As the temperatures are staying below freezing much longer than they were earlier in the season, many are drawn to alternate forms of heating. One of the most popular ways to not only provide heat to a space, but also that special festive glow is with a gas fireplace. Gas fireplaces bring homes a warm ambiance as well as temperature as burning gas create flames in a fireplace without the need for wood logs or the hassle of dealing with smoke. However convenient they seen to be, just like any other form of heater, they come with their own list of precautions homeowners should take in order to keep themselves and their families safe for use.
1. Be careful with the glass doors.
Many gas fireplaces have glass doors that surround the pit to keep unwanted items out of the fireplace. They're able to be used in gas fireplaces because there is need to enter the new fuel in the form of wood into the flame. Still, inspect the glass periodically to make sure that there are no cracks or that the glass has separated from the frame. Not only can the glass become incredibly hot, but if it is unstable, it can prove to be especially hazardous. Always keep an eye on young children as they may feel that the glass will protect them from the flame without taking into account that it is extremely hot.
2. The silent killer - carbon monoxide.
If you're using a gas fireplace, and carbon monoxide is an absolutely must. Complications with ventilation or how the gas is feeding can wind up with carbon monoxide in your home. Carbon monoxide is not only extremely deadly, but it is also completely invisible and has no smell. Test your carbon monoxide detector each time you use your gas fireplace for optimal safety.
3. Children like fire.
Because a gas fire place requires little maintenance while it is running, it can be easy to forget that it's still running. Because of this, you can get caught up in what you're doing and forget that younger children may be attracted to the flame. Keep a special eye on any young children while using your gas fireplace to ensure none of them get near you while you're lighting the fire, near the flame when lit, and while the glass at all. Remember that hours after the fireplace is put out, the glass can still be hot enough to cause severe burns.
4. Make sure the gas is completely off.
While having an constant flow of fuel is nice in comparison to moving logs around, this gas can still be very dangerous when not managed properly. When lighting you gas fireplace, do not leave the gas on for an extended period of time as a build up of gas in the fireplace can explode when lit. If you let too much time go by, leave some time for the gas to dissipate as well as proper ventilation before attempting to light it once again. Use a long fireplace match or long fireplace lighter is recommended if a built in lighter is not installed. When finished using the fireplace, make double sure that the gas valve is completely turned off.
For addition tips on staying safe this winter with a your gas fireplace, visit eHow's page on fireplace safety. If you decide you'd rather just stick with your home's HVAC system, the Tulsa, OK heating and air conditioner specialists from A Best Air are happy to lend a hand with your heater maintenance or HVAC installation.
No comments:
Post a Comment