What does CO2 percentage indicate in the context of gas combustion?

The CO2 percentage in the context of gas combustion is a critical indicator of the efficiency of gas usage. When natural gas burns in an ideal situation where there is a proper mix of gas and air, the combustion process produces carbon dioxide (CO2) as one of its primary byproducts. Thus, a higher percentage of CO2 suggests that more of the fuel is being effectively converted into energy rather than being wasted.

In terms of efficiency, if the combustion process is taking place as intended with the correct air-fuel ratio, the CO2 levels will reflect that efficient burning of the gas. Conversely, low levels of CO2 may indicate incomplete combustion, which implies that not all of the fuel is being used effectively to produce heat, resulting in lower efficiency.

This understanding is crucial for technicians assessing furnace performance, as they can adjust the air-fuel ratio to optimize combustion and therefore improve efficiency based on CO2 readings.