The most obvious signs that things are not as they should be is smoke blowing back into the living space. In this situation, it is safe to assume that that the fireplace is not properly vented and do something about it (call a gas fireplace Denver professional or deal with the problem yourself, if you know what to do).
Look for Vent Pipes
These pipes facilitate the safe release of combustion byproducts, such as carbon monoxide and moisture, outside the home. By efficiently venting these gases, vent pipes help ensure indoor air quality and reduce the risk of potential health hazards.
Venting horizontally—through a wall—is a simple solution, ideal in cases where a gas fireplace is being installed on an exterior wall. Venting can be as easy as running pipe from the back of the fireplace out through the wall, then installing a termination cap.
you always want to see a blue color flame. A gas flame appearing yellow or orange in color or behaving with pops of yellow or orange indicates an improper ratio of oxygen for combustion. Often this improper combustion is temporary and could be caused by dust particles or a dirty burner that needs cleaning.
Before lighting a fire, you can tell if the damper is open by placing your hand into the fireplace. If you feel a draft coming down the chimney, it is a good indicator that the damper is open. If you don't feel any cold air coming down the chimney, it means that the damper is closed.
Blocked Vent
If debris or dirt is blocking one of the gas lines, it will prevent heat from reaching the thermocouple, a safety mechanism that turns off the gas flow if the appliance is not hot enough. And this blocked vent can obstruct a gas fireplace from working.
There are a few ways problems with your fireplace and chimney can affect venting: Blockages in the chimney – when something is physically blocking your chimney, the drafting process is completely interrupted. Common blockages are insect and animal nests, an incorrectly-sized flue cap and faulty dampers.
It is normal for your gas fireplace to smell like burning plastic after being newly installed. The smell comes from the ingredients used in manufacturing and can emit a slight odor at first but should wear off in a couple hours.
One caution, though: Fireplaces with installed gas logs are required to have the damper open at all times. That's either because a pilot light is constantly burning under the logs or because the homeowner might forget to open the damper when he or she turns on the fire.
There are two basic rules for leaving a fireplace operating during the night. DON'T leave the unit on overnight. DO leave the flue open so that excess carbon monoxide is vented. The main concern with a gas-burning appliance is the exhaust of carbon monoxide and leaving the unit on overnight is simply risky.
Unwanted noise from your gas fireplace could indicate several different things. If you hear a loud rumbling or buzzing sound, it may mean the fan isn't working properly. In some cases, banging or popping noises may also occur if there is an issue with the fuel system or vents that are not allowing enough air to escape.
One of the most common problems faced by homeowners with gas fireplaces is the pilot light going out or not staying lit. The pilot light is a small flame that ignites the gas burner, which produces the heat for your fireplace — if the pilot light goes out, your fireplace won't work.
Signs of Clogged Flues
If you see rust or water streaking on the vent, flue, or on your chimney, something may be blocking the flue. Moisture builds inside your furnace pipes when the air can't properly circulate, and this can result in rust. Soot around your furnace is also an indication of a problem.
The answer is yes in most cases – we recommend closing your damper when your fireplace is not in use. The only instance where you should keep your fireplace open is if you have a set of gas logs. In this case, keeping your damper open prevents carbon monoxide poisoning.
The most obvious signs that things are not as they should be is smoke blowing back into the living space. In this situation, it is safe to assume that that the fireplace is not properly vented and do something about it (call a gas fireplace Denver professional or deal with the problem yourself, if you know what to do).
A chimney inspection costs $450 on average, depending on the type of inspection. Most homeowners spend between $100 and $5,000. Nothing creates a coziness in your home quite like a roaring fire—and maybe a cup of cocoa —on a winter night.
Safety. One of the main concerns about leaving the pilot light on during summer is the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that can be deadly if inhaled in high concentrations. The pilot light can produce carbon monoxide even when no fire is burning in the fireplace.
Vented Gas Fireplace
However, if the seal is deteriorating, or you have glass doors that open like a traditional wood-burning fireplace, then it is advisable to avoid running the gas fireplace for more than three hours to minimize the risk of carbon monoxide exposure.