Gas Fireplace Problems

[bal862]

I have a Vermont Castings vent-free gas logs fireplace (Model #: UVL18/RN), only 2.5 years old. I shut off the pilot light for the summer, as I have done for two years now. Upon the arrival of fall weather, I tried to start the pilot light. I had trouble getting the pilot light to stay lit, but upon cleaning the thermocouple, the pilot will stay lit now. Then I turn on the burner and blower from the light switch. The fireplace will stay lit for about 2 to 3 minutes, before going out. The pilot and the burner both go out. I can easily restart the process, but the flame will once again go out after a couple of minutes. Any ideas or helps with this will be appreciated.

Thanks,

Brandon

[SeattlePioneer]

My suggestion is to get rid of the unvented fireplace and get a vented fireplace, which is far less off a hazard to you and your family.

The only way unvented equipment is safe is if you carefully read and follow all the directions and warnings given in the owner's manual. And guess what? By trying to do repairs yourself, and posting on the internet for advice instead of calling a service agency for repairs, you are violating the directions given by the manufacturer.

Just to give an example, a few years ago I testified as an expert witness in the case of a woman injured by carbon monoxide from her unvented fireplace. The CO was caused because the logs weren't arranged as specified by the manufacturer.

Yes, your life can hang on details like how the logs are arranged with unvented equipment.



Seattle Pioneer

[mike3]

Nicely said SeattlePioneer

[bal862]

I appreciate everyone's concern.... I just want to be informed and educated prior to talking with a service man.

[Edward A. (Ed) Carey]

TO bal862,

You really should take the time to roam around this site for a while and read the real life experiences of professionals who deal with vent free gas fireplace equipment after things really go wrong.

You will probably read information that you don’t care to hear, however if you are really concerned for your health and that of your family, take the time. It is not hype, it is really serious.

If you don't have the time, just save the link below for future reference. After you check the link, just ponder for a moment why it even exists.



http://www.aventlessfireplaceattorneyforyou.com

Regards

Ed Carey

[mike3]

Please read my post under "vent free smells" to see what can and has happened with an unvented gas appliance. Thank you

[slctech]

bad thermocouple...change out at your own risk

[hearthman]

thermocoples in the ODS pilots used in VF are NOT field serviceable. You must replaces the entire ODS assembly! Do NOT try to ream out the pilot orifice--you'll shatter it. It's an industrial ruby and very fragile for that purpose. Clean with compressed air blowing away from the valve.

Bottom line, get rid of these things.

[haydenks]

This forum was developed to help people with problems about their fireplaces, gas, wood, vented, vent-free etc. Too many of you are taking it as an opportunity to indict vent-free systems. A better approach is to acknowledge that they exist and try to provide meaningful advice. We don't need referrals to lawyer-sharks who specialize in litigating vent-free fireplace issues!!

[zzzanzibar]

At my own expence I replaced the only un-vented fireplace I ever sold the thing was so bad (how can you think burning gas without a vent will keep you healthy) through the thing in the garbage and think about what you are doing, breathing the air from youyr car exhauste can't be good !!Right??????

[Xavier]

Bal

I too agree with the recommendation to remove and replace your vent free fireplace. Besides indoor air quality, there is also a potential humidity/mold issue in homes with them. Unfortunately, there are many products that are sold that later must be either recalled or removed from the market.

Another example is old baby cribs still around with the spacing on the bars too far apart. Therefore, when additional information becomes available we are better off to face the situation and improve for safety.

If you still plan to use your fireplace, please open a window when it is operating.