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Ventless Gas Logs Problems

By admin on Wednesday, July 7th, 2010 | No Comments



Ventless gas logs for fireplaces are clean and economical. They are good sources of heat as well. But there are ventless gas logs problems and we will highlight some of the issues with this type of gas logs in this post.

One of the problems that are often asked about ventless gas logs is the associated odor problems. The odors are normally caused by chemicals or airborne contaminants being drawn into the burner. These contaminants are then altered when combusted producing a certain odor.

There is a solution with this problem. The odors can only be handled when the burner has sufficient supply of clean and fresh air. If you have odor problem that you suspect is related to the ventfree appliance you have, check the chemicals in your house. You can start with products like deodorizers, detergents, and cleaners because these have “offgas” chemicals. Make sure to put them as far as possible to the fireplace. You should also check newly finished wood and new carpets.

Also take note that when you operate the ventless gas logs for the first time, it may produce an odor. This is because the log set cures, producing odor, when used for the first time. This odor problem will usually vanish after 4 to 8 hours of burning. You need to keep the fireplace damper open if this occurs.

The second major concern with ventless gas logs is the moisture. When operating properly, the ventless appliance usually produces carbon dioxide and water vapor only. Carbon dioxide is the gas animals and humans exhale. The water vapor as a product does seem to be a concern during the winter season. At this time of the year, the humidity level is normally low; thus, the additional water vapor may not be a problem. But you will sometimes notice that there is an accumulation of moisture in the interior of the walls or the windows. This is a sign that you need to allow more ventilation inside the house because your place is fairly airtight with the gas logs operating for a long time.

The third concern is the log positioning. The logs should be positioned as recommended by the manual. Never alter this arrangement because most ventless gas logs have pins or groves to ensure that these gas logs are installed properly. If positioned improperly, the flame may come in contact with the log and this will lead to production of soot.

These ventless gas logs problems are easily handled with the proper care and common sense. Make sure to check your owner’s manual if you are confused.

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Ventless Gas Logs Fireplace

By admin on Wednesday, July 7th, 2010 | No Comments



Ventless gas logs fireplace can also be referred to as non-vented, unvented, or ventfree gas logs. Unlike the vented gas logs with its yellow flame, this type burns with the blue flame. This flame is hot and clean because it does not produce soot.

Because it is hot, the ventless gas logs fireplace can serve as a supplement to one’s primary heating system. The only concern is that these gas logs are usually not as attractive compared to the vented logs. Its only advantage is that it produces more heat.

Because the vent less gas log is not producing soot, the fireplace can be operated with the damper fully closed. Hence, it forces all the heat to be concentrated into the room.

The blower systems can also be used with most ventless gas logs. There are some models of ventless gas logs that require the use of specific blower systems. At times, the use of a blower not specific for a particular log set may affect the burner flame pattern. This can also cause the flame to produce soot which is not normal.

Ventless gas logs for fireplace have a limitation in maximum BTU input of 40,000 BTU. These gas logs require an oxygen depletion sensor or ODS too. This sensor shuts the gas logs off when the oxygen level turns too low. Usually, the lowest limit when the ODS starts to shut off the system is when the room oxygen level falls to 18%. The normal oxygen level of the air is 21%.

Most ventless gas logs require installations with a hood over the opening of the fireplace. Because the heat is forced out of the fireplace opening, the mantles tend to get very hot. The hood serves as a protection to this heat. Your manufacturer will even state the required clearance between the opening and the mantle. But the mantle can still hot even with this clearance. Thus, installing a hood with this type of gas logs is always a great addition.

Never operate your ventless gas logs with your fireplace doors closed. When you do that, the glass doors will likely overheat and this can make the glass shatter. When the appliance is operating, you need to take into account that the spark screens installed in front of the ventless logs can become very hot too.

In closing, the ventless gas logs fireplace can be an option for your home because it is economical, clean, and can also provide a supplemental heating source. Its downside is that it can get ugly with the hood, unlike the aesthetically pleasing vented gas logs fireplace.

Vented Gas Logs for Fireplace

By admin on Wednesday, July 7th, 2010 | No Comments



With the gaining popularity of gas fireplace logs, I was driven to write this post especially dedicated to the subject. I will write more on one particular gas log, the vented gas logs for fireplace.

Fueled by natural or propane gas, gas logs for fireplace convinced many wood burners to finally get rid of the log splitters for the sake of convenience. Vented gas logs have the beauty of a wood burning fire but with the convenience of gas. In fact, the heat output of vented gas logs is actually better than the output from the traditional wood fire.

The gas logs are made from high density refractory material that radiates the heat after it warms up. Thus, vented gas logs produce a high quality fire that resembles that of wood fire but without the ash and dust. What’s best is that you don’t have to deal with wood chips on your carpet or running in the middle of the night to get wood outside of the house.

The fire from vented gas logs is a yellow flame. This natural flame however is not as hot as the typical blue gas flame. This type of flame contains soot. Hence, using vented gas logs requires the use of chimney cleaning.

Because vented gas logs are producing smoke and soot, your fireplace damper should be completely open when using it. Just like real wood, it also produces carbon monoxide. This is another reason to open that damper. In addition, using the blowers is not much recommended because the gas logs produce soot. You don’t want your blower to blow soot all over your living room, do you?

Vented gas logs must be installed only in wood burning fireplaces that are working well. If the fireplace is not operable with burning wood, then it might not work with a gas log too. After all, a gas log is not the solution to a problematic fireplace.

If you opt to go with a factory-built fireplace, make sure to check that the fireplace is approved for gas log’s installation. Do not worry; most of these factory-made fireplaces are approved for installation of vented gas logs.

In ending, it is highly recommended to buy vented gas logs for your fireplace. It resembles the old and traditional wood burning fireplace with its beauty and realistic look but with the convenience of gas for fuel. But do not expect that vented gas logs will serve as your secondary heat source. You will only be disappointed.

Installing Gas Logs Fireplace

By admin on Wednesday, July 7th, 2010 | No Comments



There are many concerns on installing gas logs fireplace. Thus, this post will present steps to installing gas logs in your fireplace:
The first step is to get your gas logs. I recommend that you get them on the internet because it is cheaper to buy online. But if you are in a hurry though, you can always buy at the nearest Home Depot. The gas log set must have a perforated pipe to distribute the gas and a rack to hold the logs.

Make sure that you have a gas pipe in your fireplace. If not, find the nearest gas pipe to the fireplace. Put the pipe and the log rack in the middle of the fireplace. From there, you will be able to estimate how much pipe you will need. You will also find the right fittings to connect the perforated pipe to the source of the gas.

This is an optional step. You can also purchase gas pilot lights so you do not need to light a match every time you need to light the logs. You can install these pilot lights on the side of the fireplace like the way the gas line comes into the fireplace. I strongly suggest the simple pilot. This makes the lighting of the logs a simple task of merely turning the knob.

The next step is to connect the gas line to the pilot and the perforated pipe under the log rack. There is a metal tube from the pilot base to the pilot bracket. Connect the pilot bracket to the end of the perforated pipe. Refer to the instructions with the pilot unit for more details.

Use the yellow gas tape when sealing the joints. Before you light the pilot, make sure to check for gas leaks. Drip soapy water on all the joints and turn on the gas. If you have already checked all the pipes for leaks, light the pilot. Then, turn on the gas to the perforated pipe. You will only be ready to place the logs when the pipe lights evenly.
Most logs come with simulated ashes. You can now spread the ashes around. Just follow the manufacturer’s instructions for scattering the ashes. This provides a real atmosphere when you heat up the fireplace already.

Onto the rack, place the logs. Stack them to your liking and you are done installing your gas logs for the fireplace.