Wall heater Natural gas

[threeputt]

I have a 10 year old wall heater that I have used for backup the last 10 years in case I don't have power. Probably has not been on but 8 hours total.

I noticed when I turned it on last week to test it the outside part of ceramic was not burning and from the looks of it never has.
Is this normal ? I never paid any attention to it when I bought it in 2009.

It works fine but just wondering about this being normal.

 

[HoosierBuddy]

I think if you look at it, the burner is underneath and sends a flame up on that ceramic to heat it. In other words, the ceramic doesn't burn.

In any case, if the flame is blue (not yellow or orange) and you aren't smelling gas...I personally would call it good. But, if you have concerns, a service call by your HVAC service person might be in order.

Phil

 

[Road Wrench]

That does not appear to be a blue flame style, it looks like a infrared or catalytic style. The edges will not glow as much or at all like the rest of the surface, as the natural gas is drawn through the holes in the catalyst material and converted to heat and water vapor via the black magic of catalytic reaction. Portable mr heater buddy heaters work the same way and its normal for the outer edges to remain darker and not glow as the material is very fragile and brittle it needs the solid perimeter for durability.

 

[threeputt]

Its not the blue flame. I don't smell any gas and it burns great. I just don't need it anymore as I bought a larger Mr Heater.
Thanks for the info. I was just not sure to sell it like it was but I see it is normal. Tom