What is measured to determine if there is enough combustion air in a combustion appliance?

To determine if there is enough combustion air in a combustion appliance, measuring the carbon monoxide (CO) levels in undiluted flue gases is crucial. High levels of CO indicate incomplete combustion, which is often a result of insufficient air supply. When there is not enough oxygen available for the combustion process, carbon monoxide is produced instead of carbon dioxide. Therefore, monitoring CO levels serves as a direct indicator of combustion efficiency and air supply adequacy. A properly functioning combustion appliance should produce minimal CO, suggesting adequate combustion air is present.

Measuring fuel consumption or airflow rate may provide useful insights but do not directly indicate the quality of combustion or the sufficiency of combustion air. The temperature of the flue gases may reflect overall appliance operation but does not specifically assess whether sufficient combustion air is being supplied to the appliance. By focusing on CO levels, you get a clearer picture of the combustion process and the necessity for adequate air supply for safe and efficient operation.