The gas fireplace saved our lives when the Houston area had 5 inches of snow and no electricity for 5 days. We are in a residential area and we used it to stay warm.. otherwise it would have been bad news! We love ours...
One would think that one could get some help from a video called 'Problems with Gas Log Fireplaces" but this is just a rage against gas logs. I have has several and my new one has a problem and I need assistance working out the flame. I live in Alabama and normally, heat is not a problem. I have a heat pump what heats the home well and on some occasions, we like the fireplace first thing in the morning. As far as expense, our 2400 sq feet home with electric heat pump averages $200.00. My 400 gallon propane tank is still 90 full as we hardly use the gas logs. The big fear with gas logs is that the flame goes out but propane continues to poor into the house. Supposedly, that is not possible with the current ones out. Hell, who knows? Apparently, it's a felony to circumvent the safety features and attempt to by pass the shut off.
Ahhhh....first of all- a gas detector will clue you in if there is a leak. Secondly, (I have 2 inserts, non-vented) very efficient and very affordable. Sure beats paying the electric company for heat. Third: at 96% efficient, we are as warm and cozy as any wood burning stove I ever had. You have to place the logs correctly, have it serviced regularly to make sure it is clean and no leaks, and be smart about it. We have had ours for over 15 years with no issues. Don't be fear driven. Live.
I was going to make this same post. I've had my vent free for years with zero issues. Very efficient and I keep a CO2 detector right next to the fireplace. I'm not sure what this guy in the video is referring to. I can even heat my whole upstairs from my living room logs if I want to leave the bedroom doors open. Gas is cheap.
A carbon Monoxide detector would go off it you forget to open the flue damper on a gas fire place. I would have two CO detectors so they back each other up in case one fails. In many valleys they have no wood burning days about 50% of the time in, the winter, due to temperature inversion.
I thought to find some useful information here, but simply ragging on the gas-log styled fireplace is not useful. And contrary to some comments below, using this kind of heating is no more expensive than a regular furnace set-up. I've noticed no jump in my gas bill beyond what I should expect from the amount of gas used to normally heat my home. Guess I'll continue looking for what I need to know.
I recently had my chimney destroyed by a fallen tree. The fireplace was constructed over 100 years ago and a gas log installed with a simple on and off valve to a punctured tube. No controls in the 20s. MY QUESTION IS CAN I SIMPLY SEAL OFF THE CHIMNEY BELOW THE ROOF LINE AND ALLOW WHATEVER FUMES BE ALLOWED TO ESCAPE INTO THE ATTIC?
You are exactly right that a lot of the artificial gas logs in open fireplaces create gas spillage into the room when in use. Many times this is simply caused because the logs are not positioned correctly. Many professional gas log installers only use the “soap bubble” test to check the gas connections inside the firebox but this will not prove that the logs are positioned correctly. As an inspector, you should be using a combustible gas detector. With this tool, you can check the fireplace gas valve (where you put in the key). We find in our experience that about 10% of the gas valves leak inside the wall and you won’t know it without the detector. Also, turn on the gas logs for about 10 minutes and use the detector around the perimeter of the firebox opening. This will test for gas spillage into the room, likely because the logs are sitting too far forward or not positioned correctly. Make sure the furnace is not on at the same time as the gas logs which will also cause gas spillage into the room. Make sure that the homeowner never closes the glass doors during an active fire because they may implode or explode the glass. And you’re right that the artificial gas logs in an open fireplace don’t produce a lot of heat but do create a beautiful cozy feel without having to constantly tend to the fire.
Dude. You have zero faith in the intelligence of adult human beings who can afford to own gas log fireplaces. Its simple: First step in making a fire, wood burning or gas - Open the Damper! I have never forgot and will never forget to pull the chain, listen for the rapping sound of the spring loaded top sealing damper lid when it hits wide open before moving to the next step.
If you know about Weird Al Yankovich’s parents, then you know that his parents died because they forgot to open the damper. Sadly, he lost both his parents the same night. And they were burning wood. With gas logs, if you forget to open the damper, you won’t know it until you don’t wake up. You may be responsible enough to remember to open the damper but most people aren’t. Or another scenario, many people don’t remember which way is open and which way is closed. That’s why the code requires the damper be locked fully open when gas is present in the fireplace-to protect people from themselves.
Disadvantages of these units are not organized thoughts in this video. I just bought a gas log set after my father in law said he loves the one he’s had for years. To each his own I guess.
OTOH they do make handy backup heat. I use mine perhaps once a year during outages. The damper is fully open as my use for backup heat is so rare any waste is not a concern. I use my gas stove at the opposite end of the house by baking bread and cooking when a power outage hits. Backup heat need not be ideal to save plumbing and occupants (though it bears reminding everyone should own enough cold weather gear that they cannot get hypothermia in any reasonably likely situation and should own a sleeping bag rated far below the coldest temps in their area).
Thank you Brother I have my old 35 yea old fireplace I have went to Lowe’s and asked them , what to used to help for the heat hight for gas fireplace? They said : nothing Because the way of the old design of the fireplace Now I’m looking for fire logs Thank you for your explanation I almost going to order it . May I ask you Can I use wood instead of gas and cover the gas ‘s bar ? I think it’s a sill question But asking you , it does not hurt THANK YOU MAY THE LORD BL YOU ( GARABANDAL war oh d on the way )
As a home inspection he should ever say anything about a gas log set. Leave it to the professionals. Your three classifications are vented, ventfree and direct vent insert. You know nothing about gas logsets . Keep your personal opinions to yourself sir and stop gaslighting.
This is easy, if you have the black little decorative rocks one has gotten on top of the burn holes. It's important to check the burn holes all the time to make sure they are clean from debris. I used compressed air at the beginning of every season.
I agree as well. Also, the majority of these have logs out of place or randomly installed, causing flame impingement and more carbon monoxide production. A telltale for this condition is fluffy black carbon buildup on the logs.
I would be one of those home owners who have the logs out of place. I went from living in a house with a wood burning fireplace to a gas burning fireplace. I'm not sure how to stack the fake wood and the people at fireplace store just wants to sell me a new insert ☹️
I have a few spots of soot build up on my logs and the inside of my home is showing some soot after 12 years of vent free use. However, we use it 100% on weekend days and evenings and every night after work in the winter to heat the entire house because my wife loves the ambiance. I always am cautious about CO buildup. Since my fire/CO detectors are more than 12 years old (2 years past recommended replacement) I installed a new set that has CO level readouts and they have registered ZERO CO present. It made me much more relaxed than just the alarm type. I will admit, the soot is a bit frustrating but my logs are installed according to manufacturer layout.
As a home inspector in Michigan I agree 100%. I also have yet to encounter one on the job that didn't get at least of couple of safety deficiencies! And i have yet to have anyone show me a benefit to them.
No one seems to talk about how expensive it cost to use a gas fireplace, I bought a house with one and on day I used and the next day the gas company came to my home because they thought I had a gas leak, I never used it since because they cost alot to use
Dude there is nothing wrong with a gas log insert for your fireplace. The clamp for your damper will keep the damper open enough to release the fumes that you cannot see. The only problem that I have is that it is somewhat costly for the gas bill if you use it often for luxury. It should not be used as your main heating source.
Thanks for info. Suggestion- Cut it down. Wow. I hate gas log fire places Is drilled so deep in my brain. ..it took way to long to Get to the point. The main point to the video could have Ben completed in 50 seconds. Also. As a hone inspector, it is NOT your responsibility to provide an opinion. Your supposed to point out problem/issues and direct them to a professionals of that trade. Great information provide. Just cut it down. And please done get personal when inspecting. When I was a RE/MAX, so often when working with buyers, i had to calm down their emotions while thhey because so scared make a purchase all because inspectors would out thir personsal openion in the report. Most often, always with good Intentions however, we the agents, are left with the wondering brain. Thanks for the help d the tone down the bppluyer who thought the house was falling apart.
The gas fireplace saved our lives when the Houston area had 5 inches of snow and no electricity for 5 days. We are in a residential area and we used it to stay warm.. otherwise it would have been bad news! We love ours...
One would think that one could get some help from a video called 'Problems with Gas Log Fireplaces" but this is just a rage against gas logs. I have has several and my new one has a problem and I need assistance working out the flame. I live in Alabama and normally, heat is not a problem. I have a heat pump what heats the home well and on some occasions, we like the fireplace first thing in the morning.
As far as expense, our 2400 sq feet home with electric heat pump averages $200.00. My 400 gallon propane tank is still 90 full as we hardly use the gas logs. The big fear with gas logs is that the flame goes out but propane continues to poor into the house. Supposedly, that is not possible with the current ones out. Hell, who knows? Apparently, it's a felony to circumvent the safety features and attempt to by pass the shut off.
What about ventless? We're does the carbon monoxide go?
10 minutes I can’t get back.
Very interesting Gas Log Fireplaces WOW "Invisible Gases" that's enough to react immediately
Odd that a gas fireplace needs to be vented but an oven and stove burn wide open without any venting at all.
YOU ARE CORRECT..
Ahhhh....first of all- a gas detector will clue you in if there is a leak. Secondly, (I have 2 inserts, non-vented) very efficient and very affordable. Sure beats paying the electric company for heat. Third: at 96% efficient, we are as warm and cozy as any wood burning stove I ever had. You have to place the logs correctly, have it serviced regularly to make sure it is clean and no leaks, and be smart about it. We have had ours for over 15 years with no issues. Don't be fear driven. Live.
I was going to make this same post. I've had my vent free for years with zero issues. Very efficient and I keep a CO2 detector right next to the fireplace. I'm not sure what this guy in the video is referring to. I can even heat my whole upstairs from my living room logs if I want to leave the bedroom doors open. Gas is cheap.
A carbon Monoxide detector would go off it you forget to open the flue damper on a gas fire place. I would have two CO detectors so they back each other up in case one fails. In many valleys they have no wood burning days about 50% of the time in, the winter, due to temperature inversion.
mine is ventless and it works great
I thought to find some useful information here, but simply ragging on the gas-log styled fireplace is not useful. And contrary to some comments below, using this kind of heating is no more expensive than a regular furnace set-up. I've noticed no jump in my gas bill beyond what I should expect from the amount of gas used to normally heat my home. Guess I'll continue looking for what I need to know.
I recently had my chimney destroyed by a fallen tree. The fireplace was constructed over 100 years ago and a gas log installed with a simple on and off valve to a punctured tube. No controls in the 20s. MY QUESTION IS CAN I SIMPLY SEAL OFF THE CHIMNEY BELOW THE ROOF LINE AND ALLOW WHATEVER FUMES BE ALLOWED TO ESCAPE INTO THE ATTIC?
Are there code violations in this type of alteration?
not a good idea to vent flue gas into your attic
You are exactly right that a lot of the artificial gas logs in open fireplaces create gas spillage into the room when in use. Many times this is simply caused because the logs are not positioned correctly. Many professional gas log installers only use the “soap bubble” test to check the gas connections inside the firebox but this will not prove that the logs are positioned correctly. As an inspector, you should be using a combustible gas detector. With this tool, you can check the fireplace gas valve (where you put in the key). We find in our experience that about 10% of the gas valves leak inside the wall and you won’t know it without the detector. Also, turn on the gas logs for about 10 minutes and use the detector around the perimeter of the firebox opening. This will test for gas spillage into the room, likely because the logs are sitting too far forward or not positioned correctly. Make sure the furnace is not on at the same time as the gas logs which will also cause gas spillage into the room. Make sure that the homeowner never closes the glass doors during an active fire because they may implode or explode the glass. And you’re right that the artificial gas logs in an open fireplace don’t produce a lot of heat but do create a beautiful cozy feel without having to constantly tend to the fire.
Great informative video. You convinced me that I need to upgrade from a gas log to gas insert fireplace. Thank you.
Get ventless gas logs and all these problems are fixed.
Ventless gas logs are illegal in many states for good reason. In the chimney industry, we have a nickname for ventless gas logs: “Lung vented.”
@@tpocock2238 what are the dangers of ventless if installed properly?
Dude. You have zero faith in the intelligence of adult human beings who can afford to own gas log fireplaces. Its simple: First step in making a fire, wood burning or gas - Open the Damper! I have never forgot and will never forget to pull the chain, listen for the rapping sound of the spring loaded top sealing damper lid when it hits wide open before moving to the next step.
If you know about Weird Al Yankovich’s parents, then you know that his parents died because they forgot to open the damper. Sadly, he lost both his parents the same night. And they were burning wood. With gas logs, if you forget to open the damper, you won’t know it until you don’t wake up. You may be responsible enough to remember to open the damper but most people aren’t. Or another scenario, many people don’t remember which way is open and which way is closed. That’s why the code requires the damper be locked fully open when gas is present in the fireplace-to protect people from themselves.
The damper is clamped in a permanently open position in gas log fire places. Your information is old.
Disadvantages of these units are not organized thoughts in this video. I just bought a gas log set after my father in law said he loves the one he’s had for years. To each his own I guess.
OTOH they do make handy backup heat. I use mine perhaps once a year during outages. The damper is fully open as my use for backup heat is so rare any waste is not a concern. I use my gas stove at the opposite end of the house by baking bread and cooking when a power outage hits. Backup heat need not be ideal to save plumbing and occupants (though it bears reminding everyone should own enough cold weather gear that they cannot get hypothermia in any reasonably likely situation and should own a sleeping bag rated far below the coldest temps in their area).
Thank you Brother
I have my old 35 yea old fireplace
I have went to Lowe’s and asked them , what to used to help for the heat hight for gas fireplace?
They said : nothing
Because the way of the old design of the fireplace
Now I’m looking for fire logs
Thank you for your explanation
I almost going to order it .
May I ask you
Can I use wood instead of gas and cover the gas ‘s bar ?
I think it’s a sill question
But asking you , it does not hurt
THANK YOU
MAY THE LORD BL YOU
( GARABANDAL war oh d on the way )
How do you accidently build a wood fire?
As a home inspection he should ever say anything about a gas log set. Leave it to the professionals. Your three classifications are vented, ventfree and direct vent insert. You know nothing about gas logsets . Keep your personal opinions to yourself sir and stop gaslighting.
go away
I SAY HE IS TALKING...NOT VENT FREE LOGS.....VENTFREE OR VENTLESS LOGS ARE SAFE..NO WORRY
I have a ventless 40,000 btu gas log. Very efficient
Where is the damper?
My mom has a gas one and just this year for some reason we have soot all over the mantle and all over her white walls! Why!!???
This is easy, if you have the black little decorative rocks one has gotten on top of the burn holes. It's important to check the burn holes all the time to make sure they are clean from debris. I used compressed air at the beginning of every season.
Love that you have Scripture posted!
Ventless logs and carbon monoxide detectors.
My house is freezing because it , so many maintenance issues , water also leaking into it. its just not worth it over the years.
I agree as well. Also, the majority of these have logs out of place or randomly installed, causing flame impingement and more carbon monoxide production. A telltale for this condition is fluffy black carbon buildup on the logs.
I would be one of those home owners who have the logs out of place. I went from living in a house with a wood burning fireplace to a gas burning fireplace. I'm not sure how to stack the fake wood and the people at fireplace store just wants to sell me a new insert ☹️
I have a few spots of soot build up on my logs and the inside of my home is showing some soot after 12 years of vent free use. However, we use it 100% on weekend days and evenings and every night after work in the winter to heat the entire house because my wife loves the ambiance. I always am cautious about CO buildup. Since my fire/CO detectors are more than 12 years old (2 years past recommended replacement) I installed a new set that has CO level readouts and they have registered ZERO CO present. It made me much more relaxed than just the alarm type. I will admit, the soot is a bit frustrating but my logs are installed according to manufacturer layout.
They should be operated by adults. In that case, as safe as anything out there. You are an alarmist.
17 years baby doll and no problem with my gas buck logs
As a home inspector in Michigan I agree 100%. I also have yet to encounter one on the job that didn't get at least of couple of safety deficiencies! And i have yet to have anyone show me a benefit to them.
Perfect example of a bad home inspector.
No one seems to talk about how expensive it cost to use a gas fireplace, I bought a house with one and on day I used and the next day the gas company came to my home because they thought I had a gas leak, I never used it since because they cost alot to use
And, thats why toy have a carbon monoxide detector...
You need to organize your ideas better
Dude there is nothing wrong with a gas log insert for your fireplace. The clamp for your damper will keep the damper open enough to release the fumes that you cannot see. The only problem that I have is that it is somewhat costly for the gas bill if you use it often for luxury. It should not be used as your main heating source.
Thanks for info.
Suggestion- Cut it down. Wow.
I hate gas log fire places
Is drilled so deep in my brain. ..it took way to long to Get to the point.
The main point to the video could have Ben completed in 50 seconds.
Also. As a hone inspector, it is NOT your responsibility to provide an opinion. Your supposed to point out problem/issues and direct them to a professionals of that trade.
Great information provide. Just cut it down. And please done get personal when inspecting.
When I was a RE/MAX, so often when working with buyers, i had to calm down their emotions while thhey because so scared make a purchase all because inspectors would out thir personsal openion in the report.
Most often, always with good Intentions however, we the agents, are left with the wondering brain.
Thanks for the help
d the tone down the bppluyer who thought the house was falling apart.
Confusing video