How do I know if my gas logs are bad?

5 Signs Your Gas Fireplace Needs Professional Maintenance

1. 1: Pilot light issues. Just as if you would use a gas furnace, there’s a pilot light built into your gas fireplace as well.
2. 2: A rotten egg smell. Anything that smells like rotten eggs means danger!
3. 3: Too much soot.
4. 4: It switches on and off.
5. 5: Wear and tear.

What causes a gas fireplace not to light?

If gas is coming out of the pilot, but it still won’t light, the spark igniter could be the problem. Alleyne says to look for and clear out any debris between the igniter and thermocouple. The pilot lighting, but not staying lit, indicates that the thermocouple is worn out, Worthen says.

Is it normal for gas logs to blacken?

Soot on vented gas logs is nothing to worry about. It is a natural occurrence when the yellowish flames of a gas log impinge on a rough surface. Some people like the look, some don’t. If you don’t, we suggest that you VERY CAREFULLY take the logs outside and brush the soot off with a whisk broom.

Are gas log lighters legal?

Important Note: Ventless gas logs are NOT legal in California and some other states, cities or municipalities. You must check with your local building department to see if they are legal in your area.

Can ventless gas logs make you sick?

One of the greatest risks of using a ventless fireplace is that of carbon monoxide poisoning, which can be deadly inside your home. Specifically, carbon monoxide is a colorless and odorless gas that, in high enough concentrations, can lead to serious health problems such as: nausea.

Why are my ceramic logs turning black?

The most common causes of soot buildup in a gas fireplace are ceramic fire-logs that have been moved out of proper position and burner ports that are clogged. The other main cause of soot is clogged ports on the gas burner, which causes an incomplete or unbalanced burn and formation of soot on the logs and doors.

What causes gas logs to go out?

Basically, if the oxygen percentage in a room drops, the flame shape is altered by its incomplete combustion. The heat is then removed from the thermocouple, shutting off the gas valve. If the oxypilot becomes blocked with dust or soot, the flame lifts away from the thermocouple or flame sensing electrode.

How long do gas logs last?

Q: How long do gas logs last? A: In the average home, a well-maintained vented log set with ceramic logs will last 10 or more years. A well-maintained vent-free log set with ceramic logs can also last a long time, but, if heavily used, will begin to wear in 3-5 years.

What is an illegal log lighter?

“Propane is more volatile. Propane is more dangerous than natural gas,” Scott Jackson with Rick’s House of Fire said. The Oklahoma Liquified Petroleum Gas Administration says log lighters in a propane system are illegal in the state. That’s because they don’t have a safety shutoff valve.

How do you light a gas log lighter?

How does a log lighter work? Just set the logs on the wood grate over the log lighter, turn the key to open the gas line, toss in a lit match, and the fire lights around your logs. After the logs have caught on fire, turn the valve key to close the gas line, and enjoy the crackling wood fire before you.

Which is better vented or ventless gas fireplace?

Ventless fireplaces are more energy efficient than vented fireplaces because no heat escapes up the flue, so you’ll save money on gas utility bills. A vented gas fireplace uses more gas to create the same level of warmth because some of its heat escapes through the flue.

Can a log lighter be used as a gas burner?

Never be confused by using your fireplace log lighter as a gas burner; this can cause serious damage to a zero clearance fireplace. Fireplace log lighters are fire starters, NOT gas burners. You should only use a log lighter to light the fire, not keep it on.

What should I know about gas log troubleshooting?

In this session we will discuss the basics of gas log troubleshooting. Topics will include: proper sizing for gas logs and burners, a review of vented and unvented system requirements, proper burner installation, pilot light and burner troubleshooting and a special “What Not To Do” safety review. . 2/22/2018 1

Why does my gas fireplace light not turn on?

One of the biggest problems associated with gas fireplaces is related to the pilot light. Often times a pilot light won’t turn on, resulting in absolutely zero flames happening in your fireplace. A pilot light that doesn’t glow blue is also a problem, as this means it is not getting hot enough.

What should be the length of a log lighter?

Some people suggest that the log lighter should be the same length as the width of your fireplace log grate. Again, this depends on the customer’s choice. However, even a small log lighter will do the trick, since it’s sole purpose is to assist in lighting firewood.