As homeowners look for ways to keep their homes cozier during the colder winter months, gas fireplaces have become a popular choice – especially here in middle Tennessee where we are prone to power outages during severe weather storms. Gas fireplaces provide the warmth and ambiance of a traditional wood-burning fireplace only without the hassle of chopping wood, dealing with the mess, or dealing with the lingering odor of burning wood.
If “gas fireplace installation near me” has been frequenting your search engine history, we’re here to answer your questions. We know that, while gas fireplaces add several benefits to a home, many people wonder if gas fireplace logs are actually safe to use. At Petitt Heating & Cooling, we can help – and we’re here to assist with any and all of your heating and cooling needs too.
What Are Gas Fireplace Logs?
Gas fireplace logs are artificial logs designed to mimic the look and feel of real wood logs. They are made from ceramic fibers or concrete, and they come in a variety of styles and sizes.
Gas logs are designed to be used in gas fireplaces, which burn natural gas or propane to produce heat and flames. Many homeowners prefer them due to their ease of use, heightened convenience, and strong heat output.
How Safe Are Gas Fireplace Logs?
Gas fireplace logs are perfectly safe to use when installed and operated correctly. They are designed and tested to meet strict safety standards, and they are certified by independent testing agencies such as Underwriters Laboratories (UL). However, as with any heating appliance, there are some risks to be aware of. Let’s take a closer look at some of the safety considerations all homeowners should take into account when using gas fireplace logs.
✔️ Ventilation
Gas fireplace logs must be used with a properly functioning venting system. Your fireplace’s venting system is designed to remove the harmful, combustion gases and other byproducts of burning natural gas or propane from your home. If the venting system is not functioning correctly, these gases can build up in the home and cause carbon monoxide poisoning or other health problems.
It is important to have your venting system inspected and cleaned annually by a qualified professional like the techs here at Pettit Heating & Cooling. Homeowners should also be sure their smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are in good working order and tested regularly.
✔️ Carbon Monoxide
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless gas that is produced by the incomplete combustion of natural gas or propane. It can be deadly in high concentrations, and it is a particular concern with gas fireplace logs.
Homeowners can take steps to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning by having their gas fireplace logs installed and serviced by a qualified professional. The professionals at Pettit Heating & Cooling can ensure that your gas fireplace unit and logs are properly vented to ensure the combustion process is efficient.
✔️ Fire Safety
Since gas fireplace logs produce real flames, there is always a risk of fire, or a fire related injury, if they are not used correctly. To reduce the risk of either of these, it is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for installation and operation. This includes using the appropriate fuel type and maintaining a safe clearance between the logs and any combustible materials.
It is also important to have working smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors installed in your home. If you have purchased a home with a gas fireplace and do not have access to the manufacturer manual, the professionals at Pettit Heating & Cooling can help you learn how to properly operate your gas fireplace.
✔️ Children and Pets
As with any heating appliance, gas fireplace logs can be dangerous for children and pets. Children can become enchanted by the flames and may accidentally touch the hot glass or logs, resulting in burns or other injuries. Prevention is key in avoiding these types of accidents.
Children and pets should always be supervised when a fire is lit. All it takes is 5 seconds of contact with flames to experience a third degree burn at a temperature of 140 degrees, the average temperature of flames range from 900 – 1100 degrees. Adding a safety screen or barrier to prevent accidental contact with the flames or hot surfaces is another step homeowners can take to prevent unfortunate accidents.
Questions or Concerns? We’re Here to Help
Overall, gas fireplace logs are a safe and convenient option for homeowners who want the look and feel of a traditional wood-burning fireplace without the hassle. It is important for homeowners to be aware of the potential safety risks and to take steps to prevent them.
By following the manufacturer’s instructions, having your unit serviced by a qualified professional, and using common sense, you can enjoy the warmth and beauty of gas fireplace logs with the peace of mind you deserve.
Call our professionals at Pettit Heating & Cooling or reach out to us online today for quality care.
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