It can even collect this debris if not used for a few weeks. Even vented Gas fireplaces also feature combustion or exhaust systems to deliver secure and efficient heat. 3. Burning wood produces emissions that are widely recognized as harmful to human health. 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. Have your fireplace serviced regularly to ensure that all of the parts are in good working order. This toxic gas poisoning can cause several health issues, such as dizziness, headache, nausea, shortness of breathing difficulty, chest pain. 2. Clear out cobwebs and any visible, lingering dirt. The distinctive "new car smell" may contain dangerous chemicals that increase a person's risk of cancer, a new study has found. Symptoms of this sort of poisoning include dizziness, headache, nausea, shortness of breath, chest pain and unconsciousness. 3. Ensuring the ventilation around the fireplace is optimized allows the gas to dissipate more quickly. But like any appliance, gas fireplaces can have their share of problems. Hydrogen peroxide. First, check to make sure that the gas is turned on at the shut-off valve. Wait for the appliance and glass to cool down before allowing anyone to get near it. In fact, natural gas has no smell. Moisture soaking into the masonry through cracks or pores can cause mildew and mold to develop. I prefer the term "ventless" or, even better, "unvented.". More than 40 million US homes contain the appliances, which are often preferred for cooking because of precise heat control. Pilot light is out: If your gas fireplaces pilot light goes out, you should not try to relight it yourself. The good news is that gas fireplaces are actually very safe, and the fumes they produce are not harmful to your health. Newly Installed Gas Systems May Start with an Odor. There is, however, an alternative: the ventless fireplace. 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. The particles are the most harmful pollutants in wood smoke, but it also contains carcinogenic. Using approximately 2-4 lbs of activated . The first is to have a clearance zone around it to prevent uncontrolled fires. This problem is usually caused by a dirty burner or a drafty fireplace. 2. Yes, fumes from gas fireplaces can be harmful if they are not properly ventilated. There will also be faux coals or logs to make things look more realistic, along with a glass front. A train carrying various toxic chemicals derailed Feb. 3 in Ohio, and a fire was ignited to prevent an explosion. The answer is yes! Your gas fireplace smells when first turned on, and thats okay. Ventless fireplaces can be located in any room of the house, making it possible to add supplementary heat right where you want it. That is the pilot light. Once that happens, she says, the muscles in your airways can tighten and make it harder to breathe. If you do go this route, make sure they're fully vented outdoors to keep pollutants out. Then, the gaseous byproducts are channeled to the outside of the building. This type of odor may occur any time of year with a newly installed unit. Another common reason for a pilot light that wont stay lit is a drafty fireplace. Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made. First and foremost, a gas fireplace should be thoroughly cleaned once or twice a year, depending on how often you use it. If the house still smells like gas but theres no leak, its possible that the homes air filters are past due for replacement. We may or may not be compensated for purchased you make as a result of our recommendation. . Unfortunately, they do. You can hear a hissing sound near your fireplace. Whether for cooking, laundry, or heating, gas is harmful. Besides cleaning your gas fireplace regularly, also perform a gas leak test once in a while. A ventless gas fireplace likely wont have this issue because there is no flue or chimney, but a vented fireplace might. The biggest threat is fine particulate matter, which can aggravate asthma symptoms, cause heart attacks, stroke and heart failure, according to the EPA. About Us | Contact Us | Privacy Policy| Cookie Policy| Terms of Use| Do Not Sell My Info. CO is a colorless, odorless gas that can cause serious health problems, including death. This greatly reduces the fumes associated with the traditional natural gas fireplace. Yes, the fumes that come from the Gas fireplaces can sometimes turn harmful and toxic for the rooms internal atmosphere as well as the people living in the room. Are fumes from gas fireplace harmful? Your gas fireplace manufacturer should have left you with instructions on how to . 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. Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless, tasteless gas produced by burning gasoline . This is because the gas needs to fill the area around the burner before it can be ignited. Finally, if none of these solutions work, then you may need to call a professional for help diagnosing and fixing the problem. If your gas fireplace wont stay lit but the pilot stays on, there are a few possible causes. Over time, the burner can become clogged with soot and debris. 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. To fix this problem, youll need to seal up any gaps around the fireplace that are letting in air. This indicates that there is a problem with the gas mixture and that dangerous gases may be present. These may include hissing sounds, high gas bills, the smell of rotten eggs, or dying plants. 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. 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. CNN's Omar Jimenez reports on the environmental and health concerns. 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.. Yes, you can run your gas fireplace all day if you want to. propane fireplaces have a built-in pilot light as well. Here are the top four things to remember: 1. After all, they do produce smoke and fumes, which can irritate the sinuses. If there is a leak, you should call a professional to come and fix it. 1. 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 burner is the part of the fireplace where the gas is burned. Another problem that can occur is that the fireplace may not stay lit. Your gas fireplace chimney should be inspected and swept regularly to keep it clean and free of any external obstructions or damage. 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. These gaps can let in cold air, which can make the fireplace feel drafty. For this reason, it's important to have your gas fireplace inspected by a professional annually. 4. Answer, How Do I Transfer My DJI Osmo Video To My Computer? Gas fireplaces are far safer than their wood-burning counterpartsno matches, no smoke, no sparks, no backdrafts, no sootbut that doesnt mean owners should ignore basic precautions. The cancer-causing chemicals benzo(a)pyrene and polyaromatic hydrocarbons can also . Propane is a liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) that is an affordable fuel aside from the fact that it is a high-energy alternative to fuels. They have sealed chambers that draw in outside fresh air, which is used in the combustion process. Toxic smoke is billowing from a massive fire at a recycling plant in Indiana, as local residents are forced to evacuate. First, there is the unburned natural gas that can escape before the flame ignites or leak from a gas hook-up. How can I tell if I have a gas leak in my fireplace? Both are safe as long as you follow some basic safety tips. If the pilot light goes out, it will need to be relit according to the manufacturers instructions. Gas fireplaces are generally considered cleaner than traditional wood-burning fireplaces, but they can also pollute indoor air quality if not properly vented. If you place a new piece of furniture close to the fireplace, it may heat up and release a chemical-like smell. A filter like the Blueair SmokeStop is highly efficient at trapping smoke, odors, and other harmful gaseous chemicals. These include headaches, dizziness, nausea, and fatigue. Rene has worked 10 years in the HVAC field and now is the Senior Comfort Specialist for PICKHVAC. 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. The only time you need to be concerned about the fumes from a gas fireplace is if there is a leak in the system. When the fireplace is on, the fumes will go up the chimney and out of your home. Electric or solar are the ways to go. Should I be able to smell my gas fireplace? In addition to the option to create or convert a built-in ventless fireplace, freestanding ventless propane fireplaces are also an option. They can help ensure that it is installed and operated safely. 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. Leave it to the pros. Are Fumes from Gas Fireplaces Harmful? Have your gas fireplace serviced regularly by a qualified technician to ensure that it is operating safely and efficiently. While not in use, it is normal for your gas fireplace to accumulate dust, pet hair, dander, and any other debris. 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. If your gas fireplace suddenly stops working, there are a few potential causes. If you think you may have been exposed to CO fumes, see a doctor immediately. Never leave a gas fireplace unattended. If one's lungs are already compromised . It should take an hour or less of burning for the bad smells to clear out, and your fireplace will smell normal again. Why? However, if you do experience an explosion, be sure to call your local fire department immediately. If you have a gas fire, it is important to know if it is leaking carbon monoxide. Environmental illnesses are caused by breathing in natural gas, most frequently asthma in children and respiratory compromise in adults. In general, there are fewer safety risks involved with owning a gas fireplace than a wood-burning one. Whenever you see the Pilot lights are frequently blowing out. [Cause & Fix], How To Turn Off Pilot Light On Gas Fireplace? 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. If it goes off, shut off the fireplace, open doors and a couple windows, and clear the house. Are you smelling a damp, musty smell from your fireplace? This will help to prevent any build-up of carbon monoxide from happening. 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. One of the most common danger signs is a yellow or orange flame. Also, Keep at least three feet of space between your fireplace and pets, kids. The carbon monitoring and the other safety precautions found in ventless fireplaces are built into the surrounding system, not the logs themselves. Gas fireplaces are easy to enjoy. Are Gas Fireplace Fumes Toxic? Gas Fireplace Blower Vs No Blower: Which One to Prefer? Another common cause of a drafty fireplace is a chimney thats too tall. The AGA responds to indoor air quality concerns for gas stoves by pointing out that cooking fumes come from all types of stoves. 4 MAJOR Health Risks of Natural Gas and Propane in Your Home. First and foremost, vent all burners to the outside. Heat N Glo Fireplace Wont Light | Reasons & Solutions, Return Air Near Fireplace Good or Bad? Ready to start your ventless fireplace? The intake vent draws fresh air into the fireplace while the exhaust vent safely removes fumes of the combustion (burning) process. 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. You are advised to install carbon monoxide detectors in your home. Additionally, dust and other particles tend to settle in the fireplace during the off-season. "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,. Then when you turn the fireplace on, it smells like burning dust, burning plastic, and sometimes it even smells like burning wood. Check to see if the exhaust vent on your gas fire is clear. How do I know if my gas fireplace is safe to use? Expert advice from Bob Vila, the most trusted name in home improvement, home remodeling, home repair, and DIY. You may have seen the light in your fireplace ignition. Generally, Gas fireplaces are considered cleaner than any traditional wood-burning fireplaces. You can run a vented gas fireplace all day with little concern for anything other than gas usage. 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. If it returns, then turn off the fireplace, and call your installer to set up a service call to check it. "Cars, trucks and SUVs all have one thing in common," said . Mercaptan is added so that you can smell when theres a gas leak, which would otherwise be odorless and undetectable to you. Once the situation has been resolved and it is safe to reenter the home, have a technician inspect the fireplace before using it again. To fix this problem, youll need to have the chimney shortened. These fireplaces have dedicated gas supplies that they use for fuel. Think about putting up a safety gate in front and keep the gas fireplace remote hidden and out of reach. However, excessive odor or a prolonged smell may require extra attention. The following tips will also help ensure your safety. 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. The thermocouple is a safety device that senses when the pilot light is lit and tells the gas valve to stay open. Get free, no-commitment project estimates from top-rated repair services near you. Not at all. When those impurities come into contact with the flames from the fireplace, the smell will become much more noticeable. A drafty fireplace is a common problem that can be caused by a number of factors. Have a fireplace professional service your ventless unit annually in fall to ensure that your fireplace is in good working order before winter weather arrives. If they're not maintained properly, there's a risk for blockages, dirt build-up, and damage to the fireplace . When fossil fuels completely combust, they produce carbon dioxide, but when gas fireplaces are improperly ventilated or maintained, the combustion can be incomplete. 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! They do, however, release tiny amounts of carbon monoxide, which is concerning to some consumers. Thick, black smoke can be seen in photos rising from the crash site. However, the fumes from a gas fireplace can be just as harmful as the smoke from a wood burning fireplace. Find Pros Now +. Answer, Why Did Elena Wear A Wig In Season 8? If you only use your gas fireplace occasionally, you can probably get by with a fireplace service check every two years. Heat N Glo Fireplace Flame Adjustment Guide [A-Z Instructions], Heat N Glo Fireplace Troubleshooting: Common Issues & Solutions. While roasting marshmallows or warming their hands by the flames, people breathe in a slew of toxic substances, including benzene and formaldehyde, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. High levels of carbon monoxide in the air are very dangerous and may cause people to pass out or even die. If you must leave the room for any reason, extinguish the fire first. These chemicals can be harmful to your health if inhaled in large amounts. How often should gas fireplace be serviced? By Evelyn Auer | Published Oct 28, 2022 3:31 PM. If the oxygen drops to an unhealthy low, the oxygen detector will shut off the fireplace automatically. Gas fireplaces that have direct vents are ones that produce a lot of harmful toxins that need to escape the home through the ventilation. Why is My Heat N Glo Fireplace Pilot Light On but Wont Start? Copyright 2023 Acton Media Inc. All rights reserved. Have a qualified technician check for leaks or other damage to your gas line. Many gas fireplaces do not have chimneys, but they should have a vent system that releases fumes outdoors rather than into the home. Do Gas Fireplace Chimneys Need To Be Cleaned? One common reason is that the pilot light tube is dirty. It means that the fireplace is functioning exactly as it should. This incomplete combustion creates carbon monoxide with the accompanying risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. It is a dangerous gas that is silent. Flame is Too Low or High. Such as a vent-free gas fireplace. Open a window or two for fresh air and turn on a bathroom or kitchen exhaust fan until the smell goes away. Yet not everyone is a fan of these newfangled fireplacesin fact, they are banned in some states. Best Answer, How Many Satchels Is It For A Soft Side Sheet Metal Wall? 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 . Using polyurethane indoors can expose you to fumes with a number of potential side effects. Never leave your gas fireplace unattended while its lit. This may be because they do not produce smoke like a wood burning fireplace does. Manufacturers often recommend homeowners leave a window open while operating the fireplace, but, in cold weather, thats not always feasible. Answer, Can I Get IIIT With 91 Percentile OBC? First, check to make sure that the gas valve is in the on position. Despite these precautions, some states and municipalities have an outright ban on ventless fireplaces because of safety concerns. Make sure vents are unobstructed. 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. What Are the Dangers of Burning Osage Wood in the Fireplace? One common cause is gaps around the fireplace doors. Generally, most Gas fireplaces are equipped with dedicated gas supplies and Electric ignition systems, which require a separate electrical supply too. People with lung disease face special risks, but so do children, older adults, people with cardiovascular disease and . The glass and metal in a fireplace stay hot for quite a while afterward. This can cause dangerous chimney fires. Are fumes from gas fireplace harmful? The flame on your gas fireplace should be about 12 inches high. You can use caulk or weatherstripping to seal the gaps. By Gretchen Heber and Glenda Taylor and Bob Vila Updated Jan 10, 2022 8:29 PM. The gas fireplace inserts are designed with a vent pipe installed into an existing chimney to release the exhaust. The smell of some fireplaces is so strong that if you want to avoid it you have no choice but to replace it. A standard particle filter is not designed to remove gases and odors. Reduce wood smoke in your home Yes, fumes from gas fireplaces can be harmful if they are not properly ventilated. This can especially be the case with vent-free gas logs. However, if you take the necessary precautions, your gas fireplace should be safe to use. While some homeowners may have concerns about whether a ventless gas fireplace is right for their home, improved technologies have made this type of fireplace safer than ever. 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. It can make you ill, and it is very flammable. Signs of problems include a rotten egg odor, the flames looking different, or if the fireplace won't turn on or isn't heating or lighting up. In most cases, these issues can be easily resolved so you can get back to enjoying your warm and cozy fires! This is perfectly normal and is nothing to be concerned about. 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. Can You Roast Marshmallows On A Gas Fireplace? But how safe using these fireplaces is for home, or are fumes from Gas fireplaces harmful? But just like any other Gas home appliance, Gas fireplaces also can pollute internal air quality when they are not vented properly. Take appropriate precautions and contact 911 or the gas company to assess the situation immediately. Opting for an air purifier or changing the HVAC system filters can reduce odors in the home. Frequently, check whether there is any existing sign of dust, dirt, or other debris at your fireplace base and if there is. 3 years ago. However, there are a few things that you need to keep in mind in order to prevent any accidents. These types of logs dont have a chimney or vent to remove the fumes produced by the fire, so the smell is typically stronger. To protect your Indoor Air Quality and maintain a clean, safe gas fireplace, follow these fire safety tips: Choose the Proper Fuel Use smaller, dry pieces of wood to ensure a hotter and cleaner burning fire with less smoke. A whistling or hissing sound coming from the fireplace is another indication that something is wrong. If you smell gas near your fireplace, this is also a cause for concern. This will help ensure that deadly carbon monoxide does not build up in your home. Gas Fireplace Wont Stay Lit But Pilot Stays on, 4 Common Electric Furnace Problems & Their Solutions. If your gas fireplace stops working, there are a few potential reasons why. Symptoms of CO poisoning include headache, dizziness, nausea, and fatigue. Carbon monoxide is probably the most toxic gas that may be produced by a gas fireplace. Dont be alarmed if your new gas fireplace smells when first turned on. Get free, no-commitment project estimates from top-rated repair services near you. This is an important safety precaution that should not be overlooked! In the process, the engineers took the DIN 4734-1 standard into account, defined the technical minimum standard . Check the batteries in the carbon monoxide detector. Installing ventless fireplaces is more affordable than installing vented fireplaces because there is no need to remodel in order to run a flue. Purchases made about the fumes will go up the chimney and out reach. Alternative: the ventless fireplace, open doors and a couple windows, are fumes from gas fireplace harmful it is to. 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