How Long Can You Run A Gas Log Fireplace?

Gas fireplaces can really light up the night with unbeatable ambiance, but safety should always be the first consideration. It’s important to know the correct answer to the question, how long can I run my gas log fireplace? Depending on the type of gas fireplace you have, there may be a limit to how long the glow of the fire should continue without interruption.

Caution! Please keep the three following specifics on safety in mind as you read the details on gas fireplace types below:

1.  The definitive answer to how long can you run a gas log fireplace is always found in a specific appliance’s instructions for use provided by the manufacturer.
2.  The answer to “is it safe to leave a gas fireplace on all night” is no. There is no gas-burning fireplace that would be guaranteed safe to run all night while you and your family are sleeping.
3.  Always make sure there is an operable carbon monoxide detector in the recommended positions of your home before you use a gas log fireplace. The effects of carbon monoxide are potentially deadly. Exposure to these toxic fumes is almost impossible to detect because carbon monoxide is
   odorless, invisible, tasteless, and remains symptomless until
   escape is often impossible.

Gas Fireplace Inserts

Gas fireplace inserts are installed in an existing wood-burning masonry fireplace or inside a factory-built fireplace. Vent pipes are installed inside the existing chimney to release the exhaust fumes. As long as the glass front is sealed, continuous use of the gas fireplace insert is considered safe.

The reason it can be dangerous to run a gas fireplace insert all night even though the glass front is sealed is that the chimney could have a leak you don’t know about. If there is even a tiny crack in the flue liner, for example, it’s possible for carbon monoxide to get into the living area of the home.

Direct Vent Fireplaces

The exhaust vents of a direct vent fireplace are often installed horizontally into the nearest exterior wall. Other installation options are available, but the important thing is the way this type of venting system works. Direct vent fireplaces work with a dual vent pipe system. One vent pipe brings in air from the outdoors, and it provides the necessary air supply for the fire. The other vent pipe sends exhaust fumes to the out-of-doors.

Direct-vent systems are ideal for today’s homes because modern houses are usually tightly sealed and do not supply sufficient air for fires. In addition, because the toxic fumes are transported directly outdoors, the home is free of the potentially dangerous combustion fumes created by fires.

So, how long can direct vent fireplaces be used? They can be used continually.

Vent-Free Fireplaces

Like gas ovens, vent-free fireplaces have no venting system. They are intended for only a few hours of use at one time.

Contact Dubuque Fire & Patio

Do you know what type of gas log fireplace you have and do you know the appliance manufacturer’s answer to the question of how long can I run my gas log fireplace?

Contact Dubuque Fireplace & Patio for fireplace installation, chimney inspections, answers to your gas fireplace questions, and all of your chimney sweep service needs.

Call us today at (563) 582-5156.

Call Chimney Specialists, Inc., our sister store, in the Highland WI area at (608) 929-4887.