What are the signs of a malfunctioning gas burner?

A gas burner that is functioning properly should produce a steady blue flame, indicating complete combustion. When a burner displays uneven flames or presents soot, these are clear signs of malfunction. Uneven flames suggest that some of the gas is not burning correctly, which can be due to blockages, air supply issues, or improper burner alignment. The presence of soot is particularly concerning as it indicates incomplete combustion, which can result in dangerous carbon monoxide production.

A loud noise during operation may suggest a different issue, such as wear and tear on the burner components, but it is not a primary indicator of gas burner malfunction in the same way that uneven flames and soot are. Furthermore, an odorless and smokeless operation describes ideal conditions for gas burning when it is functioning properly, making these conditions irrelevant when identifying problems. Overall, the signs of uneven flames and soot are indicative of improper combustion, which are clear indicators of a malfunctioning gas burner.