Gas fireplaces are beautiful—but they can also be dangerous.
One of the best features of a gas fireplace is they produce less soot and smoke compared to their wood-burning counterpart. Regular maintenance can even keep your fireplace entirely soot-free.
Yet, there are still instances when your gas fireplace may produce large amounts of gas fireplace soot. It tarnishes the appearance of your fireplace and puts your health at risk.
Now, how dangerous is it?
Excessive soot always comes in conjunction with carbon monoxide. And, we all know how hazardous and potentially lethal carbon monoxide is.
Checking for Soot
Are you skeptical and worried whether there’s a buildup of soot in your fireplace or none?
For starters, turn off the fire and allow the logs to cool. Find a clean, white cloth and rub it on the ceramic gas logs and fireplace doors.
Black marks on the cloth indicate the presence of a soot issue. You can also look for clumps of black, powdery substance on the surfaces.
What’s Causing the Buildup?
Soot buildup is commonly caused by clogged burner ports and improperly positioned fire-logs.
A fire-log that’s out of position can obstruct the flame path that ensures the clean-burning of gas. This contributes to soot formation on the fireplace.
Another primary cause of soot is clogged gas burner ports. It creates an unbalanced or incomplete burn, allowing soot to form on the doors and logs.
If this happens, you’ll need to clean off the fire-logs and doors. They should also be placed in the exact position specified by the manufacturer. For blocked ports, it’s best to call a maintenance expert and schedule cleaning services.
Soot from an Old Gas Fireplace
Gas fireplace burner sets get worn over time and may need replacement. These burners emit gas differently as they age. The changing flame pattern leads to “dirty” burning and excessive accumulation of soot. Fire-logs themselves could crack or break, affecting the flame path and preventing proper combustion.
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It’s also a problem if the fireplace exhaust vent or chimney gets blocked. There may be underlying issues you’re not aware of. If there’s still soot buildup, no matter what you do, have your trusted HVAC expert check the fireplace. Let them see if the gas regulator feeding your fireplace or home is adjusted correctly.
The Right Airflow
Yellow flames with minimal soot from gas fireplace buildup indicate that your fireplace has the correct fuel-air mixture. In open-front gas fireplaces, there is an air shutter on the gas line that allows you to adjust the fuel-air mixture. Those with glass doors, on the other hand, have adjustable vent shutters beneath the doors. This enables you to regulate the combustion air.
These shutters or vents must always be unobstructed and clean. Once the flame gets starved for air, it will result in soot accumulation.
Why You NEED Gas Fireplace Maintenance
The last thing you’d want is a malfunctioning fireplace once the winter season hits. But it pays to be prepared! Fortunately, most gas fireplace problems are easily identified and solved.
Any suspected problems should be checked by a professional right away. If neglected, these issues can lead to safety hazards like carbon monoxide poisoning and the combustion of soot.
Call your trusted HVAC technician today for a smooth-running fireplace once the colder months begin.
