Quick Answer
A yellow furnace flame means the gas isn’t burning cleanly—often due to dust, rust, or restricted airflow. In Follansbee homes, this can lead to carbon monoxide buildup or weak heating performance. The flame should always be steady and blue. If it’s yellow or flickering, turn off the furnace and schedule professional service immediately.
Why It Matters for Follansbee Homes
Many Follansbee homes near Main Street, Hooverson Heights, and Allegheny Street rely on aging gas furnaces installed decades ago. Winters are cold and damp along the Ohio River, and basements tend to trap humidity and dust. That mix can clog burner openings or cause corrosion, both of which disrupt clean combustion. Limited airflow in enclosed utility spaces can make the issue even worse.
Common Causes of a Yellow Pilot Light
Honest Fix technicians often find that yellow flames come from dirty burners or blocked pilot orifices. Poor ventilation in older homes or tight basement setups reduces oxygen, which changes how the gas burns. In hillside neighborhoods like Chapman Street or McKinley Avenue, low air pressure or older gas supply lines can also affect flame color. Each of these problems needs prompt correction to ensure safe operation.
Why a Yellow Flame Is Dangerous
A yellow or wavering flame signals incomplete combustion, producing carbon monoxide (CO)—a colorless, odorless, and deadly gas. In tightly sealed Follansbee homes, CO can accumulate quietly as windows stay closed through winter. Honest Fix technicians test every furnace for CO and confirm safe oxygen levels during every tune-up and cleaning.
Professional Fix and Cost
Most yellow-flame issues are corrected during a $109 furnace tune-up, which includes CO testing, cleaning, and gas pressure adjustment. Diagnostic service calls are $99. Each visit includes Leo the Lion’s magnet, worth $25 off any future repair or tune-up.
FAQs
Q: Can I ignore a yellow flame if my furnace still heats?
No. The yellow color means incomplete combustion that can release dangerous CO even if it’s still producing heat.
Q: How often should Follansbee homeowners schedule service?
Once per year, ideally before winter begins, to prevent soot buildup and ensure clean operation.
Exact HVAC replacement quotes available at (740) 825-9408 or HonestFix.com/schedule-service.
Author: Alex Largent
Alex Largent
Alex Largent is the Owner and Senior HVAC Efficiency Analyst at Honest Fix Heating, Cooling & Plumbing. With more than 20 years of field experience, NATE and EPA certifications, and a hands-on leadership style, Alex teaches his team to fix systems right the first time — with transparency, precision, and no upsells. He writes about HVAC diagnostics, home energy efficiency, and practical maintenance advice for homeowners across the Upper Ohio Valley. Read Alex Largent’s full bio to learn more about his expertise in the HVAC and Plumbing industry. Updated October 2025.
