Can I Leave My Gas Fireplace on All Day?
Posted in Gas Fireplace Maintenance, on January 22, 2020
Many homeowners wonder how long they can leave a gas fireplace on. In general, running a gas fireplace too long can potentially increase the risk of both fire and fumes. The duration of time that a fireplace can be left on will depend on the type of unit. Some fireplaces can be left running on a continuous basis, while other models are designed to operate for only a few hours at a time.
If you own a fireplace that is fully-vented and equipped with a sealed glass front, this type of unit can operate continuously. On the flip side, if your fireplace unit is vent-free and equipped with front doors that can open – this unit should only operate for a maximum of three hours at a time. As such, it’s important to understand the type of unit you own, and the factory specifications.
Various Types of Gas Fireplaces
There are three main types of gas fireplaces found in residential homes. But whatever the unit, safety is foremost for homeowners. That means preventing any fire risk by keeping furniture, drapery, and loose objects a good distance away from the fireplace. For homeowners with glass fronts, these can get extremely hot, so children and pets should be kept from touching the unit.
Gas Fireplace Inserts
This type of fireplace unit can be installed within an existing, traditional fireplace space. Fireplace inserts are designed with a vent pipe installed into an existing chimney (to release exhaust). Most of these types of fireplace inserts can run continuously, as long as the front glass is well sealed.
Direct Vent Fireplace
A direct vent fireplace has an exhaust vent that’s installed through an exterior wall. It means that these units can be installed in homes that don’t have existing fireplaces. Here again, most direct vent fireplace units can run continuously, as long as the front glass front is completely sealed.
Vent-Free Fireplace
Vent-free fireplaces operate much like an oven – they provide an additional heat source that is not vented. Because these types of fireplaces do not vent exhaust fumes to the outside, they are designed to operate for only a few hours at a time. The manufacturer specs should be followed.
Using Your Gas Fireplace at Night
There are two basic rules for leaving a fireplace operating during the night. DON’T leave the unit on overnight. DO leave the flue open so that excess carbon monoxide is vented. The main concern with a gas-burning appliance is the exhaust of carbon monoxide and leaving the unit on overnight is simply risky. The fact is, most gas units are safe and do not emit carbon monoxide at levels that are toxic. However, it’s always a good idea, and highly recommended by many installers, to have a good quality carbon monoxide detector installed in the same room as the fireplace is installed.
For Service, Repairs & Maintenance, count on the Fireplace Experts
For maintenance and service for gas fireplaces throughout the Greater Toronto Area, you can rely on the Fireplace Experts team. We do it all – from pre-scheduled service, to seasonal maintenance, to routine repairs. Learn more by calling us 416-897-5643 or visit our company website at www.fireplaceexperts.ca . You can book a service call using our easy online contact form.