What is an indicator of a gas appliance operating inefficiently?

An indicator of a gas appliance operating inefficiently is reflected in increased energy bills. When a gas appliance operates inefficiently, it often requires more energy to perform its intended function, whether it's heating a space or generating hot water. This increased energy consumption directly translates to higher energy costs for the consumer.

Effective appliances should operate within expected energy consumption ranges; therefore, a noticeable rise in energy bills typically signifies that something is wrong, such as incomplete combustion, incorrect settings, or a failing component.

In contrast, consistent temperature settings indicate that the appliance is maintaining its set parameters, clear flame patterns suggest proper combustion, and unusual odors or sounds may signal issues but are not as directly linked to efficiency as the impact on energy costs.