Why does my brand-new gas fireplace smell when I run it, and is that normal?
Yes, that's expected. A new gas fireplace off-gasses for the first several burns — the high-temp paint on the firebox cures, manufacturing oils on the burner and metal cook off, and residue on the glass and logs burns away. You'll notice a hot-metal or paint smell, sometimes a little haze. Ventilate, and it clears within a few hours of use.
What's actually burning off
Every new gas unit ships with a thin protective film of oil on the steel and a coat of high-temperature paint inside the firebox. The first time that metal gets hot, all of it cures and off-gasses — that's the smell, and often a faint haze on the glass or in the room. It's the same reason a new oven smells the first time you run it. Nothing is wrong; the unit is doing exactly what it's supposed to on its break-in burns.
Get it over with faster
Run the fireplace at full flame for a few longer sessions rather than lots of short ones — heat is what drives the curing, so a hot, sustained burn finishes it quicker. Crack a window or two and let the blower or a ceiling fan move air through the room. Expect the glass to fog or film for the first burn or two; you can clean it with a fireplace-glass cleaner once it's fully cooled. After three or four good burns, the smell is gone for good.
When a smell isn't break-in
Break-in smell is hot and paint-like, and it fades a little more each burn. A sulfur or rotten-egg smell is the gas odorant and means a possible leak — leave and call us. A smell that's getting stronger instead of weaker, or one still going strong a week into normal use, is worth a call to (828) 545-0525. We stand behind every install with the manufacturer's warranty plus our own workmanship guarantee.
Related questions
- How long does the new-fireplace smell last, and how can I get rid of it faster?
- Should I open windows during the first few burns of a new fireplace?
- Is there a break-in procedure I should follow for a new gas fireplace or insert?
- Will the first burn of my new fireplace set off my smoke detectors?
- Why does my fireplace smell like burning dust the first time I use it each year, and is that normal?
- How do I light the pilot light on my gas fireplace?
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