What is a common sign of poor combustion in an oil burner?

A yellow or orange flame in an oil burner is a common sign of poor combustion. In an ideal combustion process, the flame should appear blue, which indicates that the fuel is burning completely and efficiently. When the burner produces yellow or orange flames, it typically signifies that there is incomplete combustion happening. This can occur due to a variety of reasons, such as improper air-to-fuel ratio, dirty burners, or inadequate fuel supply. Incomplete combustion not only reduces the efficiency of the burner but also leads to the production of harmful by-products such as carbon monoxide or soot, which can pose safety and health risks.

In contrast, blue flames indicate efficient burning, strong heat output typically suggests effective combustion, and minimal soot production is usually associated with good combustion efficiency. Therefore, recognizing the color of the flame is vital for assessing the performance of an oil burner and ensuring safety and efficiency.