Why Is My Gas Stove Flame Orange? Helpful Solutions

Gas stoves are an efficient and convenient way to cook meals. But sometimes, you may encounter issues with the flame or its performance. A common problem is when the flame is orange instead of blue. 

If you find yourself in this predicament, you may wonder why your gas stove flame is orange and how you can fix it. 

In this blog post, we'll discuss why your gas stove flame may be orange and provide helpful solutions for restoring it to its original blue color.

Continue reading "Why is my gas stove flame orange?" article for information and tips about why your gas stove flame is orange and how to fix it.

Why is my gas stove flame orange?

What causes a gas stove to have an orange flame? The main reason is contamination with some things, such as calcium, unsafe carbon monoxide levels, incomplete combustion, and more.

Contamination

Gas stove flames are usually blue; however, if they appear orange, this can generally be attributed to contamination in the gas supply. 

Calcium is one of the most common contaminants that can cause a gas stove flame to appear orange. This occurs when calcium builds up on the gas stove's burners, creating a layer that can block gas flow.

This blockage of the gas flow causes the flame to burn at a lower temperature, which is why it appears orange instead of blue. 

As the calcium builds up, it can cause a decrease in the efficiency of the stove and increase the risk of a fire due to the low level of oxygen in the flame.

Unsafe Carbon Monoxide Levels

Orange flames from gas stoves can indicate unsafe levels of carbon monoxide, which is an invisible, odorless, and potentially deadly gas. 

Carbon monoxide gets produced when a gas stove is not burning correctly, usually due to an improper mixture of fuel and air. If the flame is mostly orange or yellow, there is a potential for high carbon monoxide levels in your home. 

Incomplete Combustion

The orange flame will result from the presence of nitrogen dioxide in the air. When the gas becomes lit, the air's nitrogen dioxide combines with the burning fuel, creating an orange flame. 

This phenomenon is known as 'the nitrogen dioxide effect' and results from incomplete combustion. Incomplete combustion occurs when there is insufficient oxygen for the fuel to burn completely. 

As the fuel burns without oxygen, the flame turns orange due to nitrogen dioxide, an orange-tinted gas.

Burning of a Mixture of Natural Gas and Air

Gas stove flames are typically orange because of burning a mixture of natural gas and air. Oxygen in the air helps ignite the natural gas, causing it to burn and produce a flame. 

When you can ignite the gas, it produces a flame composed of mainly carbon dioxide, water vapor, and a small amount of nitrogen and oxygen. 

The combination of these elements produces an orange color in the flame. 

Air Turbulence

Additionally, air turbulence created by the gas flow can cause the flame to appear orange. The flame's size, shape, and color depend on how much air combines with the natural gas. If there is much air, the flame will be more yellow. 

Signs Of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Carbon Monoxide (CO) poisoning is a serious, potentially life-threatening condition caused by inhaling dangerous levels of carbon monoxide gas. 

It is essential to recognize the signs of CO poisoning to prevent severe injury or death. Common symptoms of CO poisoning include:

• Headache
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Confusion
• Exhaustion
• Chest pain 

However, it is essential to note that not all of these symptoms may be present, and the severity of the symptoms may vary from person to person. 

Other signs of CO poisoning can include: 

• Difficulty breathing
• Shortness of breath
• An increased heart rate

How to Fix an Orange Flame On Your Gas Stove?

If you notice that the flame on your gas stove has changed from the standard blue color to an orange hue, it could be a sign of a potentially dangerous issue. 

Fortunately, it is usually a simple fix that you can do with the right tools and safety precautions. Here is a guide to fixing an orange flame on your gas stove:

Use Proper Orifices

Having an orange flame on your gas stove can be a sign of a wrong orifice size. An orifice is a small hole inside the burner that releases the gas and mixes it with air before burning. 

When the size of the orifice isn't correct, the flame may come out as either too high or too low and may be orange in color. If you need clarification on why the flame is orange, having a professional check it out is best.

However, if you want to try to fix it yourself, you can start by removing the orifice from the burner and replacing it with a new one. 

Orifices come in different sizes, so purchase the one specified for your gas stove. You must readjust the brass orifice and swap out the gas pressure regulator.

Clean Burners

If your gas stove has an orange flame, it could indicate blocked burner ports or a malfunctioning igniter. To fix this issue, you need to clean the burner ports.

First, turn off the gas valve and disconnect the power cord. Then, use a fine wire brush to clean the burner ports and remove dirt, debris, and build-up.

Once the ports are debris-free, reassemble the burner parts and turn the gas valve back on. Test the flame to ensure it is blue and burning evenly. The igniter may need replacing if you still see an orange flame or it's not burning correctly. 

Need More Air

If you have noticed an orange flame on your gas stove, the flame is not getting enough air. This is a common issue, and you can rectify it relatively quickly. 

First, ensure that the flame ports on the burner are not blocked by food debris or dirt. If so, use a soft-bristled brush to remove the debris gently. 

Next, check your gas stove venting system to ensure it is properly functioning. Clear the venting system using a vacuum cleaner or compressed air if the venting system is blocked.

You may also need to check for any kinks in the hose that connects the stove to the gas supply.

Turn off Humidifiers

To start, you should turn off any humidifiers in your home.

When humidifiers are on, they can cause a decrease in the air pressure, which can lead to an orange flame.

Dismantle and Reassemble the Gas Stove

It's prudent to try this strategy, as it has proven successful in several instances. 

First, remove the grate on top of the stove and lift the lid to get to the burner pipes. Beyond the gas controls is a plate or tube that acts as a cover for the air vent of the burner. 

To open the shutter, you'll need a screwdriver. Start with a blue flame and work up to a full blue flame by progressively adjusting the air shutters. 

The final steps are reinstalling the stovetop and top grates, tightening the screws, and turning off the burner.

FAQs

Is an orange flame on a gas stove dangerous?

Yes, an orange flame on a gas stove can be dangerous, and you should address it immediately. 

What color should the flames be on my gas stove?

It is blue. Looking closely, you should see a little bright blue triangle at the center of a blue flame from a fully functioning gas appliance. 

The fuel burns cleanly, efficiently, and ultimately when a flame is blue.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, orange flames on gas stoves can result from various factors, ranging from contamination to air turbulence. 

If you experience orange flames, it's best to inspect the stove to identify the cause and take corrective actions to restore the blue flame. 

Regular maintenance and cleaning of the stove can also help prevent this issue.

Thank you for reading the post "Why is my gas stove flame orange?"!