Okay. This just started happening. This is a ventless, nearly new, heater to aid in heating this 80 year-old house. Seeing the sparks that are in the video has me concerned. I thought maybe it was dirty but from what? There was a natural gas outage yesterday in town so maybe some junk in the lines related to that? I'm really at a loss. I clean it thoroughly every year and inspect everything in case i have to replace anything and to avoid the release of carbon monoxide.… See More
Any ideas? #help
Dirty Burner:
Debris or Soot: Accumulation can cause irregular flame patterns or spark due to poor combustion. Clean the burner ports and check for blockages.
Incorrect Gas Mixture:
Air/Gas Ratio: If the air-gas mixture is off, it can lead to incomplete combustion, causing the burner to spark. Check if the burner's air shutter needs adjustment.
Gas Pressure Issues:
Low or High Pressure: Incorrect gas pressure can lead to sparking. Ensure that the gas supply pressure is within the specifications for your… See More
heater.
Defective Burner Components:
Cracked or Deformed Burner: Physical damage to the burner can disrupt the gas flow, leading to sparking. Inspect the burner for any visible damage.
Worn Out Burner Ports: Over time, burner ports can become enlarged or clogged, causing irregular gas flow.
Ignition System Issues:
Even if the igniter isn't sparking, issues with the ignition system can cause problems with flame stabilization, leading to secondary sparking at the burner.
Electrical Malfunctions:
Faulty Gas Valve: If the gas valve isn't opening or closing properly, it might cause sparking as the gas tries to ignite through an improper path.
Electrical Arcing: Similar to what was mentioned for elements, any electrical issues around the burner could cause arcing or sparking.
To address this:
Turn Off Gas: Safety first; turn off the gas supply before doing any inspection or maintenance.
Clean the Burner: Use a small wire brush or compressed air to clean out the burner ports. Be gentle to avoid damaging the burner.
Check Gas Pressure: If you suspect pressure issues, you might need a professional to adjust or check the gas supply.
Inspect for Damage: Look for any signs of damage or wear on the burner itself. If damaged, it might need replacement.
Adjust Air Shutter: If the heater has an adjustable air shutter, fine-tuning this can help stabilize combustion.
Examine Electrical Components: Look for any signs of electrical issues, arcing, or loose connections around the burner area.
Professional Service: Given the complexities of gas appliances, particularly when dealing with issues like sparking at the burner, it's advisable to involve a professional service technician. They can diagnose if there's a need for parts replacement or if there's an underlying issue with the gas supply or control system.
Consult Manual: Before any intervention, check the heater's manual for any specific maintenance or troubleshooting guidelines.
Remember, working with gas appliances requires caution due to the risks involved. If you're unsure about any aspect of the maintenance or repair, professional assistance is the safest course of action.
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It does look like there's something in the gas, are there any filters in the line?
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