Gas fireplace vent question.

[Timothy R. Wendorff]

What would cause this gas fireplace to produce this "soot". Also, from what I have read, this installation is pretty common for a gas fireplace (18" below the soffit).
Any comments are appreciated.

Thanks.

[Joseph Hagarty, CMI]

I have seen this soot pattern....
Is the Fireplace Natural Gas or LP?

[Timothy R. Wendorff]

Natural gas.

[Bob Elliott]

Bad air / fuel mix is my first thought and now I am trying to remember if the vent is allowed that close to a soffit opening.

Have not seen them that close yet on an inspection.

Are you sure they did not burn wood?

[Bob Elliott]

Vertical clearance to unventilated soffi t - 12 in. (30 cm) minimum. **
Guess your OK


http://www.ehow.com/info_12199049_ca...fireplace.html

[Peter C. Russell]

I would be concerned about the window.
I think most MFG. say 36 inches from windows or doors.

[Bob Elliott]

Originally Posted by prussell

I would be concerned about the window.
I think most MFG. say 36 inches from windows or doors.

From Heatilator PDF on install clearance.....

B Clearance to window or door that may be opened – 10,000 BTUs
or less, 6 in. (15 cm) minimum; 10,000-50,000 BTUs, 9 in. (23 cm)
minimum; over 50,000 BTUs, 12 in. (30 cm) minimum. *

[An HI]

Originally Posted by belliott

Vertical clearance to unventilated soffi t - 12 in. (30 cm) minimum. **

But sections of that soffit are ventilated.

A bad air/fuel mixture and lack of service would be my guess at the problem.

[Peter C. Russell]

Originally Posted by belliott

From Heatilator PDF on install clearance.....

B Clearance to window or door that may be opened – 10,000 BTUs
or less, 6 in. (15 cm) minimum; 10,000-50,000 BTUs, 9 in. (23 cm)
minimum; over 50,000 BTUs, 12 in. (30 cm) minimum. *

Wow, thanks Bob.

[ROBERT V. YOUNG]

Artificial logs or the medium for the esthetic fire can be one possible culprit here.
Natural gas well leave a residue.
All gas fireplaces leave a residue.
To what degree?
Questions.
Are the components dirty?
Pilot assembly.
Propane fireplaces.
http://www.doityourself.com/stry/how...pane-fireplace

Natural gas fireplaces.
Are the components dirty?
The ignition source is important.
Maintain clean , good color and size of pilot lame is visible..
http://thegasfireplaceservicecompany.com/Inspect.htm

[Wayne B. Wilson]

Check the logs if not placed right it will soot.

[clambert2]

Exactly as Wayne said. Very simple

[Timothy R. Wendorff]

Thanks all!
Merry Christmas

[ROBERT V. YOUNG]

Happiest of holidays to you and yours.

[Robert Ernst]

I would agree with the logs or fake embers impinging on the flame can cause this. If they are sealed and the glass is all black that usually goes along with a bigger than normal issue. All gas fireplaces can produce some soot but the more yellow the flame is the more soot likely.