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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 Virginia (VA)

Manassas, VA

Winston's Chimney Service
11301 Industrial Road
Manassas, VA 20109

Winston's Chimney Service LogoVisit Store Page

Mechanicsville, VA

Hearth & Home Shoppe
8151 Mechanicsville Tpk
Mechanicsville, VA 23111

Hearth & Home Shoppe LogoVisit Store Page

Roanoke, VA

Dixie Building Products Inc.
3342 Melrose Ave NW
Roanoke, VA 24017

Warrenton, VA

Costello's Warrenton Fireplace & Hot Tub
251 West Lee Hwy
Warrenton, VA 20186

For more information, contact your local fireplace and grill store.
Frequently Asked Questions, Gas
2 comments

Written by

Joseph G. Bodden is a Wisconsin native and is semi-retired after 40+ years in marketing, sales and technical customer service work. Over 28 of those years have been in the fireplace industry, many as the Hearth Division Manager in an organization that operates two retail shops. During that time, Bodden was certified by the National Fireplace Institute in wood & gas technologies. He was also selected several times by Hearth & Home magazine as a judge for the annual VESTA awards that recognize manufacturers creativity and innovation in product design and technology. One thing that Joe particularly finds fulfilling is explaining fairly complex subjects to fireplace customers and steering them to specific products that will satisfy their objectives. There’s nothing like unsolicited positive feedback from a happy customer! Bodden lives in the scenic driftless region in southwest Wisconsin with his bride of 48 years. He enjoys the outdoors, playing guitar and spending time with their grandson and five granddaughters.

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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
    Reply
    October 15, 2023
    • 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.
      Reply
      October 16, 2023

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