Fumes from gas fire?
Discussion
I was careful not to use the words 'carbon monoxide' in the subject..
However, last year, my neighbours' house was renovated and a new gas fire was fitted (previously it was an open fire).
But when they fitted it, I noticed that no flue was fitted up the chimney, the fire was simply inserted into place.
Now, with the onset of cold weather, in my house I can smell an odour similar to what I can only describe as something like being sat in traffic on a hot day (kind of like car fumes). Of course each individual will interpret smells differently - so this is a tough one!
I do realise that carbon monoxide is odourless - but if it was one of those gas fires with a catalyst - would the fumes from that have any kind of odour?
I have a carbon monoxide detector, and have placed it at various areas around the house and it steadfastly remains at zero (as expected).
I should point out that the houses we live in were not the best of construction, having been built from poured concrete back in the 60's.
Previously when the neighbours still had an open fire, there were occasions when we could smell it, and the smell would usually emanate from under the (upstairs) floorboards.
So I can't rule out any kind of leakage between the properties, as we have previously proved that it does exist (had cooking odours too).
Would it be considered normal to install a gas fire without a chimney flue of any kind?
The reason I ask, is because my own house previously had a back boiler, and we had a metal flue pipe running up through the chimney.
However, last year, my neighbours' house was renovated and a new gas fire was fitted (previously it was an open fire).
But when they fitted it, I noticed that no flue was fitted up the chimney, the fire was simply inserted into place.
Now, with the onset of cold weather, in my house I can smell an odour similar to what I can only describe as something like being sat in traffic on a hot day (kind of like car fumes). Of course each individual will interpret smells differently - so this is a tough one!
I do realise that carbon monoxide is odourless - but if it was one of those gas fires with a catalyst - would the fumes from that have any kind of odour?
I have a carbon monoxide detector, and have placed it at various areas around the house and it steadfastly remains at zero (as expected).
I should point out that the houses we live in were not the best of construction, having been built from poured concrete back in the 60's.
Previously when the neighbours still had an open fire, there were occasions when we could smell it, and the smell would usually emanate from under the (upstairs) floorboards.
So I can't rule out any kind of leakage between the properties, as we have previously proved that it does exist (had cooking odours too).
Would it be considered normal to install a gas fire without a chimney flue of any kind?
The reason I ask, is because my own house previously had a back boiler, and we had a metal flue pipe running up through the chimney.
I'm no expert, but I would never have a gas fire fitted by a builder.
This might help:
http://www.castironfires.com/gasfires-faq.html
This might help:
http://www.castironfires.com/gasfires-faq.html
Have alook here, gives a basic overview of flue types...
http://www.embers-fireplaces.co.uk/technical_&...
Edit: Beaten to it, this offers no extra information!
http://www.embers-fireplaces.co.uk/technical_&...
Edit: Beaten to it, this offers no extra information!
Edited by mxspyder on Sunday 28th November 17:06
Also
http://www.documentj.co.uk/Sections.aspx?docid=1&a...
precautions must be taken to ensure that all installation pipework, gas fittings, appliances and flues are installed safely. When any gas appliance is installed, checks are required for ensuring compliance with the Regulations, including the effectiveness of the flue, the supply of combustion air, the operating pressure or heat input (or where necessary both), and the operation of the appliance to ensure its safe functioning;
Only a Gas Safe engineer can do these checks AFAIK.
http://www.documentj.co.uk/Sections.aspx?docid=1&a...
precautions must be taken to ensure that all installation pipework, gas fittings, appliances and flues are installed safely. When any gas appliance is installed, checks are required for ensuring compliance with the Regulations, including the effectiveness of the flue, the supply of combustion air, the operating pressure or heat input (or where necessary both), and the operation of the appliance to ensure its safe functioning;
Only a Gas Safe engineer can do these checks AFAIK.
You definately need to get it checked as mentioned, your neighbour may not realise what's happening around him.
We had an old uncle who happened to mention that when he was at home he often fell asleep in his chair but whilst staying with us he felt much more alert and didn't fall asleep so often but he put it down to excitement of having people around etc. After much persuation, he agreed to take my CO alarm home with him, 'just to prove me wrong' and within 5 mins of going in his door, it went mental. Found out that the boiler flue was partially blocked with leaves etc and the CO was coming back in the house. Luckily it had a happy ending, except for the 'gas engineer' but it is that easy not to notice it happening around you. Definately recommend a C0 moniter and a cert from a Gas Safe person.
We had an old uncle who happened to mention that when he was at home he often fell asleep in his chair but whilst staying with us he felt much more alert and didn't fall asleep so often but he put it down to excitement of having people around etc. After much persuation, he agreed to take my CO alarm home with him, 'just to prove me wrong' and within 5 mins of going in his door, it went mental. Found out that the boiler flue was partially blocked with leaves etc and the CO was coming back in the house. Luckily it had a happy ending, except for the 'gas engineer' but it is that easy not to notice it happening around you. Definately recommend a C0 moniter and a cert from a Gas Safe person.
mrsxllifts said:
You definately need to get it checked as mentioned, your neighbour may not realise what's happening around him.
We had an old uncle who happened to mention that when he was at home he often fell asleep in his chair but whilst staying with us he felt much more alert and didn't fall asleep so often but he put it down to excitement of having people around etc. After much persuation, he agreed to take my CO alarm home with him, 'just to prove me wrong' and within 5 mins of going in his door, it went mental. Found out that the boiler flue was partially blocked with leaves etc and the CO was coming back in the house. Luckily it had a happy ending, except for the 'gas engineer' but it is that easy not to notice it happening around you. Definately recommend a C0 moniter and a cert from a Gas Safe person.
all good advice except the OP has checked fo CO and not found any:We had an old uncle who happened to mention that when he was at home he often fell asleep in his chair but whilst staying with us he felt much more alert and didn't fall asleep so often but he put it down to excitement of having people around etc. After much persuation, he agreed to take my CO alarm home with him, 'just to prove me wrong' and within 5 mins of going in his door, it went mental. Found out that the boiler flue was partially blocked with leaves etc and the CO was coming back in the house. Luckily it had a happy ending, except for the 'gas engineer' but it is that easy not to notice it happening around you. Definately recommend a C0 moniter and a cert from a Gas Safe person.
"I have a carbon monoxide detector, and have placed it at various areas around the house and it steadfastly remains at zero (as expected)."
It only requires a chimney, no liner, but it should be tested regularly to ensure it's neither spilling, nor escaping from damaged masonry.
I did a Landlord's Safety Check on a gas fire earlier this year and the smoke went up the chimney, I went outside to see which flue was in use and there WAS no chimney... A builder had taken it down to make way for the loft conversion without capping off the gas supply to the fire.
I filed in a RIDDOR form and the H&SE are dealing with it..
I did a Landlord's Safety Check on a gas fire earlier this year and the smoke went up the chimney, I went outside to see which flue was in use and there WAS no chimney... A builder had taken it down to make way for the loft conversion without capping off the gas supply to the fire.
I filed in a RIDDOR form and the H&SE are dealing with it..
Next time you get the smell phone National Grid 0800 111 999 and they will come round immediately (ish) and have a sniff for no charge. Tell them the story but don't mention your CO test. If the smell is from a gas appliance they will sort it.
We had a cooker leaking and did this. They apologised that it took them an hour to get there, Once in the house they check everything and after condemming the gas cooker they moved onto condemming the gas fire and also the gas meter.
Don't hesitate with gas fumes as your CO tester may be not working.
We had a cooker leaking and did this. They apologised that it took them an hour to get there, Once in the house they check everything and after condemming the gas cooker they moved onto condemming the gas fire and also the gas meter.
Don't hesitate with gas fumes as your CO tester may be not working.
TonyRPH said:
Now, with the onset of cold weather, in my house I can smell an odour similar to what I can only describe as something like being sat in traffic on a hot day (kind of like car fumes).
Can other people smell it? I get that smell from time to time (sometimes it's more like cigarette smoke). Simpo Two said:
MJG280 said:
after condemming the gas cooker they moved onto condemming the gas fire and also the gas meter.
And then went home leaving you royally f
ked! Seems odd that all three appliances were too dangerous to use...Edited by Simpo Two on Sunday 28th November 22:20
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