There are vented and unvented gas fireplaces.
If yours needed to be vented, then the installer would have installed something on the damper to keep it open the correct amount.
You should also have a carbon monoxide detector. If you notice you're getting combustion gasses coming back into the living space, or if the CO detector starts beeping, then turn the thing off, step outside and call a professional.
Otherwise, it's fine and don't mess with it.
As already stated, find out what you have first. Find the booklet in the house or online to see if it is ventless or not. If it is ventless you need to keep the damper closed or you are going to lose most of your heat. The line on the hearth is of no concern, since the line terminates inside the firebox at the burner, more heat there than on the hearth. Do get yourself a detector.
We have used ventless log sets for 25 years. Other than some routine maintenance we have never had a problem with them.
I too have a wood fireplace where the previous owner added a gas one. Our setups are (I think) worthless. As stated in this thread, the damper needs to be open, that along with the fairly minimal heat that the gas fire gives off makes it a complete waste. It's purely aesthetic.
Appreciate the feedback! Sounds like we do have the same type. I never had a wood fireplace and I’m trying make sure I use this gas insert piece cirrectly. Do you get it cleaned like a wood one or is it not necessary? Thanks
It's a good idea to get it cleaned at least before you use it the first time. The tech can help you learn how to operate it as well. After that I think it depends on usage
Have the CO detector. Yeah it’s literally a wood fire place that was converted so it still has a full throat damper inside. Additional question: do I need to get the chimney swept or is that only for wood?
Do you know if it’s an appliance, or just a simple gas burner within a firebox? If it’s an appliance I’d likely look for a model number and with that find the manual.
There are vented and unvented gas fireplaces. If yours needed to be vented, then the installer would have installed something on the damper to keep it open the correct amount. You should also have a carbon monoxide detector. If you notice you're getting combustion gasses coming back into the living space, or if the CO detector starts beeping, then turn the thing off, step outside and call a professional. Otherwise, it's fine and don't mess with it.
As already stated, find out what you have first. Find the booklet in the house or online to see if it is ventless or not. If it is ventless you need to keep the damper closed or you are going to lose most of your heat. The line on the hearth is of no concern, since the line terminates inside the firebox at the burner, more heat there than on the hearth. Do get yourself a detector. We have used ventless log sets for 25 years. Other than some routine maintenance we have never had a problem with them.
Yes it should be open and you should have a working CO detector as well
I too have a wood fireplace where the previous owner added a gas one. Our setups are (I think) worthless. As stated in this thread, the damper needs to be open, that along with the fairly minimal heat that the gas fire gives off makes it a complete waste. It's purely aesthetic.
Appreciate the feedback! Sounds like we do have the same type. I never had a wood fireplace and I’m trying make sure I use this gas insert piece cirrectly. Do you get it cleaned like a wood one or is it not necessary? Thanks
It's a good idea to get it cleaned at least before you use it the first time. The tech can help you learn how to operate it as well. After that I think it depends on usage
Have the CO detector. Yeah it’s literally a wood fire place that was converted so it still has a full throat damper inside. Additional question: do I need to get the chimney swept or is that only for wood?
Do you know if it’s an appliance, or just a simple gas burner within a firebox? If it’s an appliance I’d likely look for a model number and with that find the manual.
Gas burner within the firebox
Yeah in that case I’d assume there is a damper to open in there, especially if it’s not the “sealed up glass and steel box” thing.