Because gas-log fires produce copious amounts of carbon monoxide, they have to vent outside in a fail-safe manner. That’s why there is, or should be, a keep-open device attached to the damper in gas-log fireplaces.
Should you close the flue on a gas fireplace?
Our research shows that the flue on a gas fireplace should remain open during use or when the pilot light is lit. If the flue is closed in either instance, you risk a greater chance of carbon monoxide poisoning or a spark induced structure fire due to a buildup of toxins emitted by propane or natural gas burners.
Should I leave my flue open or closed?
The damper should always be fully open before lighting a fire and when the fireplace is in use. Close it when it’s not it use. Operating the fireplace with the damper partially closed will not generate more heat. Instead, blocking the passage through the flue will result in smoke entering the home.
When should I close my fireplace flue?
You should close the damper on your fireplace once the fire and embers have all burned out. This prevents warm air in your house from escaping out the chimney. You should open the damper before lighting a fire and close it once the fire is done burning.
What does closing the flue do?
It determines how hot or lively the fire is and how much heat is produced. On the other hand, the damper opens and closes the chimney flue to create the necessary draft, so smoke is pulled up and out of the firebox.
Can a gas fireplace cause carbon monoxide poisoning?
Yes, gas fireplaces are one potential cause of carbon monoxide poisoning. While there are many potential sources of such exposure, including certain appliances and devices, motor vehicles and wood stoves, gas fireplaces are a common culprit.
What happens if you leave the flue open?
The smoke from burning wood contains carbon monoxide, so in order to prevent this toxic byproduct from entering your home, it is important to leave the flue open overnight. This enables a draft to carry the compound out into the atmosphere, instead of sinking down the chimney and saturating the room.
Should the damper be open or closed on a gas fireplace?
wood or gas . . . . always fully open the damper. If you’re burning wood, keep it fully open until all the burning embers are completely burned out. If it’s a gas log set, turn off the flames before the closing the damper as far as possible.
Should the flue be open in summer?
Even if you have a chimney cap, it is a good idea to keep the damper closed in the summer. Chimney caps can become damaged creating a pathway for rainwater or pests to get into your chimney. Closing the damper will ensure that they can’t get into your home through the fireplace.
Do you have to open the flue with gas logs?
You need to leave your chimney’s damper partially open to vent the carbon monoxide that the gas fire produces, so much of the heat generated by a vented gas log set goes up the chimney.
Do gas fireplaces have a flue?
Do Gas Fireplaces Need A Flue? Natural vent gas fireplaces may not have a flue but will use the existing chimney flue to vent waste air from a home. Direct vent gas fireplaces will need a flue that vents air directly out of a home, and ventless gas fireplaces won’t need any form of flue.
What is the difference between a damper and a flue?
A damper is located in the flue of your chimney. The flue is where the smoke escapes when the fire is going. Dampers are placed inside of the flue to help control ventilation. Your damper should have a chain or handle that you can access in order to open and close it.
How do I make sure my gas fireplace is safe?
While gas fireplaces are definitely convenient to use, there are still some basic safety precautions every homeowner should take to protect their home and family.
- Don’t Forget About Clearance Zones. …
- Check the Safety Screen Barrier. …
- Test Smoke Detectors and Carbon Monoxide Detectors. …
- Schedule a Yearly Inspection.
How do I know if my gas fire is leaking carbon monoxide?
You see black, sooty marks on the front covers of gas fires. There is heavy condensation built up at the windowpane where the appliance is installed. Sooty or yellow/brown stains on or around boilers, stoves, or fires. Smoke building up in rooms.
Do you need to open a window when using a gas fireplace?
While it may seem counterintuitive to open your windows when using the fireplace for warmth, it is a wise thing to do when it comes to safety. You don’t need to open the window all the way, just an inch or two will work fine.
Can you leave the vent closed on a gas fireplace?
Ventless gas logs (often referred to as “Vent Free” gas logs) have specially designed burners that burn the gas cleanly and produce almost no exhaust… somewhat like the way a gas range in a kitchen works. Since there is little or no exhaust, they can be burned with the damper closed.
Should I keep the glass doors closed on my gas fireplace?
The glass doors should be closed as the fire dies down to minimize the amount of room air going up the fireplace chimney. When burning gas logs in a wood-burning fireplace, the glass doors should always be fully open when the gas logs are burning.
Can a gas fireplace cause a chimney fire?
It is fueled by gas and is often mistaken for wood because the fire looks very much like a wood-burning fire and lets out about the same amount of heat. Vented gas logs generate some soot and carbon just like wood-burning fires and can leave deposits in the chimney the same way.
Should the pilot light stay on in a gas fireplace?
We recommend that you turn off your gas fireplace pilot light seasonally. Turning off your gas fireplace’s pilot light can save a substantial amount of energy and money. It is important to remember that not all gas fireplaces have “standing” pilot light, or, a pilot light that is “always on”.
What color should the flame be in a gas fireplace?
Proper Flame Colour
A gas fireplace should burn flames that are blue, perhaps with very small tips in yellow or orange. The flames should be steady and consistent no matter what. Although, there is a small exception.
