Asked on Dec 13, 2018

What does this blinking flame icon mean?

Louise
by Louise

gas flame icon blinks? I've called my heat/AC company and someone will be out in the morning, but anything with gas kind of scares me. I'm going to turn the heat off but should I worry about this blinking gas icon?

  6 answers
  • Within the Grove Within the Grove on Dec 13, 2018

    Maybe try calling the manufacturer of the thermostat! They may be able to clarify more about this icon and what to do from there.

  • Deanna Nassar Deanna Nassar on Dec 13, 2018

    It could be as simple as the pilot blew out or a temporary break in gas supply. The system has a piece that cuts the flow of gas if it is interrupted for any reason. OR Some dip did not want to admit he cut off the wrong house's gas supply and to top it off did not leave a card about it. Call supplier's emergency number.

  • Cynthia H Cynthia H on Dec 13, 2018

    Hi! When I had a reading on my thermostat I didn't understand, I looked it up online. Once I read the information on the manufacturer's website, I was able to reset it. We had a service call once, only to find out that there were batteries in the thermostat that needed changing which is why our read out wasn't working. We didn't know that, since it had been installed by a contractor. Now, I keep a link on my computer to look things up.

  • Just like Cynthia described, it coule be as simple as changing the batteries in the thermostat. By the way, they ought to be changed every 6 months along with your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors.


    Regardless of who installed what, it is up to you, the homeowner, to hang on to the instruction manuals and warranties if they apply, in an easy to get to location. Make a file and and keep it updated.


    Look up your make and model on the manufacturers website and follow their trouble shooting guide. Call the customer service number if necessary.


    Now is a good time to learn where your gas, water and power shut off valves are and how to turn them off in an emergency. Your utility companies will come out for free to show you this if need be.

  • William William on Dec 13, 2018

    Typically it refers to an emergency heating situation. I'm guessing it is an electric furnace. When an electric furnace with an emergency gas line gets too cold it goes into emergency heat mode, meaning that it begins burning propane or natural gas depending on what you have, to get the temp. to where you want it. Some kinds electric heaters are notoriously poor at heating and require this often. Depending on your thermostat it may show as a flame or a red light.


    You are in a delay mode waiting for your heater to start. Usually a delay can be from 3 to 5 minutes and then the flame symbol should be constant without flashing. This would normally happen when you try to cycle too fast or switch off then back on within your 5 minute delay timer that is built into your thermostat

  • Louise Louise on Dec 15, 2018

    It's all fixed. My HVAC guy came out yesterday morning and said the unit wasn't getting the message from the thermostat and also that the draft motor wasn't responding as well as it should once that "message" problem was fixed. So, he replaced the draft motor and now all is well -- and toasty once again. I was thankful for my 3 cats who helped keep me warm when the heat was out. 😻😻😻