What can a technician do to diagnose a malfunctioning burner?

To diagnose a malfunctioning burner, observing the flame color and adjusting the air supply is essential. The flame color can provide valuable insight into the combustion process occurring within the burner. A proper flame should typically be blue, indicating complete combustion with the right amount of air and fuel. If the flame is yellow or orange, it may suggest incomplete combustion, which can signify an air supply issue or improper fuel mixing.

Adjusting the air supply is a direct way to address issues indicated by the flame color. If the air supply is inadequate, the burner may not mix fuel and air properly, leading to poor combustion efficiency, increased emissions, and potential safety hazards. By tuning the air supply in response to the flame characteristics, a technician can restore proper function and efficiency to the burner.

While other options may seem relevant, they do not directly address the immediate symptoms of a malfunctioning burner as effectively as observing flame color and adjusting air supply.