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Expert: - 12/18/2007


Question
QUESTION: Ever since we had our fireplace that uses propane (no chimney) we have had to deal with fumes. We have checked for leaks and there are none.  We have had this problem since the beginning (9 years). Most years we try it once and the fumes are so bad we just turn it off. Until now, I didn't know that I could get help. Someone suggested changing the fake logs but they have so little use on them. Can you suggest what to do?

ANSWER: Carmen,

It sounds like you have a vent free gas fireplace. I like to refer to these units as "Lung Vented" appliances. I would recommend having a vented system installed in lieu of spending any money trying to trouble shoot the issue, there are many possibilities. I wish i could help but have zero confidence in your appliance and feel your families safety may be danger.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you so very much for your quick response. I have a fan on my appliance that allows the warm air from the fire place into the room. Is this what you are referring to as a vented system? If not, can you recommend a place or a listing that I should be looking for? Again , Thank you.

Carmen Manuel

Answer
Carmen,

I believe your fireplace is a vent free by design, and a venting system couldn't be added to your existing appliance. You would have to purchase a whole new vented gas fireplace system. Your current system relies on complete combustion for safety, but these appliances and safety mechanisms have been known to fail. Do yourself and your family a big favor and install a vented system. "Google" vented gas fireplace, and you will see many options available. Best of luck and Merry Christmas to you and your family.

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Randy Brooks

Expertise

Inspection of Masonry, Pre-cast Tilt-up, and Factory Built Fireplaces as well as Free Standing & Insert, Gas, and Wood Appliances. We also provide Hearth Fire Loss Investigations, Litigation Support, Consulting Services, Flue Sweeping, Installation and Repair. Additionally, I’ve been a chimney sweep for 23 years, service and install hearth appliances as well as being recognized by the Superior Court of California as an expert witness.

Experience

Brooks Chimney Sweeping Since 1989 Ojai, CA Owner / President www.brooks-hearth.com

Organizations
NCSG, MEMBER,(National Chimney Sweep Guild), Member since 1990, Board of Directors representing Region 6, (CA, NV, AZ, UT, OR, WA, ID, WY, MT, AK and HI,) 2004-2011, ethics committee chair, 2004-2005, executive committee member, Vice President, 2006-2008, President, 2008-2011. CSIA, BOD (Chimney Safety Institute of America,) Board of Directors, ethics committee chair, 2004-2005, executive committee member, Secretary, 2005-2006, Vice President, 2006-2008, President, 2008-2011. HPBA, MEMBER, (Hearth, Patio, & BBQ Association,) since 2002. NFPA Member, (National Fire Protection Association) Since 2009. Technical Committee member for the 211 Standard.

Education/Credentials
California State Licensed Contractor, C61-D34, #750710. http://www2.cslb.ca.gov C.S.I.A., (Chimney Safety Institute of America,) Certified Chimney Sweep, #2580. Held since 1990 re-certified in ‘93, ‘96, ‘99, ‘02, ‘05, '08,'11. http://www.csia.org F.I.R.E. (Fireplace Investigation, Research & Education Service,) Certified Inspector, #FP-006. Held since 2000, re-certified in ’03, ‘06. http://www.f-i-r-e-service.com Fireplace Investigation, Research & Education Service,) Advance Expert Consulting & Witness, certificate, ’05 N.F.I. (National Fireplace Institute,) Certified Gas & Wood-Burning Specialist, #133851. Held since 2002, re-certified in '05,‘08. http://nficertified.org

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