When a gas fireplace has been off for a while, it is not unusual that it might have a slight smell from dust than maybe burning off of the elements. But it should NEVER smell like gas, which would indicate some sort of gas leak.
Also, why do I smell gas from my gas fireplace?
In fact, a faint gas smell is an unavoidable consequence of using gas fireplace logs. In a gas ventless fireplace, oxygen is provided by the air in your home. If that air contains impurities, those impurities are drawn in with the oxygen and can produce odors which are amplified by the flame.
Secondly, is my gas fireplace leaking gas? In addition to piping problems, the natural gas smell can be caused by dust, pet dander and dirt that gets inside the burner or other fireplace components. Gas leaks are also caused by the glass on your fireplace door not being properly sealed.
Similarly, are fumes from gas fireplace harmful?
Gas fireplaces are generally considered cleaner than traditional wood-burning fireplaces, but they can also pollute indoor air quality if not properly vented. Toxic gasses emitted include deadly carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide -- a gas particularly harmful to those with asthma.
Can you get carbon monoxide poisoning from a gas fireplace?
Yes, gas fireplaces are one potential cause of carbon monoxide poisoning. An improperly maintained or ventilated gas fireplace, however, can result in incomplete combustion, creating carbon monoxide, and causing this toxic gas to linger—putting those inside at risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Similar Question and The Answer
Is it OK to leave gas fireplace on overnight?
It usually runs all night. However, unvented gas fireplaces (aka vent free, ventless) can adversely affect indoor air quality and shouldn't be used more than a few hours at In most cases, if your fireplace was installed properly, you can leave it on indefinitely.
How can I tell if I have a gas leak in my fireplace?
The logs connect to a gas supply line at the side of the fireplace and run on either natural gas or propane. Gas leaks in fireplace logs are dangerous. Open any screens or doors in front of the fireplace opening. Sniff the air around the fireplace to determine if it smells like rotten eggs.
Should the pilot light always be on in a gas fireplace?
Electronic ignition is when the pilot light on a gas fireplace/insert/stove is only running when the fireplace is on, this means that the unit is likely to have a battery backup as well. A standing pilot is always on, always using a small amount of gas to run constantly unless the gas is physically turned off.
Is it normal to smell gas after pilot?
If you think you smell gas and you have gas utilities, be safe. Note that it is totally normal on automatic pilots (pilots that do NOT stay lit all the time) to smell a little natural gas when the are first turned on. A little gas will escape as the pilot and burners light on your heat or appliance.
What should a gas fireplace smell like?
Natural Gas Impurities In its purest form, natural gas has no odor as a gas or when burned. When burned, methyl mercaptan has an odor similar to burnt matches and rotten eggs. When vent-less logs burn in a fireplace, natural gas additives burn along with the gas.
Will a gas fireplace work when the power is out?
If you have a gas fireplace or stove with a standing pilot, it will light during a power outage since it doesn't require electricity to activate the pilot flame. Remember that fireplaces and stoves produce heat, so be sure no flammable objects are near them, and please keep children a safe distance away.
Can gas fireplaces cause headaches?
Few homeowners are still unaware of the odorless and colorless gas. It can cause all sorts of health problems ranging from mild headaches to death. Excessive water vapor being emitted from your vent-free gas fireplace can cause your wallpaper to peel, as well as other structural damage.
How often should you clean a gas fireplace?
How Often Should Gas Fireplace Chimneys Be Cleaned? Gas fireplace chimneys should be inspected and cleaned annually. There will not be any soot or creosote in the chimney since you are not burning wood, but you may find bird nests that need to be removed.
Does carbon monoxide rise or stay low?
There are three things that make carbon monoxide extremely dangerous: 1) The molecules of carbon monoxide are so small, they can easily travel through drywall; 2) Carbon monoxide doesn't sink or rise – it mixes easily with the air inside a home; 3) It is an odorless gas, so without an alarm to notify you that it is in
Do fireplaces give off carbon monoxide?
The less complete the burning (combustion), the more carbon monoxide is generated. Gas hot water heaters, gas and oil furnaces, fireplaces, and wood stoves all generate carbon monoxide. Carbon monoxide is deadly because it tricks the body into thinking it is oxygen.
Is it normal to smell propane near fireplace?
Propane itself doesn't have an odor. What you smell is an additive that helps identify leaks. If your fireplace is working properly, the smell would indicate your tank is running low because the concentration of the odor additive being sent into the burner is higher.
Do gas fireplaces need to be serviced?
Gas fireplaces are easy and convenient. So much so, that it's easy to forget that even a gas fireplace needs upkeep every once in a while. To keep your gas fireplace operating safely and in tip-top shape, it's recommended to perform annual maintenance.