2. To prevent this from happening, follow the safety guidelines and always be on the alert for these symptoms. Keep in mind that most communities require a certified gas contractor or a licensed plumber to install and hook up gas lines, so this is by no means a DIY project. Unfortunately, a smell coming from your gas fireplace could mean there is a gas leak, which can cause a house fire or even an explosion. Were able to enjoy the warmth and ambiance of the flames once again, and we dont have to worry about the potential dangers of a fire that isnt burning correctly. 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. When it comes to gas fireplaces, there are a few things that can go wrong. If the pilot light goes out, it will need to be relit according to the manufacturers instructions. Answer, Do You Need To Put Your Middle Name When Booking Flights Easyjet? This will help keep dirt and debris from accumulating in your fireplace. What To Do? Dont be alarmed if your new gas fireplace smells when first turned on. To fix this problem, youll need to have the chimney shortened. Your gas fireplace chimney should be inspected and swept regularly to keep it clean and free of any external obstructions or damage. Yes, you can run your gas fireplace all day if you want to. Are Gas Fireplace Fumes Toxic? Most people think of their gas fireplace as being a safe and reliable way to heat their home. A faulty gas heater can cause serious health problems. If the smell persists, check for other signs of a leak. Its also very important to have your gas fireplace professionally inspected every year. These may include hissing sounds, high gas bills, the smell of rotten eggs, or dying plants. Read on to gather a few more tidbits of info. Another possible cause of your gas fireplace smell is exhaust spilling into the home instead of going up the chimney or flue. In fact, a faint gas smell is an unavoidable consequence of using gas fireplace logs. . Wait for the appliance and glass to cool down before allowing anyone to get near it. Why Gas Fireplace Wont Turn On After Summer? There could be an issue with the gas line or other components that require a trained professional to fix. This is a relatively easy repair that you can do yourself if you have some basic handyman skills.Another possibility is that there is a blockage in the flue or chimney. Gas fireplaces are safe when used correctly, but can be dangerous if not used properly. Fire feeds on oxygen, which can be intermingled with impurities in the air. This keeps those rooms warm and comfortable and reduces the amount of money spent heating rooms that arent in use. As long as the smell only appears when the fireplace is on, and it subsides within about 10 minutes, it is not cause for concern. Open a window or two for fresh air and turn on a bathroom or kitchen exhaust fan until the smell goes away. Otherwise, all that heat will escape right up the chimney! Get free, no-commitment repair estimates from licensed HVAC technicians near you. If your gas fireplace seems out of sorts, schedule a service call as soon as possible. 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. Nothing feels quite as nice as the cozy glow of a warm fire on a blustery winters day. In general, there are fewer safety risks involved with owning a gas fireplace than a wood-burning one. Burning wood produces emissions that are widely recognized as harmful to human health. If you suspect you have a natural gas leak, leave your house and call for help. Be sure to open the flue before lighting a fire in a gas fireplace. Copyright 2023 Acton Media Inc. All rights reserved. How often should gas fireplace be serviced? The gas fireplace inserts are designed with a vent pipe installed into an existing chimney to release the exhaust. Also, these fireplaces come with sealed chambers to draw in external fresh air for the combustion operation. "Cars, trucks and SUVs all have one thing in common," said . Copyright 2023 Acton Media Inc. All rights reserved. The biggest threat is fine particulate matter, which can aggravate asthma symptoms, cause heart attacks, stroke and heart failure, according to the EPA. A gas flames presence can intensify odors already lurking in the air. A gas fireplace can intensify other smells in the home. This will NEVER affect our opinion of a product or service! Whenever you use a gas appliance in your home, you run the risk that excess carbon monoxide will poison your family or that an untended gas flame will cause a fire. Gas fireplaces are generally considered cleaner than traditional wood-burning fireplaces, but they can also pollute indoor air quality if not properly vented. This is an indication that combustion isnt taking place properly and that harmful gases could be present. The good news is that most gas fireplaces are designed to release very few of these harmful chemicals into the air. However, the fumes from a gas fireplace can be just as harmful as the smoke from a wood burning fireplace. Even if you opt to clean the fireplace yourself, its still a requirement to have an inspectionyearly, at the very least. First, check to make sure that the gas is turned on at the shut-off valve. Gas fireplaces release dangerous pollutants into the air, like carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, and other particles. To prevent this, experts recommend having professional fireplace maintenance done once a year, ideally at the end of summer when your fireplace has been dormant the longest. 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. The particles are the most harmful pollutants in wood smoke, but it also contains carcinogenic. It is normally very safe. Our team of dedicated technologists, experts, and researchers is here to help you make the right decision. These odors shouldnt last for long one to three hours of burning should do the trick. Never leave a gas fireplace unattended. "Even the highest users of scented candles and other fragranced products are not putting themselves at any appreciable risk of harm." According to Dr. Dalton, humans can smell fragrances at very,. General Security: Can a Gas Fireplace Cause Carbon Monoxide Poisoning. These types of logs dont have a chimney or vent to remove the fumes produced by the fire, so the smell is typically stronger. Most commonly, this smell comes from the chimney. Another option is an ethanol fireplace, also known as a bio or or bio-ethanol fireplace, which is ventless and runs on ethanol fuel. Our website is full of reviews and information from reliable sources to help you choose the best equipment. Ventless fireplaces undergo rigorous testing to ensure they meet federal safety and health standards. The industry likes the term "vent-free" when talking about gas fireplaces that keep all the exhaust gases in your home. 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. Then, the gaseous byproducts are channeled to the outside of the building. Empire Tahoe Deluxe Direct-Vent Fireplace, ProComs Dual Fuel Propane and Natural Gas Fireplace Insert, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (InterNACHI). [Cause & Fix], How To Turn Off Pilot Light On Gas Fireplace? Installing ventless fireplaces is more affordable than installing vented fireplaces because there is no need to remodel in order to run a flue. This is a very common occurrence that can make the fireplace have an odor like smoke or burnt plastic. Are Fumes From Gas Fireplaces Harmful? However, it is often neglected in, Read More Why Gas Fireplace Wont Turn On After Summer? If ventless gas fireplaces are legal where you live and you choose to install one, reduce potential dangers by carefully following the manufacturers directions. Here are some things to look for: Fames should be blue: A gas fireplace that produces mostly yellow or orange flames may be burning inefficiently and could be a safety hazard. In-depth Analysis, For your and your homes safety, its better to use the fireplace for a shorter period. Manufacturers often recommend homeowners leave a window open while operating the fireplace, but, in cold weather, thats not always feasible. my theory is that the paint which is on the mantel is latex, giving it the "warmed plastic" odor that you get if plastic is melted. Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that can be deadly. The carbon monitoring and the other safety precautions found in ventless fireplaces are built into the surrounding system, not the logs themselves. The cancer-causing chemicals benzo(a)pyrene and polyaromatic hydrocarbons can also . Despite producing far fewer fumes than vented gas fireplaces, a small amount of fumes will still be emitted into your house. However, if you take the necessary precautions, your gas fireplace should be safe to use. Call 911 from outside. You can use caulk or weatherstripping to seal the gaps. But how safe using these fireplaces is for home, or are fumes from Gas fireplaces harmful? If you place a new piece of furniture close to the fireplace, it may heat up and release a chemical-like smell. 1. Many models have carbon monoxide and oxygen sensors to further ensure safety. When the fireplace is turned on and the dust starts to burn, homeowners might notice a smell similar to burnt hair. A ventless gas log fireplace may look fine, but combustion products should always be vented to the outside. If you have a gas fireplace, you know how convenient and cozy it can be. Also, be vigilant about keeping children and pets away from your fireplace when it is on and for at least an hour after turning it off. To clean the burner, simply remove it from the fireplace and scrape away any debris with a wire brush. If your fireplace is producing a lot of smoke, its a sign that its not burning the gas properly. Gas fireplaces are convenient to use. Gas fireplaces are widely popular as an effective way to keep your homes internal atmosphere warm & comfortable in the winter seasons. Do Gas Fireplace Chimneys Need To Be Cleaned? Make sure the damper is open before igniting your fire and closed when youre done burning for the night. The Direct vent fireplaces can also run continuously as long as you ensure that the front glass front is sealed completely. Following the manufacturers instructions, test both the carbon monoxide and the oxygen detection sensors detectors (if present) at least once a year to make sure theyre working. Make sure vents are unobstructed. Is it normal for a gas fireplace to smell like gas? First and foremost, vent all burners to the outside. These fumes could lead to irritation of the eyes, throat, and lungs, and could cause more severe allergic reactions for individuals with chemical sensitivities. But normal fumes when the unit is new or first turned on are usually not harmful. States including California and Massachusetts have banned the installation of ventless fireplaces, and the devices are not permitted in HUD housing. Besides cleaning your gas fireplace regularly, also perform a gas leak test once in a while. Popping sounds in your fireplace are usually caused by expanding and contracting metal. The smell of burning gas can cause sensitivity, headaches, and other issues in some people. Answer, Do I Tell Judy About Johnny Silverhand? But if users smell sulfur or gas consistently in between uses, it could be an indication that there is a leak somewhere. To fix this problem, youll need to seal up any gaps around the fireplace that are letting in air. Always extinguish the flame before leaving the room or going to bed. Tomato plants are very sensitive to certain pollutants found in the exhaust from fossil fuels. 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. 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. This, in turn, can lead to COPD or cause COPD symptoms to flare up. Think about putting up a safety gate in front and keep the gas fireplace remote hidden and out of reach. A professional chimney sweep can clear away any blockages and get your fireplace up and running again.Finally, if none of these solutions work, then you may need to call a gas technician to come and take a look at your fireplace. Ventless or free fireplaces deliver an additional heat source and do not vent exhaust fumes to the outside. Direct Vent ones come equipped with an exhaust vent installed through an external wall, and these fireplaces are for those customers who do not have existing fireplaces. propane fireplaces have a built-in pilot light as well. According to the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (InterNACHI), even though ventless fireplaces greatly reduce toxic fumes, they will still release some small amount into the home, which increases the risk of exposure to carbon monoxide. Clean the glass regularly. What Are the Dangers of Burning Osage Wood in the Fireplace? Pay attention to any strange odors coming from your gas fire. However, gas stoves are also reentering the spotlight namely for their role in climate change. The flames produced by ventless fireplaces create every bit as much ambience as those produced by vented fireplaces. In the process, the engineers took the DIN 4734-1 standard into account, defined the technical minimum standard . Get Free of Debris: Use the hose attachment on your vacuum to clean the interior of your fireplace. Its always a relief when our gas fireplaces are working properly again after a problem. According to a May 2020 review by the Rocky Mountain Institute, homes that use gas stoves have indoor air that is 2-5 times dirtier than outdoors. If you have any concerns that your gas fireplace could be leaking natural gas, treat it like an emergency even if youre not sure call your utility company right away and leave the house until someone can come check it out and give the all clear.. Whether for cooking, laundry, or heating, gas is harmful. Symptoms of CO poisoning include headache, dizziness, nausea, and fatigue. Get free, no-commitment project estimates from top-rated repair services near you. If your fireplace is leaving soot on the glass, its a sign that its not burning the gas properly. Here are some chemicals she says may worsen your symptoms: Ammonia. Another possibility is that there is dirt or debris in the gas line that is preventing enough gas from reaching the fireplace. However, this number will differ based on how well you maintain your fireplace. Do not leave your gas fireplace unattended, and if possible, keep the. There will be an external vent for waste air with direct vent and natural gas fireplaces. The fumes from a gas fireplace are not harmful, as long as they are used properly. The AGA responds to indoor air quality concerns for gas stoves by pointing out that cooking fumes come from all types of stoves. Secondly, youll want to make sure that you have the fireplace serviced regularly to ensure that it is operating safely and efficiently. 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. It can even collect this debris if not used for a few weeks. Wood smoke can affect everyone, but the populations known to be at greater risk include: children, teenagers, older adults, people with lung disease -- including asthma and COPD, people with heart disease, outdoor workers, and people of low socioeconomic status, including those who are homeless and with limited access to medical care. Gas fireplace smells like gas?Ask pros why. In fact, many people with sinus issues find that sitting in front of a crackling fire actually helps to clear their congestion. These safety measures, combined with the relative simplicity of installation, make ventless gas fireplaces an attractive option for many consumers. Even vented Gas fireplaces also feature combustion or exhaust systems to deliver secure and efficient heat. If the house still smells like gas but theres no leak, its possible that the homes air filters are past due for replacement. Modern regulators enable the gas to burn cleanly, with minimal production of harmful fumes. Note: Maintain the gas fireplace with care. The burner is the part of the fireplace where the gas is burned. Most localities, however, do not allow unvented gas fireplaces in a bedroom, period. * Be sure to install a carbon monoxide detector near any gas appliance! 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. When the gas fireplace is not set on a properly spaced area, all the safety measurements and maintenance precautions are not taken accordingly, it can eject toxic or harmful gasses to pollute the rooms atmosphere. 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. Get free, no-commitment project estimates from top-rated repair services near you. 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