What indicates that a burner has a secondary air problem?

The indication that a burner has a secondary air problem is manifested by flames that are floating off the burner with no defined shape. This phenomenon occurs because when there is insufficient secondary air, the gas does not mix properly with the required amount of air for combustion, leading to unstable flame characteristics.

The flames may appear elongated, erratic, or detached from the burner, which signifies that the combustion process is not occurring as it should. This can lead to incomplete combustion, resulting in inefficient operation and potentially hazardous situations.

In contrast, the other signs, such as popping noises or white smoke, could indicate issues with combustion efficiency or burner performance but are not specific indicators of a secondary air issue like the behavior of the flames. A consistent gas supply does not indicate air issues; rather, it suggests that the fuel delivery to the burner is stable. Therefore, the visual behavior of the flames, especially when they lack definition and float away from the burner, is the most telling sign of a secondary air problem.