What is a common consequence of not supplying enough access air to a burner?

Incomplete combustion occurs when there isn't sufficient access air supplied to the burner. For combustion to be effective, a precise balance of fuel and air is necessary; if the air supply is inadequate, the fuel cannot fully oxidize. This leads to a buildup of unburned hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide, which are byproducts of combustion. Incomplete combustion not only affects the efficiency of the heating system but can also produce harmful emissions, posing safety risks and contributing to pollution.

While increased efficiency, burner overheating, and maintenance issues may occur in different contexts, they do not directly result from insufficient access air as fundamentally as incomplete combustion does. Thus, recognizing the importance of adequate air supply is crucial for ensuring both safety and effective operation of oil burners.