Homeowner Resources: Gas Burning
This page features gas-burning how-to’s and resources to help you get the most out of your investment.
Safety first!
Gas fireplaces are convenient and a great source of heat. But, even though they are easier to use than a wood-burning fireplace, some common sense rules still apply.
Never touch a gas fireplace that’s burning. Even with protective screens, the glass and the surrounding materials can become very hot. Keep little ones and pets away and make sure the fireplace is completely cool before cleaning it.
Keep furniture and decorations at least 3 feet away from the fireplace. Even though there’s never a danger of sparks, the heat from a gas fireplace is enough to ignite combustibles that are too close. As cozy at it might seem to put a pet bed or blanket on the hearth just inches away from that soothing heat, it’s an accident waiting to happen.
Don’t hang your TV directly above a gas fireplace unless there’s a mantel that will deflect the heat. This is the only solution for protecting fragile electronics. Since heat rises, never assume that hanging your TV higher will protect it. Adding a mantel is a simple solution that will safely give you that all-in-one fire-and-TV experience.
Make sure that your pilot light is always ON during fireplace season. The pilot light helps maintain a warm chimney, which prevents exhaust from potentially backing up into the home. You can turn it off during the summer (the perfect time to turn it back on is when we come for your fireplace’s annual service).
Getting rid of the “new stove smell”
New gas stoves, inserts, and fireplaces come with a distinctive “new stove smell.” Here’s a video from Jøtul that explains why a new gas stove or fireplace can have an odor, and what to do about it.
Curing Instructions
Mendota, one of our manufacturers, shared curing instructions that we paraphrased so they are applicable to any gas-burning fireplace, insert, or stove to make that awful plastic smell go away. The smell comes from the paint used on gas appliances. The paint needs to cure, and the only way to do that is with heat. Curing is a three-step process.
Step 1: Expel Initial Smoke and Odors After Installation
Turn the fireplace ON and turn the thermostat mode to OFF. The fireplace will now be in manual mode. Turn the flame height to HIGH and the fan to HIGH. Allow the fireplace to operate with these settings for a minimum of 2 hours.
We recommend opening the windows to help the odors dissipate. After 2 hours, turn the fireplace off and allow it to cool.
Step 2: High Heat Curing Cycle
Turn the fireplace ON and turn the thermostat mode to OFF. The fireplace will now be in manual mode. Set the flame height to HIGH, and the fan to OFF. Run the fireplace with these settings until the odors have diminished. This may take a few hours.
Again, having your windows open during this process can help. Once odors have diminished, leave the fireplace ON and move on to Step 3.
Step 3: Final Curing Cycle
With the fireplace still turned ON, set the fan speed to the lowest setting. If you notice any odors, continue to run the fireplace with the flames on HIGH and the fan on LOW until the odors have diminished. This may take several more hours.
NOTE: The curing process may take 10+ continuous hours of burning on HIGH. You may still notice slight odors whenever you start the fireplace, especially if you haven’t used it in several months, but these will diminish over time.
will my gas fireplace work in a power outage?
The short answer is “yes.” Here’s a video that shows what you need to do to light a gas fireplace with an intermittent ignition pilot system during a power outage. If you have a millivolt system, you don’t need batteries because it generates enough electricity to create a spark and light your fireplace.
glass CAre & cleaning
The ceramic glass on your gas appliance is made to withstand very high temperatures, but it should be treated with care. Previously, we mentioned that leaving your pilot light on during fireplace season is the best way to ensure that your fireplace lights easily. Another reason to keep the pilot lit during fireplace season is to protect the glass from cracking.
You may notice condensation when you light a gas fireplace that has sat unused for some time. This condensation will burn off in a few minutes, but during this time we recommend you keep the flames low to avoid sudden temperature changes that can crack the glass. A pilot light doesn’t use much gas, and leaving it on permanently will give you the option of safely using your fireplace at will on those unexpected chilly late spring or early fall days before you’re in full fireplace mode.
Fireplace glass will need occasional cleaning. This is something our technicians do during a regular service call but if you need to clean your glass on your own, make sure the fireplace is completely cool before cleaning. Use non-ammonia glass cleaner and a lint-free cloth.
operation basics
coming soon!
achieving maximum heating efficiency
While a gas fireplace is not intended to be the main heat source in a home, it’s an important one. Here are our tips on how to use a direct vent gas fireplace efficiently.
Keep It Clean. Even though you’re not burning wood, your gas fireplace will still accumulate dust, soot, and debris. These can interfere with airflow, flame appearance, and efficiency. We take care of keeping your gas fireplace clean during our annual service. During your service call, we ensure that all vents are clear of obstructions like leaves or bird nests.
Use the Fan. If your gas fireplace, insert, or stove comes with a fan, use it to distribute heat more evenly throughout the space. If your fireplace doesn’t have a built-in fan, you can use a ceiling fan or even a floor fan.
Heat Where You Live. Gas fireplaces are ideal for zone heating which is why it makes sense to have them in rooms that you use the most. You can turn your furnace down or even off if you focus on using your gas fireplace to heat your most lived-in rooms, and using a fan to circulate some warm air into the rest of the house.
Heat During Power Outages. In a power outage, your fireplace fan won’t work but the fireplace will still radiate heat into the space. If you have an Intermittent Ignition Device (which creates a spark when needed), replace your batteries regularly so you can start the fireplace. If your pilot light is always lit, you won’t need batteries to start your fireplace.
FAQ
How do I remove the glass from my fireplace for cleaning?
Your owner’s manual features specific instructions on removing the glass panel on your model. Many models have spring-loaded clips that secure the glass tightly.
Can I remove the glass panel on my gas fireplace while burning?
No. If your fireplace comes with a glass panel on the front, it is a direct-vent system and the glass must remain in place during operation. Only remove the glass for service or cleaning, and only when the fireplace is turned off. If you have a gas log set, the doors will often remain open during burning. If you aren’t sure which type you have, give our friendly experts a call!
Do gas logs need cleaning?
Even though gas fireplaces don’t burn wood, soot will eventually build up on the logs. They can be cleaned with a soft brush and vacuum, NEVER with water because this will create a high moisture content in the fireplace that can cause the glass to crack. Just as importantly, they need to be put back exactly as they were to ensure proper air flow and flame behavior. It’s a tedious process! Log cleaning is just one part of annual gas fireplace service that our professionals perform!
What are outside air kits, and do I need one?
At our high Colorado altitude, there isn’t quite enough oxygen to achieve ideal flames. We recommend adding an outside air kit which will provide additional combustion air to the fireplace to give the fire more oxygen.
