Why keep a log
A water heater pilot that goes out only on windy evenings, a range burner that turns yellow only when the dryer is running, a furnace that struggles only on the first cold morning: these are hard to diagnose from a single visit. Writing down when it happened, what else was running and what you saw gives the person servicing the appliance something to work from.
Keep the log on the inside of the water heater closet door or in your phone's notes. A few words and a date are enough.
Log sheet
| Date and time | Appliance | What you noticed | What else was running | What you did |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| __________ | __________ | __________ | __________ | __________ |
| __________ | __________ | __________ | __________ | __________ |
| __________ | __________ | __________ | __________ | __________ |
| __________ | __________ | __________ | __________ | __________ |
| __________ | __________ | __________ | __________ | __________ |
Words to use in your log
- Blue, steady
- Normal flame.
- Yellow or orange tips
- Flame partly yellow; note whether it is one burner or all.
- Lazy or floating
- Flame wavers, lifts or rolls instead of standing up.
- Pilot out
- Standing pilot light found extinguished.
- Soot
- Black residue on the burner, cookware bottom, vent hood or around the appliance.
- Short gas
- Flames shrink when another gas appliance starts.
When the log says call
- IfAny gas smell, hissing or CO alarmThenLeave and call 911 or SoCalGas from outside, then log it.
- IfYellow flames or soot on any applianceThenStop using that appliance and book a check.
- IfPilot outages more than once in a short spanThenBook a check; do not keep relighting.
- IfFlames shrink when another appliance runsThenAsk about line sizing.
- IfHeadaches or nausea at home that ease outdoorsThenTreat as possible CO: get outside and call 911.
Bring to the service visit
Common questions
How long should I keep the log?
Until the problem is fixed and has not returned for a while. Keep it with the repair paperwork.
Is a yellow flame on a gas fireplace a problem?
Some decorative log sets are designed with yellow flames. Compare with the maker's description; range, water heater and furnace flames should be blue.
Should I log CO alarm chirps?
A chirp usually means a low battery or end of life. Log it and replace as the maker directs. A full alarm means get outside and call 911.
General information for Fullerton, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.