Chimney & Fireplaces/Propane Gas Insert

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Expert: - 9/24/2006


Question
A Mendota propane gas insert was recently installed in my existing fireplace.  Two questions: 1) With only the pilot light on, the glass panel to the insert is hot to the touch.  Is this normal? 2) The installer recommends keeping the pilot lit throughout the entire year (to keep the insert area dry; keep spiders from plugging the gas orifices, etc.).  I don’t particularly want to maintain a heat source in my family room during the summer months.  Is it really necessary to keep the pilot on during the summer?

Answer
Hi Joe,

Yes, it's normal.

He's correct in his recommendation because of the attraction of a very small spider to the ethyl mercaptin odorant added to the lp to give it it's disinctive smell.

If you wish to shut off the pilot, it's your choice, just be aware you might have a spider's nest situation that could adversely affect the unit operation.  It only takes a couple stands of a spider web to make a significant difference in the operation of that, or any, gas hearth appliance.

NOTE:  It's VERY IMPORTANT to make certain you have an annual service on that unit performed by a qualified service technician as recommended by the manufacturer.

Thanks for using AllExperts.Com and good luck with your new insert.

Sincerely,
A. Bart Ogden, President
Home Safe Hearth & Chimney
Wichita, KS
Voice: 316-265-9828
Fax: 316-265-9890
www.homesafeks.com

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Bart Ogden

Expertise

I can answer questions related to chimney and fireplace cleaning, construction and repair as well as questions related to the performance of chimneys and fireplaces. I can also answer questions related to clothes dryer vent cleaning and repair. Additionally, I can field questions related to masonry repair.

Experience


Experience in the area:
28 years experience in the chimney service/installation/repair field
President, Home Safe Hearth & Chimney, Inc. Wichita, Kansas

Professional Organizations:
Member, National Chimney Sweep Guild (NCSG)
Member, Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association (HPBA)
Member, Kansas Guild of Professional Chimney Sweeps (KGPCS)
Member, Midwest Chimney Safety Council (MCSC)
Member, Kansas Association of Real Estate Inspectors (KAREI)
Past At-Large Director of the National Chimney Sweep Guild
Past At-Large Director of the Chimney Safety Institute of America
Past Secretary, National Chimney Sweep Guild
Past Secretary, Chimney Safety Institute of America
Member, National Chimney Sweep Guild Technical Advisory Council
Member, Chimney Safety Institute of America Certification Committee
Past Chairman, CSIA Chimney Safety Education Brochures Committee
Past Chairman, NCSG Nomination Committee

Publications:
SWEEPING Magazine, The Journal of Chimney & Venting Technoloty, A Publication of the National Chimney Sweep Guild
SNEWS, The Chimney Sweep News
THE KANSAS SWEEP, The Voice of the KS Guild of Professional Chimney Sweeps

Education/Credentials:
BA, Wichita State University
C.S.I.A. Certified Chimney Sweep
C.S.I.A. Certified Dryer Exhaust Technician
N.F.I. Woodburning Specialist
N.F.I. Gas Specialist
Chimney Diagnosis & Documentation Seminar
Ahren's Masonry Restoration School Graduate
Advanced Gas Certification
Master Gas Certification
Licensed Mechanical Contractor
Pellet Appliance Specialist
Venting Design Specialist
Dale Carnegie Course Graduate

Awards and Honors:
Superior Dealer Award, Ventinox Chimney Lining Systems

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