Heavy condensation built up at the rooms windowpane, where the gas fireplace unit is installed. This can be caused by a variety of things, such as a draft in the room or a dirty flame sensor. You are advised to install carbon monoxide detectors in your home. We have a gas log fireplace in a home we are renting that has the exact same "melted wax" smell. While a vented gas fireplace is the most obvious alternative to a ventless gas fireplace, the hassle and expense of a vented fireplace may be something youd like to avoid. If you see any of these danger signs, its important to contact a professional immediately to have your fireplace inspected. 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. Unfortunately, they do. Heat N Glo Fireplace Wont Light | Reasons & Solutions, Return Air Near Fireplace Good or Bad? Assuming resistive heater, we get 1kWh heat for 1kWh electricity. To clean the burner, simply remove it from the fireplace and scrape away any debris with a wire brush. A traditional vented gas fireplace, such as the Empire Tahoe Deluxe Direct-Vent Fireplace, can be fueled by either natural gas or propane and has two vents that run to the exterior of the house. Currently, the EPA has set no standard for safe levels indoors. 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. Installing ventless fireplaces is more affordable than installing vented fireplaces because there is no need to remodel in order to run a flue. A ventless gas fireplace likely wont have this issue because there is no flue or chimney, but a vented fireplace might. These odors shouldnt last for long one to three hours of burning should do the trick. Symptoms of this sort of poisoning include dizziness, headache, nausea, shortness of breath, chest pain and unconsciousness. This gas is more than 90 percent methane. A yellow or orange flame is a sign that your fireplace isnt burning the gas properly. Why Gas Fireplace Wont Turn On After Summer? Electric or solar are the ways to go. Always use glass doors when burning your fire. DO leave the flue open so that excess carbon monoxide is vented. 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. The short answer is yes, they can be. Another option is an ethanol fireplace, also known as a bio or or bio-ethanol fireplace, which is ventless and runs on ethanol fuel. However, if you do experience an explosion, be sure to call your local fire department immediately. That glass barrier can get extremely hot, so never touch it when the fireplace is in use. You can use caulk or weatherstripping to seal the gaps. 8. This could be a serious safety hazard. 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. This may be because they do not produce smoke like a wood burning fireplace does. One common reason is that the pilot light tube is dirty. By Evelyn Auer | Published Oct 28, 2022 3:31 PM. Carbon monoxide is the biggest safety issue that you need to be aware of because it can be deadly. In fact, natural gas has no smell. If the pilot light goes out, it will need to be relit according to the manufacturers instructions. Check to see if the exhaust vent on your gas fire is clear. The distinctive "new car smell" may contain dangerous chemicals that increase a person's risk of cancer, a new study has found. Plumes of black, toxic smoke billowed out over eastern Indiana on Wednesday from an industrial fire that was expected to burn for days, the . 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. 4 MAJOR Health Risks of Natural Gas and Propane in Your Home. Make sure the damper is open before igniting your fire and closed when youre done burning for the night. And with built-in carbon monoxide and oxygen detectors, modern ventless gas fireplaces ensure that the minimal toxic fumes that are released are not at dangerous levels. Most experts recommend that you run a ventless fireplace for no longer than 3 hours at a time, and some suggest running it for only up to 2 hours. The Gas fireplace set up also contains faux coals or logs and a glass front to make them more realistic. If you have a gas fireplace, you know how convenient and cozy it can be. Some are, however. This is perfectly normal and is nothing to be concerned about. A train carrying various toxic chemicals derailed Feb. 3 in Ohio, and a fire was ignited to prevent an explosion. First, when you light a gas fireplace, you may notice a faint smell of chemicals; this is normal and should dissipate quickly. The main concern with a gas-burning appliance is the exhaust of carbon monoxide and leaving the unit on overnight is simply risky. 4. Think about putting up a safety gate in front and keep the gas fireplace remote hidden and out of reach. More than anything, its a sign your fireplace is working the way it should. Gas stoves generate dangerous levels of indoor air pollution and leak climate-changing methane. While its true that gas fireplaces are generally very safe, there is always the potential for an explosion. How to Vent a Gas Fireplace Without a Chimney? This toxic gas poisoning can cause several health issues, such as dizziness, headache, nausea, shortness of breathing difficulty, chest pain. Despite these precautions, some states and municipalities have an outright ban on ventless fireplaces because of safety concerns. LPG (incorrectly called 'propane' in the US) has an energy density of 22.16 MJ/L or 23 kWh/gallon. If there were a leak in the gas valve or a blockage in the vent system, they would be able to get the fireplace back in safe, working order. Read on to learn what it means when a gas fireplace smells like gas. 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 . Gas fireplaces can cause carbon monoxide poisoning. First, check to make sure that the gas is turned on at the shut-off valve. Most commonly, this smell comes from the chimney. A ventless heater will give nearly 100% efficiency converting lpg into heat. By Johnny Diaz. Due to a lack of proper safety assurance during the setup and maintenance, Gas fireplaces can generate toxic fumes, which can be pretty harmful and dangerous. The AGA responds to indoor air quality concerns for gas stoves by pointing out that cooking fumes come from all types of stoves. Its always a relief when our gas fireplaces are working properly again after a problem. Harmful chemicals in propane heat. Another common reason for a pilot light that wont stay lit is a drafty fireplace. Have a qualified technician check for leaks or other damage to your gas line. These safety measures, combined with the relative simplicity of installation, make ventless gas fireplaces an attractive option for many consumers. DONT leave the unit on overnight. Although tests show that gas fireplaces do not increase carbon monoxide levels in your home, its wise to have the detectors if you use any gas appliances at home, including a furnace, a stove or a fireplace. This can be caused by a faulty thermocouple or gas valve. 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. To clean the burner, simply remove it from the fireplace and scrape away any debris with a wire brush. Expect to pay anywhere from $500 to $8,000, with an average cost of about $4,000. PickHVAC is also a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. To fix this problem, youll need to seal the gaps with caulk or weatherstripping. So while gas fireplaces may not be the cause of your sinus problems, they could actually help to relieve them! Gas fireplaces that have direct vents are ones that produce a lot of harmful toxins that need to escape the home through the ventilation. The scent most people recognize is added as a safety precaution to alert homeowners of its presence before they ever begin experiencing slow gas-leak symptoms. But "normal" fumes when the unit is new or first turned on are usually not harmful. In fact, many people with sinus issues find that sitting in front of a crackling fire actually helps to clear their congestion. First, check to make sure that the gas valve is in the on position. A ventless fireplace, such as ProComs Dual Fuel Propane and Natural Gas Fireplace Insert, contains a regulator that produces a fine mixture of gas and air in a way that allows the gas to burn cleanly. If you have any concerns about the safety of your gas fireplace, please dont hesitate to contact a professional for more information. Best Answer, How Many Satchels Is It For A Soft Side Sheet Metal Wall? Keep your Gas fireplace turned off whenever it is not in use. When fossil fuels completely combust, they produce carbon dioxide, but when gas fireplaces are improperly ventilated or maintained, the combustion can be incomplete. Gas Fireplace Blower Vs No Blower: Which One to Prefer? 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. Here are the top four things to remember: 1. If you already have a fireplace in a, Read More Gas Fireplace Blower Vs No Blower: Which One to Prefer?Continue, A gas fireplace creates a comfortable ambiance in your home and provides warmth and heat during the winter months. If the thermocouple is broken, it will need to be replaced. Vacuum the hearth area regularly. Health impacts of gas stoves Below is a list of fireplace and grill stores that service Virginia (VA) Find Pros Now +. There are several ways to vent a ventless gas fireplace. Here are some chemicals she says may worsen your symptoms: Ammonia. This is a very common occurrence that can make the fireplace have an odor like smoke or burnt plastic. 2. To fix this problem, youll need to seal up any gaps around the fireplace that are letting in air. Ventless fireplaces are designed to burn gas more efficiently than vented versions, resulting in far fewer fumes and no need to install a flue. eHow may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. 2 min read. How can I tell if I have a gas leak in my fireplace? Best of all, the only thing you need to do to turn it on is flip a switch; there's no gathering, arranging and trying to light wood. Gas and wood fireplaces have one thing in common: People need to take proper safety precautions when using them. Another possibility is that there is dirt or debris in the gas line that is preventing enough gas from reaching the fireplace. This indicates that there is a problem with the gas mixture and that dangerous gases may be present. Pay attention to any strange odors coming from your gas fire. Also, these fireplaces come with sealed chambers to draw in external fresh air for the combustion operation. These chemicals can be harmful to your health if inhaled in large amounts. One of its advantages is its attribute that . Are Fumes From Gas Fireplaces Harmful? What maintenance is required for a gas fireplace? The main difference is that the smoke from a gas fireplace is invisible. This type of odor may occur any time of year with a newly installed unit. If you have a gas fireplace, you may be wondering if the fumes are harmful. When those impurities come into contact with the flames from the fireplace, the smell will become much more noticeable. Gas fireplaces are easy to enjoy. If it is, then the problem may be with the thermocouple. Modern regulators enable the gas to burn cleanly, with minimal production of harmful fumes. Are fumes from gas fireplace harmful? As is the case with a gas furnace. PICKHVAC Terms of Use: Some of the products seen on our site are delivered through a relationship with outside suppliers like Networx.com, Google, and others. You dont vent a ventless fireplace. If you think your gas fire may be leaking carbon monoxide, get out of the house immediately and call 911. Using polyurethane indoors can expose you to fumes with a number of potential side effects. 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. Expect to pay $1,000 to $5,000 to purchase a ventless fireplace and have it professionally installed. Yes, you can run your gas fireplace all day if you want to. Theres a myth that carbon monoxide alarms should be installed lower on the wall because carbon monoxide is heavier than air. Are fumes from gas fireplace harmful? First, there is the unburned natural gas that can escape before the flame ignites or leak from a gas hook-up. Leave it to the pros. Ensuring the ventilation around the fireplace is optimized allows the gas to dissipate more quickly. What To Do? Also, make sure to get the entire fireplace inspected by professional experts every year. If you have a gas fireplace, you may be wondering if they are dangerous. Ventless or free fireplaces deliver an additional heat source and do not vent exhaust fumes to the outside. The simple answer is yes, you can get carbon monoxide from a wood-burning stove. It is normally very safe. This problem is usually caused by a dirty burner. Chlorine . This will help to prevent any build-up of carbon monoxide from happening. This can especially be the case with vent-free gas logs. Vented gas fireplaces have combustion/exhaust systems that create safe, efficient heat. This is because the gas needs to fill the area around the burner before it can be ignited. Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that can be deadly. Flame is Too Low or High. 3. Never leave a gas fireplace unattended. They can help ensure that it is installed and operated safely. We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. Incomplete combustion can produce harmful chemicals, like carbon monoxide, which can harm your health. 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. Your gas fireplace smells when first turned on, and thats okay. If your fireplace is producing a lot of smoke, its a sign that its not burning the gas properly. Its a good idea to maintain the homes HVAC system and have it cleaned regularly to improve air quality. One common cause is gaps around the fireplace doors. If it doesnt go away, a gas smell from the fireplace when off could also indicate a gas leak, so it is always better safe than sorry! Popping sounds in your fireplace are usually caused by expanding and contracting metal. There are a few common problems that can occur with gas fireplaces. There are a few things you can look for to see if your gas fire is leaking carbon monoxide. A note about fuel: Ventless fireplaces are powered by either natural gas (NG) or propane (LG), and while you can shop for models that display either the NG or LG designation, virtually any gas fireplace can be converted from one type of fuel to the other through the installation of a converter. A gas fireplace can last anywhere from 10 to 20 years, with the average being 15 years. If you place a new piece of furniture close to the fireplace, it may heat up and release a chemical-like smell. He holds an HVAC associate degree from Lone Star College and EPA & R-410A Certifications. Newly Installed Gas Systems May Start with an Odor. 2. This will NEVER affect our opinion of a product or service! Moisture soaking into the masonry through cracks or pores can cause mildew and mold to develop. Hydrogen peroxide. This greatly reduces the fumes associated with the traditional natural gas fireplace. Evelyn Auer, 15 Things You Should Never Burn in the Fireplace. When burned, the gas emits a cluster of byproducts, many of which can be harmful. Make sure vents are unobstructed. We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. Wait for the appliance and glass to cool down before allowing anyone to get near it. I prefer the term "ventless" or, even better, "unvented.". Another possible cause of your gas fireplace smell is exhaust spilling into the home instead of going up the chimney or flue. When it comes to gas fireplaces, there are a few things that can go wrong. If you put ventless logs in a vented fireplace, the fire could still burn too much gas and cause excess toxic fumes without activating the warning detectors. 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