Is this fireplace safe to actually use??

[greenluv]

So here I am waiting for the power to go out, which is what is being predicted for my area with all this rain and freezing rain.

If we did lose the electricity, would it be safe to use a "ventless" gas fireplace for heat?? I guess I don't need to tell you all that I've never used this thing. It's been lit one time and that was only for a minute to see what it looked like. The smell was horrible! Nothing like the smell of buring gas filling the house to impart that cozy ambience, eh?

So, is this a safe thing to use if I needed to? I figured I ask now while I still have the computer available.

[reeseccup]

Has it ever been checked for leaks? I would be concerned if you are smelling gas when it's on. Hope someone has a better answer.

[greenluv]

Originally Posted by reeseccup

Has it ever been checked for leaks? I would be concerned if you are smelling gas when it's on. Hope someone has a better answer.

Not that I know of because it was a brand new house when we moved in. I would think it would have to be checked when it was installed, wouldn't it?

I don't smell "gas" as in natural gas when there is a leak, but a different stinky burned smell-maybe that happens when it's new?? See, I just don't know anything about this kind of fireplace as I've never had one before this one.

[missi66]

if it was new then the icky smell is probably the chemicals burning off it.Like when you get a new oven and have to burn of the chemicals before use.Nasty chemically smell.

[3girlsmommy]

Originally Posted by missi66

if it was new then the icky smell is probably the chemicals burning off it.Like when you get a new oven and have to burn of the chemicals before use.Nasty chemically smell.

Yup! We have a new house and when the guy came over to instruct us on the care and maintance of our gas fireplace he said that it would smell funny the first couple of times we used it and then it would be fine.

Oh and it your power goes out the gas fire place won't be much help because the blowers that push the heat out are electric.

[greenluv]

I'm pretty sure we don't have blowers on this one. This isn't a glass fronted insert but I do know the kind you mean.

[mrzmeg]

Does it specify that it is safe for indoor use? I know that many kerosene heaters aren't and would be pretty hesitant to use a ventless gas one. Is this freestanding or built into your home?

Guess you don't have any battery-run CO2 detectors, do you?

[Rhiannon Feimorgan]

If it's a properly installed ventless heater than yes it is safe to use. Like pp said their is a smell the first few times it's lit. (probably not the best stuff to breath but it goes away quickly) I don't know how well it will work with the power out though.

[DeadheadGranny]

We use ventless gas fireplaces throughout the B&B, and have even blocked the flue openings up into the chimneys with sheet metal, so as to get more actual heat into the rooms.

BUT, we do have battery powered CO detectors in the rooms with them.
Unless you have a CO detector, don't use it yet.

The smell you are getting is the coating from the factory burning off.
Totally normal.

[Kristine233]

We had one at the old house and it smells funny the first few times you use it adn then also the first time you use it each year because of dust burning off.