Safety Tips When Using A Gas Fireplace During Extremely Cold Weather

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Having a gas fireplace in your home can be extremely valuable during brutally cold winter nights. For many states, winter means sub-zero temperatures, and a fireplace is a reliable and efficient way to keep your home cozy without overworking your central furnace. However, it's important to maintain your gas fireplace safety — especially when the snow starts to pile up. Understanding the possible dangers of your gas fireplace can keep your family protected (and warm) all season long.

Gas fireplaces produce carbon monoxide when they run, even during normal use. However, when the temps drop to extreme lows, it's likely you'll be using it more. This means an increased risk of exhaust buildup if your ventilation isn't clear, which could lead to dangerous indoor air quality or even carbon monoxide poisoning. To combat these risks, it's crucial to keep the exterior vent clear of snow and other debris, and to monitor for carbon monoxide inside your home; the Kidde Carbon Monoxide Detector from Amazon reportedly does the trick quite well. Of course, you also want to keep flammable materials and holiday decor a safe distance away from the fireplace.

Having a gas fireplace is an incredible asset during the coldest months of the year, but you need to stay vigilant, since there are hidden downsides to gas fireplaces. Since windows are sealed tight during a cold snap, fresh air intake is limited, meaning any ventilation issue can quickly become hazardous. It's important to ensure you have a working CO detector on every floor, especially near sleeping areas. If you feel dizzy, nauseous, or develop a sudden headache while the fireplace is running, turn it off immediately and get fresh air, because those are signs of carbon monoxide poisoning.

Extreme cold often comes with snow and ice. Warm exhaust hitting freezing air can create ice "stalagmites." These and regular snow can block the fireplace's exterior vent, resulting in one of the most common causes of fireplace failure or safety hazards in winter. Thus, it's important to ensure the vent (on your roof, side wall, or elsewhere) isn't buried in a snowdrift.  If the vent is blocked, carbon monoxide can back up into your home, creating health issues.

Additionally, in extreme cold, some small animals are drawn to the warmth of the pilot light and may actually nest in the vent, so it's important to periodically inspect the terminal for any signs of life, debris, or blockages. It's yet another important step in prepping your home for cold weather.

To ensure your system operates efficiently, you must also be mindful of the gas pressure entering your home. During extreme cold, regional demand for natural gas spikes — if you notice your flames look unusually small, blue, or weak, the local gas pressure might be low due to high demand, among other reasons. Never attempt to adjust the gas valve yourself, since this could compromise the safety of the unit. In the same sense, if the fireplace isn't lighting, don't keep clicking the igniter. Let the gas dissipate for five minutes before trying again. Even if it's very cold, opening a window is a great way to bring in some fresh air and get you ready for a nice fire.