My fireplace is giving me a headache, litterally!

Q: Jason - I have a gas fireplace and I get a headache and get sick every time I run it for a long period of time. I started running vaporizers or humidifiers when I run the fireplace and now I'm not getting headaches or sick. - BE

A: BE, I dont mean to be an alarmist here, but you have a very seriouse problem with your fireplace. It is obviously putting out a serious amount of Carbon Monoxide. This is a lethal problem!

I could try to trouble shoot this for you on the phone but I need you to promise 3 things to me first. You must do them all at the same time.

1. Do NOT use your fireplace
2. Buy a carbon monoxide tester today in case there is another contrbuting factor in your home.
3. Call a local reputable fireplace dealer or chimney sweep to look at your fireplace.

OK, that said, I feel better now that you wont die while I am typing this letter. There are any number of things that could be casuing your fireplace issue. I am certain your humidifiers are not correcting the issue. You likely have an obstruction in your flue, or an insuffiecient draft, or some mechanical issue with your gas fixture. I could try to go over this with you but it would be time and money well spent to bring in a local pro to look it over in person. If you have any specific questions though please let me know. - Jason

Comments

[Atkharris]

I tried calling in a local "pro". They tested it and said the fireplace was still fine. Its top vented I think. But within 15-20 minutes of turning it on I get a headache. I have 20 foot ceilings where its located and an open space, if that makes a difference. And I've had gas fireplaces before that were top vented and never bothered me! What's wrong?

[Jason Raddenbach]

If the Carbon Monoxide detector is not being tripped then it could be elevated NO2 levels. Gas logs are know for putting out a fair amount of NO2, CO2. Or it might be incomplete combustion. Is there any odor affiliated with running this gas log and did the professional test the draft of the chimney?