Gas Fireplace Sets Off Carbon Monoxide Detector

Most fire detectors will detect carbon monoxide rather than natural gas.

Gas fireplace sets off carbon monoxide detector.

Carbon monoxide a propane fireplace emits carbon dioxide due to the normal process of combustion. Though natural gas is more volatile it is also more easily detected without a detector. It is impossible to tell without a carbon monoxide detector whether the gas is in your home because it is odorless and colorless. These detectors are very sensitive especially the kidde carbon monoxide alarm but they also have to be placed properly.

Unvented gas logs are always equipped with an oxygen depletion sensor ods which is designed to turn off the gas before carbon monoxide reaches a life threatening level in the room. A well placed carbon monoxide detector in the same room as the ventless fireplace will give a quick and early warning if the unit produced more carbon monoxide than it was supposed to. Carbon monoxide detectors work by noticing the gas that people can t smell or see. Since they are designed to alert the homeowner before the carbon monoxide reaches deadly levels they need to be at head level or lower.

Again this is because carbon monoxide is considered to be the greater threat. For starters you may start to see your wall paper peel. While water vapor may not be a direct hazard to human beings like carbon monoxide is when a copious amount of damp warm air begins to fill the home some serious damage can be caused. It s a good idea to install one or more carbon monoxide detectors in your home no matter which type of fuel burning appliance you have.