Fireplace and asthma

6 years ago

I got a new fireplace (gas) insert a couple of months ago and have been having asthma problems since.

I have no problems with the gas furnace and I'm in a new area so I'm not sure that our early spring may have triggered these symptoms.

I'm going to call the installer and have them send someone to check that all is sealed and vented correctly.

Anyone else have this problem?

It would be a drag to spend $5000 and not be able to use it! Nancy

Featured Answer

PRO

COASTROAD Hearth & Patio

3 years ago

- Hey there everyone. I realize this is an old post, but there aren't any good answers, so I'm chiming in.

Unvented gas fireplaces and open vented gas fireplaces can have adverse affects on indoor air quality. Diagnosing a poorly working, open, vented fireplace can be tricky.

Direct vent gas fireplaces generally will not cause odor/air quality issues, unless they are installed incorrectly.

HOWEVER, during the burn-in period for any new fireplace, there is a normal off-gassing of heat-cured paint, manufacturing oils, etc. On some fireplaces, there is some visible smoke, and a fairly terrible smell. Manufacturers have different recommended "burn-in" procedures, some of which are extensive. You can expect a new fireplace to smell bad for a while, and anyone with respiratory sensitivities may be affected.

And, as mentioned, dust may cause issues, especially when starting up a fireplace in the fall. It can be a little tricky to clean the heat-circulating area in a fireplace.

If you are having a problem, please do not modify a fireplace to see if you can stop the potential issues. Speak with a fireplace professional to diagnose and correct your concerns.

If anyone would like to get more specific, please feel free to contact me directly.

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Comments (7)

nancyjane_gardener
Original Author
6 years ago
oops, thought I was still in the fireplace forum! NT
Ron Natalie
6 years ago
You are. Ever since Houzz took over the forums, the capability for a post to show up in multiple forums exists and it happens sometimes when you don't expect it.
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modon
5 years ago
Nancy,

Any updates on this? I'm having the same issue with a direct vent insert. I'm not sure where to start.
CLC
5 years ago
I'm having issues, too! Is there a way to know if the fireplace is venting properly (without paying a pro to come out)?
modon
5 years ago
I had my installer come back and check for any leaks. They didn’t find anything. Everything was sealed correctly. I’ve narrowed it down to either the dry heat/air created when running the dv fireplace, or possibly an issue with the heat causing dust/dirt/pollen/mold particulate to stir up from behind the insert. There is no airtight seal between the insert and the masonry fireplace. I intend to seal that off in the near future and see if that helps.
rosie_1234
3 years ago
Hi there - any updates on this? We had one installed yesterday and my asthma is flaring up. It’s a flued (chimney) gas log fire. Prior to this we had a very old, very dusty Rinnai gas heater. I didn’t suffer half as badly. I’m wondering if, because it’s a new heater, it’s throwing out dust from behind or it’s burning off chemicals?