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Expert: Paul Karthaeuser - 12/20/2011


Question
I have a Temco unvented gas-fire heater that was installed new when I purchased my home in 2002.  When I use it there is a strong smell that comes from the unit.  It is not a natural gas smell.  What could it be and who should I have check it out?

Answer
Cindy,

I am really at a loss to tell you what it could be without really seeing the situation/installation,to that end I would suggest having fireplace and chimney Inspector come out and inspect the fireplace.  That is really the best course of action I can suggest as that person will know the likely areas to inspect and check for any unwanted/unusual smells.  Check your local phonebok or internet for a certified fireplace and chimnney Inspector, certified is the key word here too by the way as there is no requirement to be certified to operate in this field but someone who is will take their profession seriously and likely be very good at what they do because they have sought out the training without be required to do so.  I hope this has helped.
Paul

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Paul Karthaeuser

Expertise

I am a Chimney/State Licensed Building Inspector and New Jersey State Superior Court Recognized Expert Witness in the chimney, hearth and venting categories. I hold certifications in sweeping chimneys, installing wood and pellet stoves, chimney inspections and have performed countless repairs and rebuilds of chimneys. I perform many inspections for real estate transactions, school systems and churches as well as residential chimney inspections and repairs. Experience is good, education with experience is better. Ask me anything fireplace, woodstove, chimney, pellet stove or venting related. Any questions related to a chimney, hearth appliance or venting system for residential use.

Experience

I have six years experience in the field with inspections, repairs and installations of all types of hearth appliances fired by wood, wood pellets, coal, oil and gas. Fireplaces, pellet stoves, woodstoves, inserts and factory built systems.

Organizations
International Association of Fireplace and Chimney Inspectors-Charter Member New Jersey Chimney Sweep Guild-President (current) New Jersey Chimney Sweep Guild Board of Directors- present and past National Fire Protection Assc. Hearth, Patio and Barbecue Assc.

Education/Credentials
State Licensed Building Inspector- NJ License #010429 I.A.F.C.I. Certified Professional Inspector CPI-#009 F.I.R.E. Certified Fireplace and Chimney Inspector #FP-168 National Fireplace Institute-Certified Woodburning Specialist #157063 -Certified Pellet-burning Specialist #157063 C.S.I.A. Certified Chimney Sweep #6587 NJ Superior Court Recognized Expert Witness- Chimney, Venting and Hearth Appliances

Past/Present Clients
Various churches, school systems and private clients represented in court matters.

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