The Gas Range With Yellow Flames and Soot

# The Gas Range With Yellow Flames and Soot

After moving into a renovated home, the owner noticed yellow, lazy flames and dark soot on cookware. A carbon monoxide alarm went off during a long simmer.

## Initial Checks

We verified ventilation, confirmed the CO alarm was recent and functional, and measured ambient CO for safety. We then inspected the range.

## Findings

- Regulator cap set for LP while the home had natural gas
- Burner orifices partially clogged with debris and paint overspray from renovation
- Weak primary air mix causing incomplete combustion

## Corrective Actions

- Reconfigured the regulator to NG setting per spec
- Removed and cleaned burner caps and orifices; cleared ports with proper bits
- Adjusted air shutters for crisp blue flames with defined cones
- Performed leak checks and combustion verification

## Safety Takeaways

- Gas type matters. Wrong regulator settings lead to poor combustion and elevated CO.
- Post-renovation debris can clog burner ports.
- Always respect CO alarm events; ventilate and stop using the appliance until checked.

## Outcome: Clean Combustion Restored

With proper configuration and cleaning, flames turned blue and steady. No further CO alerts occurred.