Using a Gas Fireplace When the Power is Out

Introduction:

Who doesn't like the look of a real fireplace in their home? For many people who live in Cornwall, this is an undisputed statement of fact. Cornwall loves its Gas Fireplaces. I know I personally enjoy my gas fireplace the most during those transitional seasons, either right before the cold months or just before the warm months come around. They are great for getting rid of the chill.

Emergency Heat Source:

Gas fireplaces in Cornwall, Ontario, and the surrounding area serve more than just a comfort functionality but can do a lot more when the chips are down. The fact is many people who live in Cornwall can firsthandily testify to environmental conditions that make gas fireplaces essential. Why? Because of power outages due to ice storms, heavy snow, or high winds. Even Cornwall themselves can cause power outages as service crews are doing maintenance to keep infrastructure. Thus your natural gas fireplace can now serve as an emergency heat source.

Comparison with Furnace:

Can a gas fireplace be expected to do the same job as a forced-air furnace during a power outage? During a power outage, your furnace will not come on as the power source is out. Your furnace needs 115 volts to work and with no power means you have a paperweight in your basement during the power outage. So then can your decorative appliances save the day?

Factors to Consider:

Well, the truth is it will depend on a lot of factors? How big your home is, how many fireplaces do you have? Does your fireplace have a blower motor, and do you have a secondary source to generate 115 – 120 volts like a generator?

Efficiency:

The bigger your home is, the less likely your decorative fireplace is going to match the efficiency of your furnace. However, this doesn't mean you're destined to be frozen in a power outage. Even in bigger homes, a natural gas fireplace will keep your place warm enough. However, it is worth mentioning that in most cases, gas fireplaces are decorative appliances meaning they are not designed necessarily with the mindset that these appliances will be the only primary source of heat. Meaning they will not be as efficient. But if the power outage is only for a few hours or a day or so then you should be more than fine.

Fan Motor:

Can your fireplace power the fan more in your fireplace? The short answer is no. Why? Because your fireplace uses millivolts not volts.

Understanding Millivolts:

What is Millivolts? Millivolts is a unit of electrical voltage, it differs in normal household volts measurements. Volts represent potential in electrical circuits. Millivolts, on the other hand, are a smaller unit of measurements where one millivolt is equal to one-thousandth of a volt. Millivolts are often used in specialized equipment like sensors and thermocouples. Such as your fireplace. Its main focus is to keep the Gas valve operational.

Maintenance Tips:

Finally, as a licensed Heating company in the Cornwall area, I would highly recommend that in the case of a power outage where you have had to use your fireplace for a prolonged time to book a maintenance call afterwards. Especially if you had to use it for days. As remember these appliances unless clearly stated in installation are not primarily heat sources meaning prolonged use of them in a heat capacity can cause damage to them. Gasket, burners can be melted in prolonged use. Thus, it won't hurt to have it inspected. Furthermore, it is always a good idea to have your fireplace inspected and cleaned yearly. As fireplaces are notorious for being bug magnets. Especially with what I call the mercury spider. I am sure you have seen them. They are usually a golden brown if not somewhat transparent little spider. These guys love mercury and will build their nest as close as they can to the source which is usually around the burners and air shutter location. It doesn't take much for the gas flow to be disrupted by one of these guys' spider web and many of service calls are a cause from them. Unfortunately, the best way to clean it is to take the burners right out. At Quality Heating in Cornwall, we specialize in fireplace maintenance and if you live within our service area we love to clean your fireplace. Please check us out in the link.