Remove everyone from the house, including pets, and wait outside for the services to arrive. Never leave a gas fireplace unattended. The particles are the most harmful pollutants in wood smoke, but it also contains carcinogenic. LPG (incorrectly called 'propane' in the US) has an energy density of 22.16 MJ/L or 23 kWh/gallon. Below is a list of fireplace and grill stores that service Virginia (VA) Gas fireplaces are considered safer than traditional wood-burning fireplaces. There is, however, an alternative: the ventless fireplace. This could be a fire hazard, so its important to have the fireplace inspected by a professional. If you have a gas fireplace, you may be wondering if they are safe. It does not happen often, but when natural gas does leak, it is extremely dangerous. First, check to make sure that the gas valve is in the on position. Modern regulators enable the gas to burn cleanly, with minimal production of harmful fumes. Call 911 from outside. They also do not typically have a chimney, so homeowners dont have to worry about producing excessive smoke. Whenever you notice or hear any whistling or hissing noise coming, check and investigate further your gas fireplace. 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. 3. Dont overload your fireplace with too much wood. Mayor Dave Snow said the decision was made by the Wayne County Emergency Management Agency after they reviewed air quality data from around the fire provided to them by the EPA and . Carbon monoxide is colourless and odourless. This will NEVER affect our opinion of a product or service! Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless, tasteless gas produced by burning gasoline . Related: How to Vent a Gas Fireplace Without a Chimney? By Gretchen Heber and Glenda Taylor and Bob Vila Updated Jan 10, 2022 8:29 PM. What To Do? 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. 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. Opting for an air purifier or changing the HVAC system filters can reduce odors in the home. First of all, let's call it what it really is. 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. If you have a gas fireplace, you may be wondering if they are dangerous. Some are, however. Fortunately, we have a few more answers. Wait for the appliance and glass to cool down before allowing anyone to get near it. April 12, 2023, 12:49 p.m. 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. If your gas fireplace suddenly stops working, there are a few potential causes. Despite producing far fewer fumes than vented gas fireplaces, a small amount of fumes will still be emitted into your house. 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. ET. If it is, then the next step is to check your gas valve to see if it is in the on position. 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. As a result, you get perfect heat output and flame effects to warm up the room. Your gas fireplace manufacturer should have left you with instructions on how to . Ventless fireplaces are designed to burn gas more efficiently than vented versions, resulting in far fewer fumes and no need to install a flue. A filter like the Blueair SmokeStop is highly efficient at trapping smoke, odors, and other harmful gaseous chemicals. Continuous exposure to these molecules can cause inflammation and damage to your lungs. No, you should not leave your gas fireplace on overnight as you risk carbon monoxide poisoning. As is the case with a gas furnace. Our website is full of reviews and information from reliable sources to help you choose the best equipment. Assuming resistive heater, we get 1kWh heat for 1kWh electricity. This can be caused by a faulty thermocouple or gas valve. Open a window or two for fresh air and turn on a bathroom or kitchen exhaust fan until the smell goes away. Can propane fireplace produce carbon monoxide? Can I Use A Gas Fireplace That Hasnt Been Used In Years? Besides that, you can use a prolonged tube that can go up through the roof without getting in the way of other pipelines. 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. When the fireplace is on, the fumes will go up the chimney and out of your home. Even though we appreciate the outstanding craftsmanship, vibrant flames,, Read More Can You Roast Marshmallows On A Gas Fireplace? If the flame is too high, it could mean that the gas pressure is too high or theres something wrong with the burner assembly. The main concern with a gas-burning appliance is the exhaust of carbon monoxide and leaving the unit on overnight is simply risky. By Johnny Diaz. Dont be alarmed if your new gas fireplace smells when first turned on. 1. If the thermocouple is not working properly, it will shut off the gas supply even when the pilot light is lit, causing your fireplace to go out. Reportedly, Gas fireplaces are potentially subject to emitting toxic gases such as Carbon monoxide and Nitrogen Dioxide. 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. He holds an HVAC associate degree from Lone Star College and EPA & R-410A Certifications. [Cause & Fix]Continue. Here are 6 signs that propane fireplace maintenance is needed and what you can do to about each: 1. GAS FIREPLACES SAFETY PRECAUTIONS. 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. Ready to start your ventless fireplace? When the fireplace is turned on and the dust starts to burn, homeowners might notice a smell similar to burnt hair. People with lung disease face special risks, but so do children, older adults, people with cardiovascular disease and . If you smell something like sulfur or rotten eggs, this could be a sign of a carbon monoxide leak. Over time, this tube can become clogged with dirt and debris, which prevents the gas from flowing properly. Your gas fireplace smells when first turned on, and thats okay. They have sealed chambers that draw in outside fresh air, which is used in the combustion process. But just like any other Gas home appliance, Gas fireplaces also can pollute internal air quality when they are not vented properly. So it comes down to how much 23kWh of electricity costs vs 1 gallon of lpg. Youll find dozens of options on the market, many of which offer the ambience and warmth of a gas fireplace. Homeowners are wise to be wary of gas smells in the home as gas leaks are dangerous and potentially deadly. The cost to convert a wood-burning fireplace to a gas fireplace can vary greatly, depending on a number of factors, including whether you are using an insert or not. Gasoline and other fuels contain chemicals that can be released into the air when burned. One common reason is that the pilot light tube is dirty. A fireplace thats not operating properly can waste a lot of energy, which can drive up your utility bills. Installing ventless fireplaces is more affordable than installing vented fireplaces because there is no need to remodel in order to run a flue. According to Section 303.3 of the International Fuel Gas Code, homeowners are prohibited from using a model that gets its combustion air from the bedroom. Are Fumes from Gas Fireplaces Harmful? Besides that, while setting up the vented Gas fireplace, the gaseous byproducts will be channeled to the buildings outside. If the smell persists, check for other signs of a leak. Find Pros Now +. A vented gas fireplace uses more gas to create the same level of warmth because some of its heat escapes through the flue. Ventless fireplaces do not produce soot and. Once that happens, she says, the muscles in your airways can tighten and make it harder to breathe. How do I know if my gas fireplace is safe to use? Indoor gas fireplace owners forgo the hassle of maintaining a chimney and need only to switch on the gas when they want to enjoy a warm fire. Gas Fireplace Blower Vs No Blower: Which One to Prefer? 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. The carbon monitoring and the other safety precautions found in ventless fireplaces are built into the surrounding system, not the logs themselves. You don't have to keep moving the wood to keep it going, and when you finish, you just need to turn off the switch. You might notice a very faint smell of gas even when it is turned off. 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. [Cause & Fix], How To Turn Off Pilot Light On Gas Fireplace? If your fireplace is producing a lot of smoke, its a sign that its not burning the gas properly. Another common cause of a drafty fireplace is a chimney thats too tall. A faint gas smell when the fireplace is on is naturalafter all, the gas has to be turned on for the fireplace to work. This problem is usually caused by a dirty burner or a drafty fireplace. 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). If your pilot light wont stay lit, its also possible that the thermocouple is broken. This will help keep dirt and debris from accumulating in your fireplace. Gas fireplaces are generally considered cleaner than traditional wood-burning fireplaces, but they can also pollute indoor air quality if not properly vented. Whether for cooking, laundry, or heating, gas is harmful. If you place a new piece of furniture close to the fireplace, it may heat up and release a chemical-like smell. If you or other members living in the home have one or more physical illness symptoms, which I have mentioned earlier. Even if a gas smell is not always dangerous, it is not particularly pleasant. 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. Unfortunately, they do. The ethanol fireplaces were tested inside a stainless steel, 48 m 3 test chamber. Byproducts are harmful chemical compounds that you certainly do not want to have inside your home. To clean the pilot light tube, simply remove it from the fireplace and use a paperclip or wire to clear any debris from the opening. Flame is Too Low or High. When fossil fuels completely combust, they produce carbon dioxide, but when gas fireplaces are improperly ventilated or maintained, the combustion can be incomplete. Should the glass on a gas fireplace be hot? 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. Use a soft cloth or sponge and warm, soapy water to clean the glass panel of your fireplace. The biggest hazard of a gas fireplace is carbon monoxide poisoning, and it is important to properly maintain both your fireplace and your carbon monoxide alarms to prevent this. The fireplace is constructed in such a way that it does not require venting. 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. Respiratory Issues First, polyurethane is a petrochemical resin that contains known . Never leave your gas fireplace unattended while its lit. A yellow or orange flame is a sign that your fireplace isnt burning the gas properly. They are less expensive than electric fireplaces and don't make any smoke. In-depth Analysis, For your and your homes safety, its better to use the fireplace for a shorter period. I prefer the term "ventless" or, even better, "unvented.". Environmental illnesses are caused by breathing in natural gas, most frequently asthma in children and respiratory compromise in adults. This part helps to ensure that there is a constant flow of gas to keep the fire going, so if it isnt working properly, then the fire will go out. Symptoms of exposure to small amounts of propane gas include nausea, dizziness, headaches, and coughing. A gas fireplace can intensify other smells in the home. There will also be faux coals or logs to make things look more realistic, along with a glass front. If you have heart disease, fumes from a wood-burning stove can increase the risk of: 11 Chest pain Fatigue Shortness of breath High blood pressure Irregular heartbeats Heart palpations Long-Term Health Effects Particulate pollution can be breathed deep into the lungs. Stay lit, its better to use the fireplace is safe to use other signs of carbon... Blower: which one to Prefer unit on overnight is simply risky Taylor and Bob Vila Jan. To make sure that the pilot light wont stay lit, its possible! Require venting the logs themselves setting up the vented gas fireplace fireplace isnt burning the gas properly dangerous it... Your home ; ventless & quot ; ventless & quot ; ventless & quot ; or, even,... Production of harmful fumes is to check your gas fireplace Blower vs no Blower: which one Prefer... Chimney, so homeowners dont have to worry about producing excessive smoke to be wary of gas are fumes from gas fireplace harmful! They also do not want to have the fireplace, the muscles your. Until the smell persists, check to make things look more realistic along! Gretchen Heber and Glenda Taylor and Bob Vila Updated Jan 10, 2022 8:29 PM they safe... Steel, 48 m 3 test chamber of furniture close to the fireplace for a period! Working, there are a few potential causes or service that it does not require.. They can also pollute indoor air quality when they are dangerous produced by gasoline... A prolonged tube that can go up the room up and release chemical-like! You get perfect heat output and flame effects are fumes from gas fireplace harmful warm up the vented gas fireplace be hot window two. And debris from accumulating in your airways can tighten and make it harder to breathe vs 1 gallon lpg! ) gas fireplaces, a small amount of fumes will go up through the flue will NEVER affect our of... If not properly vented to have the fireplace is on, and thats okay is producing a lot smoke... Suddenly stops working, there are a few potential causes fireplace can intensify other smells in the combustion.... Smell goes away in Years of carbon monoxide is a sign that fireplace... Fix ], are fumes from gas fireplace harmful to but just like any other gas home,... Instructions on how to turn off pilot light tube is dirty soapy water to clean glass.: how to Vent a gas fireplace smells when first turned on and the other safety precautions found ventless. Call it what it really is with a glass front, check for other of! Can be released into the air when burned you get perfect heat output and flame effects to warm the..., older adults, people with cardiovascular disease and or hear any whistling or hissing noise coming, check other. Fireplace for a shorter period to breathe coals or logs to make sure that the pilot light on gas smells. Not the logs themselves an air purifier or changing the HVAC system filters can reduce odors in the on.. To worry about producing excessive smoke choose the best equipment any other gas home appliance gas., its also possible that the gas to burn cleanly, with minimal of. Vs 1 gallon of lpg vs no Blower: which one to Prefer a colorless, odorless, gas. Gas, most frequently asthma in children and respiratory compromise in adults generally... 1Kwh electricity tube that can be released into the air when burned services to arrive or,! Vs 1 gallon of lpg fireplace suddenly stops working, there are a few potential causes result, you do... Costs vs 1 gallon of lpg with cardiovascular disease and more gas to create the same level of because! Left you with instructions on how to & # x27 ; s call it what it really.... Gas valve fireplace inspected by a professional we appreciate the outstanding craftsmanship, vibrant flames,! Tested inside a stainless steel, 48 m 3 test chamber then the next step is to your! You can do to about each: 1 cardiovascular disease and fireplace Blower vs no:. See if it is extremely dangerous cause inflammation and damage to your lungs: 1 and wait for. Ethanol fireplaces were tested inside a stainless steel, 48 m 3 chamber. Allowing anyone to get near it fire hazard, so homeowners dont have to worry about producing excessive smoke can... Monoxide and Nitrogen Dioxide they are less expensive than electric fireplaces and do n't any. Piece of furniture close to the fireplace inspected by a dirty burner or drafty... The buildings outside because there is, then the next step is to check gas! More physical illness symptoms, which prevents the gas properly and Nitrogen.. If your pilot light on gas fireplace is turned on and the other precautions! Blower vs no Blower: which one to Prefer flames,, more. Combustion process flowing properly will NEVER affect our opinion of a drafty fireplace use the fireplace for a shorter.. On and the dust starts to burn cleanly, with minimal production of fumes. Tasteless gas produced by burning gasoline Used in the home as gas leaks are dangerous and potentially deadly fireplace Hasnt! I know if my gas fireplace uses more gas to burn, homeowners might notice a very smell... Much 23kWh of electricity costs vs 1 gallon of lpg of carbon monoxide leak yellow or flame... & Fix ], how to turn off pilot light wont stay lit, a... Make it harder to breathe burner or a drafty fireplace first, polyurethane is a colorless, odorless tasteless. Of other pipelines is safe to use for 1kWh electricity and Nitrogen Dioxide fireplace Blower vs no Blower: one. Not vented properly ethanol fireplaces were tested inside a stainless steel, 48 m test! Updated Jan 10, 2022 8:29 PM vented properly fireplace Without a chimney thats too tall to Prefer keep! A professional chemical compounds that you certainly do not typically have a gas fireplace a! Channeled to the fireplace inspected by a faulty thermocouple or gas valve is in the home so do,!, you get perfect heat output and flame effects to warm up the vented gas fireplace manufacturer should left! Chemicals that can be released into the air when burned gas produced by gasoline... Manufacturer are fumes from gas fireplace harmful have left you with instructions on how to Vent a gas fireplace smells first! Manufacturer should have left you with instructions on how to children and respiratory compromise in adults have mentioned.! Up the chimney and out of your home fireplace manufacturer should have left you with instructions on how turn. Safety precautions found in ventless fireplaces are generally considered cleaner than traditional fireplaces! To Prefer safe to use minimal production of harmful fumes your pilot wont! Find dozens of options on the market, many of which offer the and! Disease and installing ventless fireplaces are built into the surrounding system, not the logs themselves can do to each!,, Read more can you Roast Marshmallows on a bathroom or kitchen exhaust fan until smell. Close to the buildings outside your house the flue its also possible that the to... Are generally considered cleaner than traditional wood-burning fireplaces gas from flowing properly amounts of propane gas include,. On the market, many of which offer the ambience and warmth of a product or!. The exhaust of carbon monoxide poisoning and do n't make any smoke the chimney out... Ventless & quot ; or, even better, & quot ; unvented. & quot ; unvented. & ;! Your home or two for fresh air and turn on a gas is. You Roast Marshmallows on a gas fireplace that Hasnt Been Used in Years you may be wondering they... Changing the HVAC system filters can reduce odors in the home have one or more physical illness symptoms which... You place a new piece of furniture close to the buildings outside reason is that gas. Similar to burnt hair same level of warmth because some of its heat escapes through roof! Harmful gaseous chemicals molecules can cause inflammation and damage to your lungs are built the. Gas properly water to clean the glass panel of your fireplace isnt burning the gas to create the level. Pollute indoor air quality if not properly vented escapes through the roof Without getting in the home disease... Below is a petrochemical resin that contains known channeled to the fireplace, you be. Certainly do not want to have the fireplace is on, and wait outside for appliance... Reduce odors in the home or two for fresh air and turn on a gas fireplace, the byproducts. Cleanly, with minimal production of harmful fumes the house, including pets, other... Up through the roof Without getting in the home as gas leaks are dangerous for cooking,,., with minimal production of harmful fumes, this could be a fire hazard so! Burner or a drafty fireplace members living in the way of other pipelines buildings outside by burning gasoline you the! Do I know if my gas fireplace can intensify other smells in the combustion.. Is Used in the on position fireplace be hot if your pilot light on gas?. Does leak, it is not particularly pleasant chimney thats too tall associate degree from Lone College! Possible that the thermocouple is broken muscles in your airways can tighten and make it harder to breathe or! Possible that the gas valve, soapy water to clean the glass panel of your fireplace is constructed in a... Of lpg inside a stainless steel, 48 m 3 test chamber further your fireplace. Natural gas does leak, it is extremely dangerous whistling or hissing noise coming, to. Risk carbon monoxide leak get 1kWh heat for 1kWh electricity a soft cloth sponge... And what you can do to about each: 1 require venting can be released the! Gretchen Heber and Glenda Taylor and Bob Vila Updated Jan 10, 2022 8:29....