If you’re like many people, your gas fireplace goes unused for much of the year. You might be surprised to learn that there are several things you can do to increase the amount of heat it generates and make it more useful during the winter months. In this blog post, we’ll share tips on how to get more heat from gas fireplace. Keep reading to learn more!
What Causes a Gas Fireplace to Put Out Less Heat?
There are a few reasons why your gas fireplace might not be putting out as much heat as it used to. One common reason is that the pilot light has gone out. If this happens, you’ll need to relight the pilot light before using your fireplace. Another possibility is that the gas valve is turned off. Ensure that the gas valve is in the “on” position before using your fireplace.
Additionally, a clogged gas line can prevent gas from reaching the fireplace, reducing the amount of heat it produces. The other most common reason for a loss of heat output is a problem with the thermocouple.
The other most common reason for a loss of heat output is a problem with the thermocouple. The thermocouple is a safety device that senses when the pilot light is lit and allows gas to flow to the fireplace. If the thermocouple is not working properly, gas will not flow to the fireplace, and it will not produce heat. Lastly, the size of your fireplace opening can also affect how much heat it generates. A smaller opening will decrease the amount of heat that escapes, making the fireplace more efficient.
Why It’s Important to Get More Heat From Your Gas Fireplace
You might want to get more heat from your gas fireplace for several reasons. If your home is drafty, a gas fireplace can help to improve the comfort level by providing additional heat. Additionally, a gas fireplace can provide an emergency heat source if your furnace goes out or is not working properly.
Another reason to get more heat from your gas fireplace is to save money on your heating bill. Using your fireplace more often can reduce your reliance on your furnace and lower your energy costs. Finally, you may want to enjoy the ambiance of a fire without the hassle of wood-burning fireplaces.
10 Ways How to Get More Heat From Gas Fireplace:
1. Install Glass Doors
One way to increase the heat generated by your gas fireplace is to install glass doors. Glass doors help prevent heat from escaping up the chimney by sealing off the fireplace opening. When choosing glass doors, be sure to select a style that fits the look of your fireplace and home.
Look for doors with gaskets or sealant strips to ensure a good seal. First, remove the existing doors and any hardware to install glass doors. Next, clean the glass with a glass cleaner and a lint-free cloth. Then, measure the opening of your fireplace to ensure that you purchase the correct size doors. Once you have the doors, please place them in the opening and use the provided hardware to secure them in place.
2. Check for Leaks
Another way to get more heat from your gas fireplace is to check for leaks. Leaks in the gas line can prevent gas from reaching the fireplace, preventing it from generating heat. First, turn off the gas to your fireplace to check for leaks. Next, use a soapy water solution to check all of the connections for bubbles. If you see any bubbles, this indicates a leak. To repair a leak, turn off the gas and loosen the connection so that you can apply more sealant. Once the sealant is in place, tighten the connection and turn the gas back on. If the leak persists, you may need to replace the gas line.
3. Inspect the Chimney
Another way to get more heat from your gas fireplace is to inspect the chimney. If your chimney is dirty or obstructed, it can prevent heat from escaping, making your fireplace more efficient. To clean your chimney, first, remove any debris from the fireplace. Next, use a chimney brush to remove any soot or debris from the chimney. Be sure to brush the entire length of the chimney, from top to bottom. Finally, vacuum up any debris that has fallen into the fireplace.
4. Get a Fireplace Insert
You should consider getting a fireplace insert if you want the most heat from your gas fireplace. Fireplace inserts are designed to fit into your existing fireplace and improve its efficiency. There are a variety of inserts available, so be sure to choose one that fits your needs. Some inserts come with blowers to help circulate the air and distribute the heat. Others are designed to burn wood, generating more heat than gas. If you want the most heat from your fireplace, choose an insert that is rated for high BTUs.
5. Use Dry Wood
If you have a wood-burning fireplace, it’s important to use dry wood. Wet wood will not burn as hot as dry wood, and it can produce more smoke. To dry wood, cut it into small pieces and then stack it in a dry, well-ventilated area. Allow the wood to air out for at least six months before using it in your fireplace. If you don’t have time to dry wood, you can purchase kiln-dried wood from a fireplace store.
6. Open the Damper
When using your gas fireplace, be sure to open the damper. The damper is located at the top of the fireplace and allows air to flow into the fireplace. When the damper is open, it allows oxygen to reach the fire, making it burn hotter. If the damper is closed, the fire will not be able to burn as hot. To open the damper, first, identify the lever or handle. Next, pull the lever or handle to open the damper. You should hear a clicking sound when the damper is fully open.
7. Use Fire Starters
If you’re having trouble getting your fire to start, you can use fire starters. Fire starters are made of flammable materials and help to get the fire going. To use a fire starter, first, place it under the logs. Then, light the fire starter with a match or lighter. Once the fire starter is lit, the logs should start to catch fire. If the fire starter isn’t working, you can try using a newspaper.
8. Stack the Wood Properly
If you’re having trouble getting your fire to burn hot, you may not be stacking the wood properly. When stacking wood in your fireplace, be sure to put the larger pieces of wood on the bottom and the smaller pieces of wood on the top. This will allow the fire to get the oxygen it needs to burn hot. You can try using a wood stove if you’re still having trouble getting the fire to burn hot.
9. Use Fire Bricks
If you want your fire to burn even hotter, you can use fire bricks. Fire bricks are made of refractory ceramic and can withstand high temperatures. First, line the bottom of your fireplace with one layer of bricks to use fire bricks. Then, add another layer of bricks on top of the first layer. Finally, add a layer of logs on top of the bricks. The fire bricks will help reflect the fire’s heat and make your fireplace more efficient.
10. Insulate Your Fireplace
If you want to keep the heat in your fireplace, you can insulate your fireplace. There are various ways to insulate your fireplace, so be sure to choose the best option for your needs. You can use fireproof blankets to insulate the fireplace, or you can purchase a fireplace insert that is designed to insulate the fireplace. Whichever option you choose, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Tips and Warnings on How to Get More Heat From Gas Fireplace:
Tips:
- Install a blower to help circulate the hot air.
- Make sure that your gas fireplace is properly vented.
- Use dry wood to fuel your fire.
- Build a smaller fire that burns hotter.
- Keep the glass doors open while the fire is burning.
Warnings:
- Never use gasoline or any other flammable liquids to start or accelerate a fire in your gas fireplace.
- Be sure to have your gas fireplace serviced by a qualified technician at least once a year.
- Never leave a fire burning unattended. Always extinguish the fire before leaving the house or going to bed.
- Keep children and pets away from the gas fireplace. They should never be left unattended around an open flame.
- Never use your gas fireplace for cooking food. The heat from the fire can damage the glass doors, and the flames can be a hazard.
- Do not store flammable materials near your gas fireplace. This includes newspapers, magazines, books, and clothing.
Conclusion
So there you have it, ten tips on how to get more heat from gas fireplace. Following these tips, you can enjoy a warm and cozy fire all winter. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your gas fireplace and always extinguish the fire before leaving the house or going to bed. And most importantly, keep children and pets away from the fire.
