Propane storage tanks for stoves, furnaces or grills have a higher internal pressure far larger than the pressure a propane appliance needs. A propane gas regulator is a valve-like device that minimizes high gas pressure from the storage tank to the much lower gas pressure that the propane appliance needs. Your regulator is working properly when it feeds propane to the appliance in the minimal pressure the appliance requires correct operation.
Blue Flame
With a properly functioning gas purifier and adjusted cooled appliance, the flame is be blue in color, and the flame height is across the burner. Flame height should vary smoothly as you adjust the burner. The burner should function with just a faint hiss.
Problem Signs
Indications of potential troubles using a propane gas regulator or appliance include lazy yellow or yellow flames; a popping noise when turning a gas burner on or off; flames floating above burner vents; roaring noises from burners; flames in the burner air intake; flames spilling from the burner; and heavy deposits of soot or rust on the burners.