Do blue flames indicate proper combustion?
Not always. Under some conditions (i.e., oversized orifices or excess gas pressure) the flame can remain blue but be producing large amounts of carbon monoxide. The following can be checked to assure proper combustion: orifice size, gas pressure, gas flow, and combustion gas composition (using a combustion gas analyzer). Where does streaking and discoloration occur? Typically streaking occurs at studs on outside walls and at rafter. These locations are cooler (and therefore wetter) than the insulated cavities. Carbon and dirt are more likely to collect there, and mold is more likely to grow there. Other locations include polished light fixtures, t.v. screens, refrigerators, inside cabinets, around pictures, carpet under doorways, on plastics (such as storage containers in the kitchen), and on walls above heat sources. What causes streaking above wall mounted heat sources? Battelle concluded the streaking above electric heaters is caused by air contaminants charring and depositing on th
