If you have been reading along with past posts, you know that gas logs are overflowing with benefits. There are countless reasons as to why they are a smarter alternative than regular wood for burning in your fireplace. Here is more information on using them, just to give a more broad background on gas logs, and different Alterna gas products with proper safety.
The safety of gas logs is well documented. However, it must be considered that they are fire products, and do come with dangers. Your manual’s directions need to be followed explicitly, and never used in any other way, because fires and explosions are risks. The manual contains invaluable information, and should be kept for the entire duration that you own and use the product. Storing anything flammable, including anything with flammable vapors and liquids near a burning gas log fire is a very bad idea, and can be a quick way to a disaster. Because it is a gas product, if you smell gas you must act wisely. Do not turn on any switches, as they can cause ignition. The same goes for using a phone. Leave the dwelling, and use the phone of a nearby person or business and call your gas supplier. They will direct you on how to handle the situation, and give you steps to follow. If they cannot be reached, the fire department should be called to assess the situation.
When you install an unvented gas fireplace burner, you have to follow the local codes that are in place for such devices. If local codes do not exist, follow in accordance with the National Fuel Gas Code, ANSI Z223.1/ NFPA 54.
Gas logs, fire balls, fire shapes, fire glass, and fire stones were made to be burned only in specific housings. Traditional vented fireplaces and those meant for solid-fuel burning, and are constructed of masonry meant to withstand extreme fires are fine. Fireplaces which are portable, and built to be installed, as well as unvented models are also great for burning gas logs. These are what they have been designed and created for. If you own a factory-built fireplace, read it’s instructions carefully, because not all are made to be used with ventless gas logs. If it claims that the particular model has not been tested with gas logs, do not take the chance in testing it yourself. A dangerous situation can be created.
A fireplace creates such a powerful, intense heat that it is capable of heating a home. Because of this, if you are using an unvented fireplace, please keep it far away from foreign objects, curtains and draperies, blankets, and furniture. All people that will be within close proximity of the fireplace should be aware of the dangers of getting too close, as well as the notion of clothing becoming ignited. With all consideration, any children should be kept under close supervision as to avoid injury and burns. Any type of combustible material should be stored far away from where the fireplace is. Do not ever store, even temporarily, any type of clothing, fabric, or flammable material on top of a fireplace. All servicing, repairs, and installations should be performed by qualified, experienced professionals. At a bare minimum, a vented fireplace should be cleaned professionally once annually to ensure a proper environment for burning fires. It should be free of loose paint, creosote, soot, ash, and any type of debris.
A fireplace, as beautiful as it may be, can be an extremely dangerous asset. Extreme caution should always be used when a fire is lit. When all safety precautions are heeded, and the environment is monitored for secure burning, a fireplace is an invaluable addition to any home. Happy fire-burning!