I have a 30 to 40 year old furnace. The flames seem to be puffing out irradically in the burner. I'm not sure if that is dangerous. A family member who is pretty handy said it could be the gas control valve opening and closing in a flapping motion. Could that be it? Any help would be appreciated.
could also be on the verge of starving for air so is reaching into the room for that additional air. There should be a separate air feed pipe just for the flame.
I am no expert, but your family member could be correct. If your boiler is vented to the outside it could also be backdrafting. Either way you have a potentialy dangerous situation. If flame is puffing out of your boiler it is also most likely sending carbon monoxide out into the living environment. THAT CAN KILL YOU! Since neither you nor I really know what we are talking about I suggest you bite the bullet and call someone who works with gas equipment.
Could be lack of air making the gas flame 'hunt' for air, or your burner is very old and the flame holes are enlarged so more gas to air ratio again and hunting, could be the gas pressure regulator on your supply has gone faulty, which ever you need to get a corgi registered qualified gas man in, not the gas board, a contractor who does commercial stuff. Not to be played with by us mere mortals or you me might become one. Not now but used to be a corgi registered engineer and the stuff you come across is unbelievable, and guess what most of my work came from the gas boards in the area!! That must tell you some thing.
