Gas log installation from a family-owned team in Lake Holden

Why a log set smokes or soots

Smoke and soot from a gas log set have a known list of causes. One maker's troubleshooting table covers the chimney, the damper, the burner position, the media, the air openings and the logs themselves.

Our pros work through that list in order at your home, because the fix for a closed damper is nothing like the fix for a propane burner running on natural gas.

• Poor draft, downdraft or a closed damper
• Burner too close to the front of the firebox
• Media placed wrong or packed too tight
• Air mixer closed or air shutters blocked
• Logs out of position
• Burner built for the other gas
• Accessories that do not belong to the set

Decorative sets and room heaters

The standards tell you what each kind of set is for. Vented sets are listed to ANSI Z21.60 as decorative appliances for installation in solid-fuel fireplaces, while vent-free sets are listed to ANSI Z21.11.2 as unvented room heaters.

That difference shows up in the rules around them, from the damper to the room size to the thermostat. Our pros explain which one matches what you want from the fireplace before recommending a set.

Yearly service for a gas log set

One vented log set manual says the appliance should be examined before use and inspected at least once a year to prevent burner shutdown, sooting and odors, with checks for clean burning and proper pilot appearance.

The same manual notes that propane sets may need more frequent cleaning than natural gas sets. Our free inspection covers the burner, the pilot, the logs, the media and the damper clamp, and work booked within 72 hours after it is 10% off.

A pilot that will not light at all

A pilot that clicks without lighting has its own short list in one maker's troubleshooting table, from low gas pressure and a closed shutoff valve to a loose igniter wire, a blocked pilot hood, air in the line or dead batteries.

Some of these take a minute to fix and some need a part. Our technicians find which one it is and tell you before any part is ordered, with upfront pricing.

Flame at the air mixer on propane sets

On some propane models, a flame can appear at the air mixer or orifice instead of across the burner. One maker lists clogged burner ports, gas pressure and the wrong or tightly packed media as the causes.

The same manual says propane sets must use the proper vermiculite, loosened around the burner pipe. Our crew checks the media, cleans the ports and tests the pressure, then relights the set and watches the flame settle where it belongs.