On a chilly night, there’s nothing quite like cozying up next to a fire with a good book and a cup of tea. While gas fireplaces are becoming more and more common, there’s just something that makes us love them.
If you have a gas fireplace, you know how convenient and relaxing it can be to sit back and enjoy the warmth of a fire without having to deal with the hassle of wood. It’s important to be aware of what you should never burn in your gas fireplace, as some materials can be dangerous or release harmful chemicals into the air.
Here are some items that you should avoid burning in your gas fireplace:
Poisonous Plants
Poisonous plants should never be burned in a gas fireplace. They emit a foul odor and toxic oil into the smoke. This smoke is highly harmful, and breathing it can cause lung irritation and allergic respiratory problems. Oleander trees, also known as Nerium, are beautiful but also extremely toxic in all parts. Whether they are grown as a shrub or a tree, they are completely unsuited for burning in a gas fireplace.
Styrofoam
Styrofoam is a type of foam that is very difficult to burn and can actually lead to a large flare-up. It also produces toxic fumes. Carbon black is a very fine dust that is produced when Styrofoam is burned. These fumes can be harmful to your health, and you should not burn them in your gas fireplace if you can avoid them.
Modern Styrofoam does not contain chlorofluorocarbons, but it can still pose a danger. When burned, it releases a toxic gas that can affect your nervous system. Additionally, the black carbon residue left behind by burning Styrofoam can irritate your eyes and throat. Burning Styrofoam often can affect your air quality and cause respiratory problems, as well as lung scarring and reduced lung capacity.
Fire safety is very important, and you should avoid burning anything besides wood in your gas fireplace. Keep Christmas trees, wrapping papers, and other flammable materials away from the fire area. Especially during the holiday season, you should ensure that the fire is completely out before going to bed or leaving the house. Remember to check the gas levels before you leave the house for the night.
Magazines
Toxins are among the most common problems caused by burning garbage and magazines. Not only do they release toxic fumes, but they also contain plastic-like coatings. Moreover, burning them will increase the risk of fire and carbon monoxide poisoning. Magazines, in particular, should be avoided in gas fireplaces. These materials may be recyclable, but they should never be burned.
The inks from magazines release toxins when burned. To minimize the risk of fires, choose a plain black-and-white newspaper and place it beneath a small piece of wood kindling. Coupon inserts, magazines, and even gift wrap can ignite the chimney and create unwanted fumes. If you do not cap the chimney properly, bits of burning paper will float up, causing a fire.
While it might seem harmless to burn old magazines and junk mail in a gas fireplace, the fact is that these materials contain toxic chemicals. If you’re interested in maintaining the beauty of your gas fireplace, consider recycling or donating unwanted magazines. Second-hand magazines are valuable for libraries, retirement communities, doctors, and dentists. There are many ways to donate magazines that are no longer of interest. There are numerous organizations that accept used magazines and donate them to non-profit organizations.
Wood Pallets
While you may have seen wood pallets around, you should not burn them in your gas fireplace. While pallet wood can be used as firewood, some pallets contain toxic chemicals that are released when burned. Avoid using paint-stained or dirty pallets that were used to ship hazardous goods. You can also check whether the wood has an “MB” marking or was treated with chemicals.
Firstly, do not use pressure-treated or painted wood to burn in your fireplace. You may find it is illegal in your area to burn pressure-treated or painted wood. They can release lead and arsenic. However, pallet wood is an excellent source of firewood and burns well once broken down. You may need to remove nails from the wood, but it is worth it in the end.
Secondly, don’t burn colored or painted pallets. Some pallets are treated with a chemical known as methyl bromide, which is dangerous to humans. Make sure to check the packaging and make sure the wood pallets aren’t treated with chemicals. If they are, you should avoid burning them in your gas fireplace. The reason for this is that the wood can become hotter than the air you are breathing.
Fruit Peels
While fresh fruit peels smell delicious, they can cause a lot of smoke and creosote buildup in your fireplace. To avoid this problem, try to dry the fruit peels in the oven. You can also use a fireplace screen to prevent your container from spilling out of the fireplace. The scent of fresh fruit peels is still preserved even if they are dried out.
Using dried orange peels as a fuel source in a wood-burning fireplace is safe, but it is not recommended. Orange oil in the peels easily ignites and produces smoke. Additionally, burning orange peels in a wood-burning fireplace can help remove creosote buildup in the chimney. Be sure to use utmost caution while burning citrus peels in a wood-burning fireplace. However, there are many uses for peels.
Dryer Lint
There are numerous reasons why you should never burn dryer lint in your gas fireplace. Besides causing a fire to flare up, these materials also contain toxic chemicals. In addition, dryer lint can ignite rapidly, releasing toxic fumes and causing large flare-ups. That’s why it’s important to avoid dryer lint as much as possible.
While plant-based clothing can be burnt in a pinch, it’s not a safe option. It’s best to burn wood that’s already burned and not wood that’s deemed unfit for burning. Wood shavings are a safer choice for burning because they have a looser structure and a more surface-to-air ratio. However, if you can’t avoid dryer lint, you can also try to get rid of it by donating it to a local shelter.
While many household items are flammable and can cause a house fire, some are completely inappropriate for use in a fireplace. Cardboard, in all forms, is not recommended for use in a fireplace. Cardboard, whether treated or not, contains toxic materials and can emit toxic fumes if burned. Moreover, untreated cardboard can cause a fire that’s too hot and produces large flames.
Cloth
You’ve probably heard that you should never burn cloth in your gas fireplace, but why is this so important? Well, clothes tend to produce excess smoke and soot, and they also contribute to the buildup of creosote in your chimney. This is especially dangerous, as the cloth is highly flammable, and it increases the risk of a chimney fire. So, what exactly should you never burn in your gas fireplace?
Cardboard of any kind should never be burned in a fireplace. Not only is it highly flammable, but it also releases toxic fumes. Even cardboard that has been treated can release toxic fumes when burned. But untreated cardboard poses a huge safety hazard inside your home. It can burn hot and fast, and produce large flames. And because it’s flammable, you’ll have to remove it regularly to keep the fire under control.
Ask a Professional
You may think that because your gas fireplace doesn’t have a chimney, you can pretty much burn whatever you want in it without consequence. This is actually a widespread misconception. In fact, there are several items that you should never burn in your gas fireplace – even if it doesn’t have a chimney!
If you own a gas fireplace, it’s important to be aware of what you should and shouldn’t burn in it. By following the advice from Northco Fire, you can keep your home safe and avoid any potential damage to your fireplace. Have any questions about these guidelines or need help maintaining your gas fireplace? Contact Northco Fire today for more information.