Everyone loves a fireplace.
Having spent a lot of time cutting wood as a kid, and stoking wood fires as a kid—–I have somehow lost the “romance” of cutting wood and burning it in a fireplace. I am all too aware of how horribly inefficient wood burning appliances are compared to modern gas burning appliances.
Gas fireplaces are becoming more and more popular as people want the romance of a fire without the consequential wasting of energy typical of conventional fireplaces. These units can actually heat your home and in many cases are more efficient than your gas furnace. In some some small condos they might be the only heat source.
There are lots of things to discuss regarding gas fireplaces but this post is only about the “foggy look” that the glass panel sometimes has and will have over time. There is usually some amount of moisture inside the unit, in the gas itself and is a component of the combustion process itself. When the unit starts up this moisture will condense on the cold glass. As the unit warms up this cloudiness typically disappears. Because this condensation is slightly acidic, it actually “etches” the glass which results in “permanent” cloudiness on the glass.
Attempts to clean the surface with household cleaners will be ineffective and can actually permanently disfigure and damage the glass. This cloudiness must be “polished” off. Gas fireplace supply stores carry polishes specifically for this purpose.
Instructions on how to remove the glass panel are required to be permanently attached to the unit—-usually in the compartment under the unit. In the case of free-standing units the instructions might be on the back of the unit. Great care must be exercised in removal of the panel and especially re-installing the panel. Panels that are not properly seated can lead to carbon monoxide entering the home and/or venting of hot gases that can melt control mechanisms etc.
Proper romantic protocols with any fireplace requires being able to see the fire! 😀
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