Why Does My Gas Fireplace Smell?
Why Does My Gas Fireplace Smell?
Most gas fireplace smells are harmless and fade quickly. One isn't. Knowing the difference takes about thirty seconds, and it's worth learning before the first cold night of the year.
Natural gas has an added odour that smells like rotten eggs or sulphur. If you smell it, don't touch light switches, phones or the fireplace controls. Get everyone outside, then call Enbridge Gas's emergency line at 1-866-763-5427 or 911 from outside the home.
Normal smells
A burning or dusty smell at the start of the season
Over the summer, dust settles on the burner, logs and inside the firebox. The first few times you run the fireplace, that dust burns off. It's the same smell you get from a furnace on its first cold day. It should fade after a few hours of use. Running the fireplace with a window cracked helps it clear faster.
A paint or chemical smell from a new fireplace
New fireplaces have high-temperature paint and coatings that cure during the first burns. Manufacturers usually recommend running a new unit for several hours with good ventilation. The smell should be gone after that break-in period.
Smells that need attention
Rotten eggs or sulphur
This is the odour added to natural gas so that leaks are easy to detect. Follow the steps in the box above right away. Don't try to find the leak yourself.
A sooty or smoky smell that won't go away
If the smell keeps coming back long after the first burns, or you see soot on the glass or the wall above the fireplace, the gas may not be burning cleanly. Causes include logs out of position, a dirty burner or venting problems. Turn it off and book a service.
A hot plastic or electrical smell
This can come from the blower fan motor or wiring overheating. Turn the fireplace off and have it checked.
A musty smell when it's off
A damp, musty smell, especially after rain, can mean moisture is getting in through the venting or the vent cap. It's not an emergency, but it's worth inspecting before it causes rust.
Carbon monoxide has no smell at all
This is the most important point in this article. Carbon monoxide (CO) is the real danger from any fuel-burning appliance, and you can't smell, see or taste it. A fireplace that smells fine can still be producing CO if something is wrong with the burner or venting. Ontario requires a working CO alarm outside every sleeping area in homes with a fuel-burning appliance. Test yours monthly, and replace it when it reaches its expiry date.
Headaches, dizziness, nausea or flu-like symptoms that get better when you leave the house can be signs of CO exposure. If you suspect it, get everyone outside and call 911.
Frequently asked questions
Is it normal for a gas fireplace to smell when first turned on?
Yes. A burning dust smell on the first few fires of the season is normal and should fade within a few hours of use.
What does a gas leak smell like?
Natural gas has an added odour that smells like rotten eggs or sulphur. If you smell it, leave the home and call your gas utility's emergency line or 911 from outside.
Can a gas fireplace give off carbon monoxide?
Yes, if the burner or venting isn't working properly. CO is odourless, so a working CO alarm and annual service are your best protection.