How to break in a new gas fireplace or stove?

A new gas fireplace or stove will emit smoke and fumes during the first couple of start-up fires. This is normal and is called “off-gassing.” As paint cures and oils from the manufacturing process burning off, strong odors and smoke may occur. Basically, you need to turn the appliance on high and let it thoroughly heat up. Perform the break-in procedure on a relatively mild day and simply open a window to ventilate the room. The new equipment will typically take 3 or 4 hours for odors and smoke to dissipate. Be sure to check your owner’s manual. There may be a procedure the manufacturer wants you to follow for your specific model.

After a couple of initial fires, some stoves and fireplaces might produce odors. This is caused by impurities around the appliance.

These sources of impurities might include pet hair, dust, new carpeting, adhesives, cigarette smoke, candles, and solvents. Ventilate the room and keep these contaminates away from the stove or fireplace.

Be especially conscious of keeping pet hair and dust from collecting on warm surfaces and the fan.

Below is a list of fireplace and grill stores that service New York (NY)

Ridgefield, CT

Yankee Doodle, Inc.
71 Ethan Allen Highway
Ridgefield, CT 06877

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Bellmore, NY

Costello's Bellmore Hot Tub
5135 Merrick Road
Bellmore, NY 11762

Carmel, NY

Best in Backyards
30 Commerce Dr
Carmel, NY 10512

Clifton Park, NY

Matchless Stove & Chimney
1581 State Route 9
Clifton Park, NY 12065

Findley Lake, NY

Matters of The Hearth, Inc.
2842 Route 426
Findley Lake, NY 14736

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Glenmont, NY

Matchless Stove & Chimney
693 US Route 9W
Glenmont, NY 12077

Holtsville, NY

Ocean Stone & Fireplace
180 Long Island Ave
Holtsville, NY 11742

Island Park, NY

Costello's Island Park Hot Tub Showroom
3965 Long Beach Road
Island Park, NY 11558

Mahopac, NY

Best in Backyards
119 US-6
Mahopac, NY 10541

Marathon, NY

Papa Bear's Riverside Stoves
96 Cortland Street
Marathon, NY 13803

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Maspeth, NY

NYC Fireplaces & Outdoor Kitchens LLC
5830 Maspeth Ave
Maspeth, NY 11378

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New Windsor, NY

Best in Backyards
432 Temple Hill Rd
New Windsor, NY 12553

Plattsburgh, NY

The Hearthside Shoppe
1024 Military Turnpike
Plattsburgh, NY 12901

Smithtown, NY

Costello's Smithtown Hot Tub
602 Smithtown Bypass
Smithtown, NY 11787

Syracuse, NY

Hearth and Home of Syracuse
6701 Manlius Center Rd
Syracuse, NY 13057

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Utica, NY

The Hearth Shop @ Universal Hearth Stores Inc.
1420 Champlin Ave
Utica, NY 13502

Williamsville, NY

American Eagle Fireplace LLC
8455 Main Street
Williamsville, NY 14221

Barre, VT

Chimney Sweep Fireplace Shop
1284 US Rte, 302 Ste 10
Barre, VT 05641-2317

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Bennington, VT

Friends of The Sun
126 Hicks Avenue
Bennington, VT 05201

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Manchester, VT

Friends of The Sun
159 Depot Street
Manchester, VT 05255

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Shelburne, VT

Chimney Sweep Fireplace Shop
3113 Shelburne Road
Shelburne, VT 05482

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For more information, contact your local fireplace and grill store.

2 Responses

  1. Nick Mansfield
    Good day sir, I installed a new Jotul Allagash I did it alone . I’m on the 3rd floor in Manchester NH I used a flue liner 17 ‘ long with the proper cap . I can’t seem to stop it from smoking! I retraced all my steps and, tried to adjust the air damper. It still smells of smoke. I have tried to talk to the dealership to no avail Do you have any ideas? Thanks you
    • Joseph Bodden
      Nick: Thanks for your note. The Jotul Allagash is a popular stove and one that's has a proven track record. I'm thinking that the smoke you are dealing with are the oils and solvents from the manufacturing process and the paint curing on the stove. Some stoves seem to smoke and stink very little. Others seem to take 4 or 5 hours to cure. I would suggest opening as many windows as possible, maybe put a box fan in one to help move the inside air out, and let the stove run for a few hours. Be sure to check your owner's manual too. There's likely something in it that addresses this issue too.

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