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.
Deva Link said:
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). And yes, it's somewhat like a combination of cigarette smoke and the smell of a match (as it's lit).
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