Toxic smoke is billowing from a massive fire at a recycling plant in Indiana, as local residents are forced to evacuate. 3. To prevent this from happening, follow the safety guidelines and always be on the alert for these symptoms. When too much carbon monoxide is in the air, your body replaces the oxygen in your red blood cells with carbon monoxide. 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. Such as a vent-free 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. 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. Are Fumes From Gas Fireplaces Harmful? Always extinguish the flame before leaving the room or going to bed. Even if you opt to clean the fireplace yourself, its still a requirement to have an inspectionyearly, at the very least. 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. To fix a drafty fireplace, youll need to seal up any gaps around the fireplace that are letting in air. Here are 6 signs that propane fireplace maintenance is needed and what you can do to about each: 1. A gas fireplace can intensify other smells in the home. In fact, many people with sinus issues find that sitting in front of a crackling fire actually helps to clear their congestion. Gas combustion creates a small amount of water vapor, which can make your home feel humid or muggy. When inhaled, CO prevents the body from absorbing oxygen. We take out more vent-free gas logs than any other appliance. If you have a gas fireplace, you may be wondering if it needs maintenance. Relevant: Gas Fireplace Smells! 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. 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. Ensure the gas is turned off, then try to air out the room. If the pilot light goes out, it will need to be relit according to the manufacturers instructions. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Oil, propane, and natural gas fired heating systems, gas appliances and fireplaces all release carbon monoxide as they burn and can be health and fire hazards. Over time, this tube can become clogged with dirt and debris, which prevents the gas from flowing properly. 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. This can cause dangerous chimney fires. 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. 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. 2 min read. If it is, then the next step is to check your gas valve to see if it is in the on position. This, in turn, can lead to COPD or cause COPD symptoms to flare up. When fossil fuels completely combust, they produce carbon dioxide, but when gas fireplaces are improperly ventilated or maintained, the combustion can be incomplete. Expect to pay $1,000 to $5,000 to purchase a ventless fireplace and have it professionally installed. Inspections of a gas fireplace dont take long to conduct and wont break the bank. Your gas fireplace smells when first turned on, and thats okay. If anyone stays in such an atmosphere for too long, it can cause vomiting, mental uneasiness, loss of muscular coordination, unconsciousness, and even death. But did you know that gas fireplaces can actually explode? If you place a new piece of furniture close to the fireplace, it may heat up and release a chemical-like smell. Symptoms of CO poisoning include headache, dizziness, nausea, and fatigue. The answer is yes! 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. 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. This should dissipate quickly. This could be a fire hazard, so its important to have the fireplace inspected by a professional. If your fireplace is drafty, the pilot light can be blown out by the wind. A properly operating gas fireplace will have a safe and secure glass enclosure, will ignite without delay, have a clean blueish color flame and will vent properly out through a termination cap that is clear from debris or obstruction. Besides that, while setting up the vented Gas fireplace, the gaseous byproducts will be channeled to the buildings outside. But how safe using these fireplaces is for home, or are fumes from Gas fireplaces harmful? When inhaled, CO prevents the body from absorbing oxygen. Tomato plants are very sensitive to certain pollutants found in the exhaust from fossil fuels. Then, the gaseous byproducts are channeled to the outside of the building. In fact, carbon monoxide is slightly lighter than air and diffuses evenly throughout the room. Installing and keeping carbon monoxide detectors working is the number one way to stay safe. When fossil fuels completely combust, they produce carbon dioxide, but when gas fireplaces are improperly ventilated or maintained, the combustion can be incomplete. By Gretchen Heber and Glenda Taylor and Bob Vila Updated Jan 10, 2022 8:29 PM. When those impurities come into contact with the flames from the fireplace, the smell will become much more noticeable. Excessive water vapor being emitted from your vent-free gas fireplace can cause your wallpaper to peel, as well as other structural damage. Its always a relief when our gas fireplaces are working properly again after a problem. There could be an issue with the gas line or other components that require a trained professional to fix. They are less expensive than electric fireplaces and don't make any smoke. The Direct vent fireplaces can also run continuously as long as you ensure that the front glass front is sealed completely. Richmond residents can now return to their homes days after a massive fire, city and county officials announced Sunday. 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. Homeowners are wise to be wary of gas smells in the home as gas leaks are dangerous and potentially deadly. Do Gas Fireplace Chimneys Need To Be Cleaned? Finally, of course, theres the classic wood-burning fireplace. In that case, you might want to look into an electric fireplace. Never leave your gas fireplace unattended while its lit. Get free, no-commitment repair estimates from licensed HVAC technicians near you. DO leave the flue open so that excess carbon monoxide is vented. RELATED: How Much Does a Gas Fireplace Insert Cost to Install? Continuous exposure to these molecules can cause inflammation and damage to your lungs. But normal fumes when the unit is new or first turned on are usually not harmful. This can especially be the case with vent-free gas logs. A stench of rotten eggs or a gas odor permeates the home. Yet not everyone is a fan of these newfangled fireplacesin fact, they are banned in some states. Dont overload your fireplace with too much wood. Another problem that can occur is that the fireplace may not stay lit. How to Vent a Gas Fireplace Without a Chimney? As a result, you get perfect heat output and flame effects to warm up the room. First, be sure that the area around the fireplace is well-ventilated. Gas fireplaces are easy to enjoy. A ventless heater will give nearly 100% efficiency converting lpg into heat. Because a ventless fireplace does not have a fresh-air intake vent, the fire burns the oxygen in the room. If there is any chance that a fireplace is leaking gas or someone in the home is experiencing gas-leak symptoms like dizziness and headaches, its better to overreact to a false alarm than to compromise health and safety. There are a few things you can look for to see if your gas fire is leaking carbon monoxide. We have a gas log fireplace in a home we are renting that has the exact same "melted wax" smell. By Johnny Diaz. Pilot light is out: If your gas fireplaces pilot light goes out, you should not try to relight it yourself. Answer, Do You Need To Put Your Middle Name When Booking Flights Easyjet? Wait for the appliance and glass to cool down before allowing anyone to get near it. Most commonly, this smell comes from the chimney. Its also very important to have your gas fireplace professionally inspected every year. Gas fireplaces that have direct vents are ones that produce a lot of harmful toxins that need to escape the home through the ventilation. Yes, fumes from gas fireplaces can be harmful if they are not properly ventilated. Gas fireplaces are generally considered cleaner than traditional wood-burning fireplaces, but they can also pollute indoor air quality if not properly vented. A filter like the Blueair SmokeStop is highly efficient at trapping smoke, odors, and other harmful gaseous chemicals. Ask pros why. This is an indication that combustion isnt taking place properly and that harmful gases could be present. The first is to have a clearance zone around it to prevent uncontrolled fires. Popping sounds in your fireplace are usually caused by expanding and contracting metal. 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. GAS FIREPLACES SAFETY PRECAUTIONS. This indicates that there is a problem with the gas mixture and that dangerous gases may be present. Ventless gas fireplaces burn fuel as efficiently as possible so that there is no need for external ventilation. Learn More: 4 Common Electric Furnace Problems & Their Solutions. Chlorine . 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. Yes, you can run your gas fireplace all day if you want to. If you must leave the room for any reason, extinguish the fire first. When burned, the gas emits a cluster of byproducts, many of which can be harmful. Open your gas fireplace door or screen to investigate whenever you smell a rotten egg or similar odor coming because this type of smell can be a definite sign of a potential leak. Carbon monoxide poisoning occurs when carbon monoxide builds up in your bloodstream. If you regularly have your gas fireplace serviced and cleaned, it is likely that it will last on the higher end of the spectrum. 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. As is the case with a gas furnace. These fireplaces have dedicated gas supplies that they use for fuel. Traditional gas fireplaces, like their wood-burning cousins, require an exhaust flue (vent) to remove harmful fumes from the home. Even vented Gas fireplaces also feature combustion or exhaust systems to deliver secure and efficient heat. Should I be able to smell my gas fireplace? Be Aware of Carbon Monoxide. You can use caulk or weatherstripping to seal the gaps. Most people think of their gas fireplace as being a safe and reliable way to heat their home. Get free, no-commitment project estimates from top-rated repair services near you. 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. There is, however, an alternative: the ventless fireplace. How do I know if my gas fireplace is safe to use? Otherwise, all that heat will escape right up the chimney! 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. Mercaptan is added so that you can smell when theres a gas leak, which would otherwise be odorless and undetectable to you. "In fact, some kitchens have 'ductless' hoods that recirculate fumes through activated charcoal filters . One of its advantages is its attribute that . While not in use, it is normal for your gas fireplace to accumulate dust, pet hair, dander, and any other debris. When possible, an existing chimney is used to run a new flue, but in a home without a chimney, the high cost to install venting can sideline the project permanently. Most off-gassing from new paint and furniture slows or stops within a few weeks, but you might want to ventilate the room during this time. Vented gas fireplaces have combustion/exhaust systems that create safe, efficient heat. Over time, the burner can become clogged with soot and debris. 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. People with lung disease face special risks, but so do children, older adults, people with cardiovascular disease and . Gas and electric fireplaces are better overall for your health and the environment; but if wood is your choice fuel, using your fireplace responsibly, keeping it clean and having it inspected yearly will reduce smoke emissions and health risks considerably. 3. Heat the area of the home where you spend the most time (often the great room or basement) with a gas fireplace by turning the thermostat down and the fireplace up. CNN's Omar Jimenez reports on the environmental and health concerns. Once the situation has been resolved and it is safe to reenter the home, have a technician inspect the fireplace before using it again. Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made. If ventless gas fireplaces are legal where you live and you choose to install one, reduce potential dangers by carefully following the manufacturers directions. Finally, if none of these solutions work, you may need to replace your gas valve. This can make the house smell like gas, the same smell that happens if you leave the stove top burner on too long. Yes, fumes from gas fireplaces can be harmful if they are not properly ventilated. 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. 8. The biggest threat is fine particulate matter, which can aggravate asthma symptoms, cause heart attacks, stroke and heart failure, according to the EPA. Answer, What Does Unqualified Certificate Of Title Mean? Answer, Do I Tell Judy About Johnny Silverhand? More than 40 million US homes contain the appliances, which are often preferred for cooking because of precise heat control. Gas Fireplace Blower Vs No Blower: Which One to Prefer? Leave it to the pros. April 12, 2023, 12:49 p.m. Clean the glass regularly. If you have a gas fireplace, you may be wondering if the fumes it emits are harmful. Even if a gas smell is not always dangerous, it is not particularly pleasant. [Cause & Fix]Continue. There are chemicals and paints that are used in the manufacturing of a gas fireplace that burn off when the fireplace is lit for the first time. This will help ensure that deadly carbon monoxide does not build up in your home. After all, they do produce smoke and fumes, which can irritate the sinuses. Gas stoves generate dangerous levels of indoor air pollution and leak climate-changing methane. 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. Why. 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 can try cleaning out the line yourself or calling a professional to do it for you. Ready to start your ventless fireplace? If youve noticed your utility bills going up, it could be due to your fireplace. Related: Is a Gas Fireplace Less Dangerous Than a Wood Burning? While those can be a significant source of air pollution . If you have a gas fireplace, you may be wondering if they are safe. How can I tell if I have a gas leak in my fireplace? 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. 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.. There are a few common problems that can occur with gas fireplaces. Heavy condensation built up at the rooms windowpane, where the gas fireplace unit is installed. Assuming resistive heater, we get 1kWh heat for 1kWh electricity. Modern regulators enable the gas to burn cleanly, with minimal production of harmful fumes. Related: How to Vent a Gas Fireplace Without a Chimney? Always use glass doors when burning your fire. Carbon monoxide is probably the most toxic gas that may be produced by a gas fireplace. Answer, Can You Freeze Number 5 Plastic? Pilot Light Problems Indicate a Need for Propane Fireplace Maintenance. Copyright 2014-2023, PICKHVAC All Rights Reserved. Call 911 from outside. But some of them come with pilot flames, which work with spark igniters and Thermopiles or Thermocouples to light the main burner flames. Reduce wood smoke in your home 2. However, they can also produce toxic fumes that are harmful to our health. Are fumes from gas fireplace harmful? Should the glass on a gas fireplace be hot? Higher outdoor air pollution and cooking fumes were ruled out as causes of the indoor peaks. It is normally very safe. Whenever you notice or hear any whistling or hissing noise coming, check and investigate further your gas fireplace. If it goes off, shut off the fireplace, open doors and a couple windows, and clear the house. If you do go this route, make sure they're fully vented outdoors to keep pollutants out. Ventless fireplaces are more energy efficient than vented fireplaces because no heat escapes up the flue, so youll save money on gas utility bills. Read on to gather a few more tidbits of info. Ensuring the ventilation around the fireplace is optimized allows the gas to dissipate more quickly. * Be sure to install a carbon monoxide detector near any gas appliance! Open a window or two for fresh air and turn on a bathroom or kitchen exhaust fan until the smell goes away. 3. Another possibility is that there is dirt or debris in the gas line that is preventing enough gas from reaching the fireplace. 1. To clean the burner, simply remove it from the fireplace and scrape away any debris with a wire brush. 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. Note: Maintain the gas fireplace with care. While the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) does not specifically track deaths or injuries from exposure to the carbon monoxide gas produced by ventless fireplaces, about 50,000 Americans visit an emergency room annually due to carbon monoxide poisoning, and nearly 450 die. How Much Gas and Propane Does a Gas Fireplace Use? Vacuum the hearth area regularly. What To Do? Hi, I'm Luis, one of the creators of warmmass.com. "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,. A study published Thursday in the journal Environmental Science and Technology found at least 12 hazardous air pollutants emitted from gas stoves in California, including benzene a chemical known. The main concern with a gas-burning appliance is the exhaust of carbon monoxide and leaving the unit on overnight is simply risky. 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. 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. Once that happens, she says, the muscles in your airways can tighten and make it harder to breathe. Rep-Air Heating + Cooling: The Pros and Cons of Owning a Gas Fireplace, Croft Fireplace: 6 Essential Gas Fireplace Tips. In extreme cases, it can lead to asphyxiation or heart failure. If The Pilot Light Goes Out, Does Gas Still Flow? 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. If you take these precautions, then you should be able to enjoy your gas fireplace without worry. What is the Life Expectancy of a Gas Fireplace? Make sure vents are unobstructed. Gas vs. Electric Fireplace: Whats the Difference? 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. Also, Keep at least three feet of space between your fireplace and pets, kids. So, lets learn what options are available to choose from-. 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. This can continue after the fireplace is switched on for the first few minutes. In-depth Analysis, For your and your homes safety, its better to use the fireplace for a shorter period. Generally, most Gas fireplaces are equipped with dedicated gas supplies and Electric ignition systems, which require a separate electrical supply too. First, when you light a gas fireplace, you may notice a faint smell of chemicals; this is normal and should dissipate quickly. In fact, many are actually quite efficient at burning fuel and releasing very little smoke or fumes. On the other hand, it is wise to be extra cautious when you notice that something like a fireplace or an oven smells like gas. 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. But just like any other Gas home appliance, Gas fireplaces also can pollute internal air quality when they are not vented properly. Why? CO is a colorless, odorless gas that can cause serious health problems, including death. These fumes could lead to irritation of the eyes, throat, and lungs, and could cause more severe allergic reactions for individuals with chemical sensitivities. In fact, 1 ppm (part per million) of ethylene or carbon monoxide can cause serious damage. If your fireplace has lava rocks, use the attachment to clean around them individually. This will help keep dirt and debris from accumulating in your fireplace. These safety measures, combined with the relative simplicity of installation, make ventless gas fireplaces an attractive option for many consumers. First of all, let's call it what it really is. This is a serious safety hazard and you should evacuate the area immediately and call your gas company. 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. Although it's never recommended, if your gas fireplace has been properly maintained and designed to run continuously, it may be safe to leave it on. Get free, no-commitment project estimates from top-rated repair services near you. In general, there are fewer safety risks involved with owning a gas fireplace than a wood-burning one. If you are using natural gas on your fireplace, it will not produce as much smoke as a wood-burning fireplace does. This incomplete combustion creates carbon monoxide with the accompanying risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. The following tips will also help ensure your safety. Strange smells: If you smell something strange coming from your gas fireplace, it could be a sign of a gas leak. Your model may indicate a specific clearance zone in its manual. We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. A fireplace thats not operating properly can waste a lot of energy, which can drive up your utility bills. Never allow gases to remain inside the greenhouse. Finally, if none of these solutions work, then you may need to call a professional for help diagnosing and fixing the problem. A chemical called mercaptan is added to propane and natural gas used for gas fireplaces. General Security: Can a Gas Fireplace Cause Carbon Monoxide Poisoning. Symptoms of exposure to small amounts of propane gas include nausea, dizziness, headaches, and coughing. Whether for cooking, laundry, or heating, gas is harmful. But if users smell sulfur or gas consistently in between uses, it could be an indication that there is a leak somewhere. If your gas fireplace seems out of sorts, schedule a service call as soon as possible. Get Free of Debris: Use the hose attachment on your vacuum to clean the interior of your fireplace. Gas fireplaces can be a potential source of carbon monoxide poisoning. 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. The main concern with gas fireplace fumes is carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. The cancer-causing chemicals benzo(a)pyrene and polyaromatic hydrocarbons can also . The industry likes the term "vent-free" when talking about gas fireplaces that keep all the exhaust gases in your home. 2. However, carbon monoxide poisoning is also possible with additional fuels such as gas, oil, solid minerals and biomass. The burner is the part of the fireplace where the gas is burned. Is it normal for a gas fireplace to smell like gas? We may or may not be compensated for purchased you make as a result of our recommendation. Because improper ventilated or maintained gas fireplace creates incomplete combustion and produces carbon monoxide, which ultimately causes toxic Carbon Monoxide poisoning. Also, these fireplaces come with sealed chambers to draw in external fresh air for the combustion operation. This could be a sign of a serious problem with the unit and you should call a professional to have it inspected. Not just wood-burning and multifuel stoves. The only time you need to be concerned about the fumes from a gas fireplace is if there is a leak in the system. 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. Plumes of black, toxic smoke billowed out over eastern Indiana on Wednesday from an industrial fire that was expected to burn for days, the . 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. 1. The flame on your burner is flickering or low. 15 Products to Help You Warm Up Every Corner of Your Home, 15 Little Signs Your House Has a Big Problem. If smoke suddenly builds up in the room where the fireplace is installed. Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless, tasteless gas produced by burning gasoline . Of your fireplace has lava rocks, use the attachment to clean the inspected... 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