply it, it dies.

Can I run my furnace without a flame sensor?

1. Will a furnace run without a flame sensor? No, a furnace will not operate without a flame sensor.

How to reset furnace flame sensor?

There is a work-around to waiting. If there is no safety risk (like a gas leak), a furnace can be reset to bypass this wait. Turn off the furnace's power switch and wait 10 seconds before turning it back on.

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