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This is a new to us house. Has gas fireplace in the bedroom. It is powered on by an electric switch that operates the lighter. I was checking its venting mechanism and the vent opening has a valve like cover on it with a hinge. The hinge is on the corner and the valve has to open against gravity to open. So is this how the chimney is designed? The front gets closed with glass.
Also are these any good for heating or mostly decorative?
My gas fireplace is in my kitchen/family room and it throws out very good heat. I don't know the answer to your other question. Hopefully someone else does on here.
You8 ight look for a manufactures label and google that label to see if they have a online manual for your model. Basically gas or electric fire palces are not very efficent for heating purposes even with blower systems.
You have a direct vent f/pl. The switch is for a mili-volt operated gas valve. The f/pl should have a standing pilot light.
As tex' said, go to the manufacturers website. Almost all manufacturers have manuals for their different models in PDF form. Download and print a copy- and keep it close at hand.
Okay, now it is colder and I am revisiting this topic. I have checked the fireplace in and out, and no mention of the brand. The only thing I found on one of the labels is "gas electric 8500 series". So any ideas?
It comes on and burns yellow and the flames are going upward even when I close the glass. I am still not sure it won't kill me!
Okay, now it is colder and I am revisiting this topic. I have checked the fireplace in and out, and no mention of the brand. The only thing I found on one of the labels is "gas electric 8500 series". So any ideas?
It comes on and burns yellow and the flames are going upward even when I close the glass. I am still not sure it won't kill me!
This fireplace - like all fireplaces - has a damper somewhere above the first, in the chimney. That's the vent thing you're talking about.
When you're not using the fireplace, the damper should be closed. When you are using the fireplace, the damper MUST be open - not necessarily all the way, but at least part way.
Also, when you're not using the fireplace you'll want to close the glass door(s) as well as any vents. This helps prevent warm air from inside the house from "going up the chimney.
Here's the deal... If your damper is either closed, or not open far enough, you WILL smell it! There will be no question.
Even so, if I were you, I'd get the carbon monoxide detector. If nothing else, it'll give you a lot of peace of mind.
We have a gas fireplace and it basically does nothing to heat the room. Even sitting in a chair right next to the fireplace doesn't feel any warmer than the rest of the room. For the most part they are just for decoration.
We have a gas fireplace and it basically does nothing to heat the room. Even sitting in a chair right next to the fireplace doesn't feel any warmer than the rest of the room. For the most part they are just for decoration.
I have a gas fireplace and love it. You need to have a blower/ fan which heats the room really well-it has a variable setting. So many times I have to shut it off or put in on low because it gets too warm.
This fireplace - like all fireplaces - has a damper somewhere above the first, in the chimney. That's the vent thing you're talking about.
When you're not using the fireplace, the damper should be closed. When you are using the fireplace, the damper MUST be open - not necessarily all the way, but at least part way.
Also, when you're not using the fireplace you'll want to close the glass door(s) as well as any vents. This helps prevent warm air from inside the house from "going up the chimney.
Here's the deal... If your damper is either closed, or not open far enough, you WILL smell it! There will be no question.
Even so, if I were you, I'd get the carbon monoxide detector. If nothing else, it'll give you a lot of peace of mind.
Thanks for the response. So is the circular thing with the hinge at one side the damper? The downstairs fireplace has a circular thingy that rotates on an axis, so when there is air movement it opens. This one is not conducive to light flow of air. I guess I should try to leave it open by tightening the screws on the hinge. There is some smell when we first light it up but it either goes away or you get used to it and I freak out about CO so I haven't kept the fire on for more than 10 minutes. I have to find time and go buy a CO detector first.
I have one of the ventless kinds, and am very pleased with it. I have a carbon monoxide detector and never had a problem last year. When you first light it after a time there is a bit of smell from lint being burned off, but that was all. It has a fan on it which helps circulate air.
The addition of a couple of air circulation fans (which is a specific kind of fan) can also be used to guide the warm air around the room. And a ceiling fan set to heat will also draw the heated air up and then back down. Both will keep the room warmer than the heater alone.
According to my unit, some yellow flames are okay. If you get too many the gas feed is too high. It took a bit to get it on this year but its sooo worth the work.
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