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why does my ventless gas fireplace stink

by Domenica Bradtke Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago
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Why Do My Ventless Gas Logs Have An Odor

  • Smoking in the house
  • New Paint
  • Recently Stained Wood
  • Scented Sprays
  • Cleaning Chemicals
  • Formaldehyde Coming From New Carpet, Drapes or Furniture
  • Scented Candles
  • Glade Plugins
  • Extreme Dust
  • Pet Hair

More items...

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.

Full Answer

Are ventless gas fireplaces supposed to have a 'gassy' smell?

Ventless logs do in fact produce an unmistakable odor, some more so than others depending on the quality of the brand. There is no way of preventing this, it is simply the nature of burning gas in your home without exhausting the fumes up a chimney.

How do I Stop my gas fireplace from smelling?

  • Ventilate the area by opening all the doors and windows.
  • Blow out any candles or pilot lights that may be lit around the home.
  • Turn off any electrical devices or appliances (phones, blenders, etc).
  • Do not start your car or any vehicles.
  • Vacate premises, if the smell overwhelms the entire house.
  • Call for help.

Why does my gas fireplace smell like kerosene?

Why Does My Gas Fireplace Smell Like Kerosene?

  • Vented Vs. Vent-less Gas Logs. ...
  • Combustion Processes. Since vent-less gas logs burn without the ventilation afforded by vented gas logs, the combustion process works a little differently in terms of how heat is generated.
  • Natural Gas Impurities. In its purest form, natural gas has no odor as a gas or when burned. ...
  • Effects. ...

Why does my house have a chimney but no fireplace?

This is to make sure the smoke and poisonous gases from the fire is thoroughly exhausted from your home. What also goes up the chimney is the heated air produced by your furnace or boiler. Almost all of the heat generated by the fire is also sucked up that chimney and out of the house.

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How do you stop a ventless gas fireplace from smelling?

Vacuum up pet hair and dust to prevent the smells from concentrating around your fireplace. A room air purifier will also help to clear the air. Also, if you smoke, it's best to do so outside to prevent residue from accumulating around your fireplace. Plug-in deodorizers and harsh cleaning chemicals should be avoided.

Should my ventless gas fireplace smell?

While ventless gas fireplaces are highly efficient and clean, they put off a distinct gas smell that many people find unpleasant. Ventless fireplaces have plenty of benefits, but the smell is definitely a negative. As a homeowner, you should be cautious of unexplained odors that you are often around.

Why do ventless gas logs smell?

The most common rotten smelling additive is Methyl Mercaptan. The byproduct of burning Mercaptan is Sulfur Dioxide, which smells more like burnt matches mixed with rotten eggs. Include other odors produced by impurities in the gas supply and you have the distinct smell ventless logs produce.

Why does my gas fireplace give off a smell?

Why Does a Gas Fireplace Smell Like Gas When Turned On? The smell you notice when using some gas appliances actually isn't natural – it's added to the gas to make it easier to detect a leak. However, it's perfectly normal for a gas fireplace to vent a small amount of gas when it's first turned on.

How do I stop my fireplace from smelling?

Place vinegar in a few shallow bowls around the room to absorb any smells that pass by. Mix equal parts water and vinegar in a spray bottle and spritz the fireplace area to deodorize at the source. Spray a towel with vinegar and wave it around the room to absorb the fireplace odor.

Can a ventless fireplace make you sick?

One of the greatest risks of using a ventless fireplace is that of carbon monoxide poisoning, which can be deadly inside your home. Specifically, carbon monoxide is a colorless and odorless gas that, in high enough concentrations, can lead to serious health problems such as: nausea. dizziness.

How do you clean a ventless gas fireplace?

1:493:03Cleaning The Oxygen Depletion System And Primary Air PassageYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWith the pilot in the off position lightly blow air through the air inlet holes. If you don't have aMoreWith the pilot in the off position lightly blow air through the air inlet holes. If you don't have a can of compressed air a air bulb or a straw or also worked vacuum dust dirt lint.

Is gas fireplace supposed to smell like gas?

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.

Seasonal Burn-Off Is Normal

While we all love using our fireplaces, we typically don’t use them at all during the spring and summer months. As a seasonal side effect, a direct vent fireplace often isn’t utilized until the fall rolls around when the temperatures outside start to get cooler.

Newly Installed Gas Systems May Start with an Odor

Your gas fireplace smells when first turned on, and that’s okay. This is normal to experience the first time you light it up, after installation. This type of odor may occur any time of year with a newly installed unit.

When is it an Emergency?

If there is a gas smell from your fireplace, take it seriously. We can explain the odor that comes from the dust burn-off or initial startup.

A Well-Designed System Helps Reduce the Stink

A properly designed and installed fireplace and chimney will produce years of reliable service with minimal events that could cause the indoor air to become unpleasant.

Why does my gas fireplace smell?

There are multiple reasons why modern gas fireplaces may give off a certain odor. Although it is normal for a fireplace to omit a slight odor, it is important to take proper precautions if you think you may smell a potential gas leak. Natural gas itself is odorless, but has an additive that makes it smell like rotten eggs. This is designed to alert you if there is a leak in your area, as it can be very dangerous. If you smell a rotten egg smell around your natural gas fireplace, is important to leave your home immediately and contact your local utility service.

Why does my gas fireplace smell like rotten eggs?

One of the potential causes is pet dander or dust.

How to get rid of rotten egg smell in fireplace?

Let your fireplace burn for a few hours to burn off any of this type of debris, and let is cool down completely before you light it again. If you smell odors again that are unusual, but not a rotten egg smell, contact your local installer. If you smell rotten egg smell, leave your home and call your utility company.

What does it mean when you smell rotten eggs around your fireplace?

However, if you smell rotten eggs around the fireplace, you may have a natural gas leak. As mentioned above, leave your home on the spot and call your gas company. At Kozy Heat, we are able to help you enjoy soothing heat in your living spaces through the exceptional array of modern gas fireplaces we offer. For information about the extensive ...

What does natural gas smell like?

Natural gas itself is odorless, but has an additive that makes it smell like rotten eggs. This is designed to alert you if there is a leak in your area, as it can be very dangerous. If you smell a rotten egg smell around your natural gas fireplace, is important to leave your home immediately and contact your local utility service. ...

Why do you clean a fireplace?

Having your fireplace cleaned routinely helps ensure fewer unusual odors and its safe operation. In some cases, new décor you place near the fireplace may cause a certain unexpected sent to be released into the air.

Is it safe to put candles near a fireplace?

Plants and candles, for instance, may get unusually warm if they are near the fireplace and give off an odor as a result. Natural gas fireplaces rarely pose any life-threatening problems and are safer than traditional style wood-burning fireplaces.

What causes a fireplace to smell?

Dust and vacuum the area around the fireplace. Dust, animal hair, and other airborne contaminates can cause odd smells when they get into a fireplace. These are usually odd and unpleasant odors, but keeping the area clean and free of dust will prevent most of the smells.

Why does my grill smell like a fireplace?

Dust or other dirt on the grill can result in odd odors when the fireplace is on. The grill should be wiped down with a damp cloth to prevent odors from the heat.

How long does it take for a gas fireplace to smell?

Allow the gas logs to cure. According to Magic Sweep Corporation, when a newly installed unit first is turned on, there will be an odor for approximately four to eight hours, if the vent-free fireplace has gas logs. This time period is called "curing," and it causes an unavoidable odor. After about eight hours, the smell should stop.

Do vent free fireplaces smell?

Vent-free fireplaces can easily have annoying odors. Smelling something odd in a house can be nerve-racking. The smell of gas or similar odors make people worry about carbon monoxide, which is known to kill when the levels become too high. Vent-free fireplaces have been known to have odors associated with them that worry the owners.

Why does my gas fireplace smell?

Air quality issues are the most common cause of strong gas fireplace odors. However, to rule out more dangerous possibilities, all you have to do is turn your fireplace off by shutting off the main gas valve. Allow some time for the room odors to clear out. If you still smell gas, there may be a small leak somewhere in your system.

How long does it take for a gas fireplace to smell?

New gas fireplace logs typically have a break-in period during which they can smell strongly. This will go away after the first three or four hours of use and is not cause for concern. Other things that can cause more persistent gas fireplace odors include: Pet hair, dander or dust. Scented candles.

How can I get rid of the smell of gas fireplaces?

The best way to prevent smells in a gas fireplace is to improve the quality of air in your home. If you smoke, take it outside. If you have pets, vacuum regularly and consider investing in a room air purifier. Avoid the use of harsh cleaning chemicals and plug-in deodorizers.

What does it mean when a propane fireplace is blue?

When working properly, your propane fireplace burns with a blue flame. If the flame is yellow, the gas may not be burning completely. If this occurs, contact your Foster Fuel certified technician.

How does a gas fireplace work?

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.

How to contact Foster Fuels about gas logs?

Winter Heat Checklist. You can contact our Foster Fuels team by filling out our contact form or calling us at 800-344-6457 for any additional questions you may have about your gas fireplace! Post updated on May 18th, 2021.

Do birds nest in chimneys?

Check your chimney sweep before using your fireplace. Over the months that you haven’t used the fireplace, birds may have created a nesting place in your chimney. Clean out all debris before lighting your gas logs.

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Url:https://garynsmith.net/vent-free-fireplace-odor/

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Url:https://fullservicechimney.com/why-your-gas-fireplace-stinks/

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Url:https://www.kozyheat.com/why-does-my-gas-fireplace-smell/

34 hours ago  · Natural gas itself is odorless, but has an additive that makes it smell like rotten eggs. This is designed to alert you if there is a leak in your area, as it can be very dangerous. If you smell a rotten egg smell around your natural gas fireplace, is important to leave your home immediately and contact your local utility service.

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Url:https://www.hunker.com/13418917/how-to-prevent-vent-free-fireplace-odor

20 hours ago Click to see full answer Also question is, do all ventless fireplaces smell? Most chemicals that are airborne in the room that go through the burner comes out smelling like kerosene.Vent-free gas log will not produce an odor unless the air it takes in has an odor. There are many products that will cause the appliance to smell and below are just a few. ...

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