First and foremost, a gas fireplace should be thoroughly cleaned once or twice a year, depending on how often you use it. You can use caulk or weatherstripping to seal the gaps. If youre not familiar with how they work, its important to know the signs of a problem so you can get it fixed before it becomes a bigger issue. Then when you turn the fireplace on, it smells like burning dust, burning plastic, and sometimes it even smells like burning wood. We take out more vent-free gas logs than any other appliance. Gas Fireplace Wont Stay Lit But Pilot Stays on, 4 Common Electric Furnace Problems & Their Solutions. If you or other members living in the home have one or more physical illness symptoms, which I have mentioned earlier. "They emit nitrogen dioxide, which is a respiratory irritant." The American Lung Association recommends using natural gas stoves and heaters instead of wood-burning fireplaces to heat your home or water. There will also be faux coals or logs to make things look more realistic, along with a glass front. Can You Roast Marshmallows On A Gas Fireplace? Rosie urges anyone who converts a wood-burning fireplace to gas to take precautions to protect your family and your home from harm; practice good gas fireplace safety. Learn More: 4 Common Electric Furnace Problems & Their Solutions. In addition to the option to create or convert a built-in ventless fireplace, freestanding ventless propane fireplaces are also an option. One common cause is gaps around the fireplace doors. Clean the glass regularly. Additionally, ventless fireplaces produce water vapor as a byproduct of the combustion process, which can lead to high levels of humidity in the home and an increased risk of mold growth. These odors are just the smell of the fireplace burning up the common household debris that it collected over the warm months that it went unused. How Much Does It Cost To Run a Gas Fireplace (With Calculator), Top 7 Wood Burning Fireplace Inserts Reviews and Buying Guide, It is the first use of the season and the fireplace is burning accumulated dust and pet hair smells like burning dust, It is a new gas fireplace and it is burning up chemicals from manufacturing might smell like burning plastic, You have a gas leak possible rotten eggs smell. Pilot light is out: If your gas fireplaces pilot light goes out, you should not try to relight it yourself. There will be an external vent for waste air with direct vent and natural gas fireplaces. As a result, you get perfect heat output and flame effects to warm up the room. If your gas fireplace suddenly stops working, there are a few potential causes. Using polyurethane indoors can expose you to fumes with a number of potential side effects. Many models have carbon monoxide and oxygen sensors to further ensure safety. If The Pilot Light Goes Out, Does Gas Still Flow? You can run a vented gas fireplace all day with little concern for anything other than gas usage. First, there is the unburned natural gas that can escape before the flame ignites or leak from a gas hook-up. This is a serious safety hazard and you should evacuate the area immediately and call your gas company. Easy Steps. Individual municipalities may also ban them, so check with your local building authority before you purchase a ventless fireplace. For this reason, it's important to have your gas fireplace inspected by a professional annually. The ventless or natural B-vent gas fireplaces feature internal air supplies to provide oxygen to the fire, and typical vent or direct-vent models feature external air supplies to feed the fire. This could be a serious safety hazard. States including California and Massachusetts have banned the installation of ventless fireplaces, and the devices are not permitted in HUD housing. While wood-burning models are the age-old standard, most of todays new fireplaces are fueled by gas, which eliminates the messy ashes and soot leftover from wood fires. Heat N Glo Fireplace Wont Light | Reasons & Solutions, Return Air Near Fireplace Good or Bad? Heat N Glo Fireplace Flame Adjustment Guide [A-Z Instructions], Heat N Glo Fireplace Troubleshooting: Common Issues & Solutions. Answer, Can 58300 And 58100 Be Billed Together? Homeowners are wise to be wary of gas smells in the home as gas leaks are dangerous and potentially deadly. Ask pros why. Copyright 2014-2023, PICKHVAC All Rights Reserved. Even gases other than carbon monoxide can cause respiratory problems if they're present in large enough quantities and/or someone in the home has sensitivity to that gas. But this is not a new issue.. Ventless and natural B-vent gas fireplaces also have internal air supplies to feed oxygen to the fire, and direct-vent models have external air supplies for this. Hi, I'm Luis, one of the creators of warmmass.com. When the fireplace is on, the fumes will go up the chimney and out of your home. Opting for an air purifier or changing the HVAC system filters can reduce odors in the home. In fact, carbon monoxide is slightly lighter than air and diffuses evenly throughout the room. Homes with gas stoves can contain approximately 50 to 400 percent higher concentrations of NO 2 than homes with electric stoves, often resulting in levels of indoor air pollution that would be . Why Gas Fireplace Wont Turn On After Summer? Second, there are the pollutants created by. This could be caused by an animal nest or debris that has accumulated over time. Health problems that seem to be worse or only occur when the heating is on may be caused by carbon monoxide from a faulty gas heater. A ventless gas log fireplace may look fine, but combustion products should always be vented to the outside. [Cause & Fix]Continue. If you like a roaring fire from autumn all the way through spring, you should conduct or schedule service once a year, ideally early in the summer. CO is a colorless, odorless gas that can cause serious health problems, including death. Gas fireplaces release dangerous pollutants into the air, like carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, and other particles. Is a Gas Fireplace Less Dangerous Than a Wood Burning? To prevent this from happening, follow the safety guidelines and always be on the alert for these symptoms. 3. Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made. Whether for cooking, laundry, or heating, gas is harmful. But did you know that gas fireplaces can actually explode? We have a gas log fireplace in a home we are renting that has the exact same "melted wax" smell. That glass barrier can get extremely hot, so never touch it when the fireplace is in use. Gas fireplaces are convenient to use. Copyright 2022 - https://heatarrays.com. Answer, Is There A Way To Randomly Shuffle Photos In IMovie? As is the case with a gas furnace. Gas fireplaces can potentially leak gas. When inhaled, CO prevents the body from absorbing oxygen. Harmful chemicals in propane heat. First and foremost, vent all burners to the outside. Its a good idea to maintain the homes HVAC system and have it cleaned regularly to improve air quality. When fossil fuels completely combust, they produce carbon dioxide, but when gas fireplaces are improperly ventilated or maintained, the combustion can be incomplete. Another danger sign is soot on the glass doors or on the surrounding walls. Burning wood produces emissions that are widely recognized as harmful to human health. Read on to gather a few more tidbits of info. Gas fireplaces are widely popular as an effective way to keep your homes internal atmosphere warm & comfortable in the winter seasons. Expert advice from Bob Vila, the most trusted name in home improvement, home remodeling, home repair, and DIY. Gas stoves generate dangerous levels of indoor air pollution and leak climate-changing methane. If you must leave the room for any reason, extinguish the fire first. But these fireplaces are designed to operate for only a few hours at a time, and one needs to follow all the manufacturer specs accurately. Fortunately, we have a few more answers. A natural gas fireplace can be vented or vent free. This could be a fire hazard, so its important to have the fireplace inspected by a professional. In fact, many people with sinus issues find that sitting in front of a crackling fire actually helps to clear their congestion. Also, these fireplaces come with sealed chambers to draw in external fresh air for the combustion operation. Do Gas Fireplace Chimneys Need To Be Cleaned? It produces real flames and generates no odors or fumes. A whistling or hissing sound coming from the fireplace is another indication that something is wrong. That means it will keep your internal home area secure and safe. For the most part, fumes from a gas fireplace aren't harmful. How To Make A Tree Grow New Branches Answer, How Long Does It Take For Hair To Break Down Answer, How To Cure Sweet Potatoes After Harvesting Answer, How Do You Make Homemade Apple Juice Answer, How Much Water To Raise A Pound Of Beef Answer, How To Grow Edible Mushrooms Without A Kit Answer, How To Build A Strong Immune System Naturally Answer, What Temperature Should Chicken Eggs Be Incubated At Answer, Can Mcgraw Connect See Other Tabs? 1. Are Fumes From Gas Fireplaces Harmful? Should I be able to smell my gas fireplace? 3 years ago. This, in turn, can lead to COPD or cause COPD symptoms to flare up. Still considering a ventless gas fireplace, but have just a few more questions? Besides that, you can use a prolonged tube that can go up through the roof without getting in the way of other pipelines. High levels of carbon monoxide in the air are very dangerous and may cause people to pass out or even die. If your chimney is taller than it should be, it can create a draft that blows cold air into your fireplace. Gas vs. Electric Fireplace: Whats the Difference? A stench of rotten eggs or a gas odor permeates the home. Both are safe as long as you follow some basic safety tips. However, if you take the necessary precautions, your gas fireplace should be safe to use. The first thing you should do is check to make sure that the pilot light is lit. However, in the same way that its common to notice a burning smell the first time you activate a furnace, homeowners are likely to notice a slight gas smell in the house when they turn on a gas fireplace for the first time in a while. That being said, it is listed as a clean fuel in the 1990 Clean Air Act as well as the Energy Policy Act of 1992 because it burns cleaner than any other fossil fuel. If your fireplace is drafty, the pilot light can be blown out by the wind. The gas fireplace inserts are designed with a vent pipe installed into an existing chimney to release the exhaust. Gas is not the only strong smell that can be emitted from a propane gas fireplace. A: A gas fireplace is a safe and low-maintenance alternative to wood-burning fireplaces that add a cozy ambiance to the home. Dont overload your fireplace with too much wood. Even though gas fireplaces are relatively low-maintenance, they still need to be cleaned and inspected on a regular basis to ensure safe and efficient operation. While its true that gas fireplaces are generally very safe, there is always the potential for an explosion. 2. However, excessive odor or a prolonged smell may require extra attention. Frequently check the condition of your gas fireplace units outdoor gas lines to ensure no dead or yellowed grass and plants are near those gas lines. Hydrogen peroxide. Now, some chefs are endorsing this alternative. If you have a gas fireplace, it is important to make sure that it is safe. The answer is yes and no. Answer, What Does Unqualified Certificate Of Title Mean? In extreme cases, it can lead to asphyxiation or heart failure. Best Answer, How Many Satchels Is It For A Soft Side Sheet Metal Wall? Flames are coming out of the unit: If you see flames coming out of your gas fireplace, turn off the gas immediately and call a professional. One problem is that the pilot light can go out. It is a dangerous gas that is silent. Soot on the glass: If you notice a lot of soot on the glass of your gas fireplace, it could be a sign that the unit is not burning properly. No, you should not leave your gas fireplace on overnight as you risk carbon monoxide poisoning. Gas fireplaces are actually very safe when used correctly. These levels aren't typically harmful for healthy individuals, but it can be a problem for those who are vulnerable, including: Children Pregnant people Older adults Small pets People with cardiovascular problems People with asthma or severe allergies People with other pre-existing health conditions Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made. Ventless fireplaces do not produce soot and. If you place a new piece of furniture close to the fireplace, it may heat up and release a chemical-like smell. The distinctive "new car smell" may contain dangerous chemicals that increase a person's risk of cancer, a new study has found. Excessive water vapor being emitted from your vent-free gas fireplace can cause your wallpaper to peel, as well as other structural damage. You need to note and frequently perform a few essential safety precautions to ensure that your gas fireplace is free of gas leaks or further dangers, Such as . Ventless fireplaces are more energy efficient than vented fireplaces because no heat escapes up the flue, so youll save money on gas utility bills. Yet not everyone is a fan of these newfangled fireplacesin fact, they are banned in some states. However, carbon monoxide poisoning is also possible with additional fuels such as gas, oil, solid minerals and biomass. Our website is full of reviews and information from reliable sources to help you choose the best equipment. Besides cleaning your gas fireplace regularly, also perform a gas leak test once in a while. There are a few common problems that can occur with gas fireplaces. The Internet has been aflame in recent days over gas stovesspecifically, over whether they are harmful to human health and can or should be banned in the U.S. If you see any of these danger signs, dont hesitate to call a professional for help! Your model may indicate a specific clearance zone in its manual. April 12, 2023, 12:49 p.m. Ensure the gas is turned off, then try to air out the room. They have sealed chambers that draw in outside fresh air, which is used in the combustion process. A steady, strong flame is . The industry likes the term "vent-free" when talking about gas fireplaces that keep all the exhaust gases in your home. If you do find yourself near a gas fireplace while its in use, its best to avoid breathing in the fumes as much as possible. If you think you may have been exposed to CO fumes, see a doctor immediately. Below you can find a list of things that can make your gas fireplace smell, as well as specific smells to look out for and tips for gas fireplace maintenance to prevent unwanted odors. When possible, an existing chimney is used to run a new flue, but . Most commonly, this smell comes from the chimney. Some signs will alert you about the situation in advance, but you need to keep a close and keen eye to identify those obvious signs mentioned below: Although Gas fireplaces are the real lifesaver for providing instant heat and warm air during cold seasons, it is undeniably true that Gas fireplaces can generate and emit harmful gases, which are particularly dangerous for humans. Not at all. Its also worth noting that the glass barriers surrounding gas fireplaces get quite hot, so homeowners with small children or pets will want to stay vigilant when the fireplace is in use to keep everyone at a safe distance. This gas from the fireplace contains carbon monoxide, which is hazardous to one's health if inhaled and causes headaches and other issues in some people. What maintenance is required for a gas fireplace? To clean the burner, simply remove it from the fireplace and scrape away any debris with a wire brush. In fact, a faint gas smell is an unavoidable consequence of using gas fireplace logs. You are advised to install carbon monoxide detectors in your home. A gas fireplace that smells like gas is not a cause for concern. And as there is no vent to remove the fumes that cause this odor in ventless gas logs, the smell is stronger, increasing the health issues. Environmental illnesses are caused by breathing in natural gas, most frequently asthma in children and respiratory compromise in adults. Answer, How Do I Transfer My DJI Osmo Video To My Computer? How Hot Does a Fireplace Get? How Much Gas and Propane Does a Gas Fireplace Use? This can be caused by a faulty thermocouple or gas valve. Copyright 2023 Acton Media Inc. All rights reserved. Youll pay $3,500 to $8,000 or more for a direct vent gas fireplace, depending on fireplace quality and the amount of remodeling to be done, to purchase a vented gas fireplace and have it professionally installed. Gas fireplaces can cause carbon monoxide poisoning. Other air contaminants can cause symptoms similar to those of gas leak poisoning. RELATED: The Best Carbon Monoxide Detectors for Protecting Your Home. Get free, no-commitment repair estimates from licensed HVAC technicians near you. eHow may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. Many of todays models include built-in carbon monoxide detectors and oxygen detection sensors, which are designed to monitor air quality in the room. Then, the gaseous byproducts are channeled to the outside of the building. 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