There are so many reasons to love gas fireplaces. They’re easy to use, they don’t make a mess, and you can even control the flame with a remote. But safety is always the top priority, so you might be wondering: Can you keep the glass doors on your gas fireplace closed?
You can keep the glass doors on your gas fireplace closed since they’re designed to withstand high temperatures. In fact, keeping them closed after the fire has died down can help keep the heat inside the room and make your fireplace more efficient.
Fireplaces help create a warm, cozy atmosphere for gathering with family and friends. And by following some best practices, you can also ensure your gas fireplace is safe and efficient. Let’s take a closer look at whether it’s okay to keep the glass doors on your gas fireplace closed.
Is It Ok to Close Glass Doors on a Gas Fireplace?
This might seem counterintuitive, but the answer is yes! By code, glass doors on fireplaces must be made with tempered glass, which is four to six times stronger than regular glass and can withstand very high temperatures.
So, whether you want to keep your children safe from the flames or just like the look of a closed fireplace, it’s completely safe to close the glass doors.
However, the best practice is to keep the doors open when the fire is lit so that the room can enjoy the full benefits of the fire. When the fire is out, close the doors so that your room’s warm air doesn’t escape through the open chimney.
Should You Keep Gas Fireplace Doors Open or Closed?
It’s really a matter of personal preference. Some people like to keep the doors open to enjoy the full effect of the flames as the fire burns.
Others prefer to keep the doors closed, especially if they have young children. Both ways are perfectly safe and have different benefits.
Usually, it’s recommended to keep the fireplace glass doors open while the fire is burning. The most important reason for this is air circulation. When the doors are open, more oxygen can reach the fire, which results in a brighter and more consistent flame.
It also allows better heat circulation, so your room will warm up faster. And if you have an automatic shutoff valve, it’s a good idea to keep the doors open, so the temperature inside the firebox doesn’t get too high and trip the valve.
Plus, exposure to high temperatures can degrade the quality of the glass over time.
Why You Should Keep the Fireplace Doors Closed
While there are some benefits to keeping the doors open, there are also some good reasons to keep them closed.
For example, if you don’t have mesh curtains in front of your fireplace, keeping the doors shut will prevent any sparks or embers from jumping out and starting a fire. It’s also a good idea to keep the doors closed if you have young children or pets who might accidentally touch the fire.
The kind of gas fireplace you have will also dictate whether you should keep the doors open or shut.
Natural vent fireplaces use oxygen in your room, so it’s important to keep the doors open to ensure a steady supply of oxygen to the fire.
On the other hand, direct vent and B-vent fireplaces have their own ventilation systems that bring in outside air and exhaust fumes. So, the doors are usually sealed shut on these fireplaces and shouldn’t be opened.
Ultimately, it’s up to you whether you keep the doors open or closed on your gas fireplace. Just be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and use common sense. If you have any concerns, it’s always a good idea to consult a professional.
Why Do Gas Fireplaces Have Glass Doors?
Gas fireplaces have glass doors for two reasons. The first is to keep the fire contained while letting the heat radiate into the room.
The second is to prevent heat loss when the fireplace is not in use. Glass doors serve both of these purposes really well.
Fireplace glass doors are either tempered or ceramic, which means they can withstand high temperatures and accidental bumps. So, whether it’s a big fire or a playful pet that you’re dealing with, your fireplace glass doors will stay intact.
Another great thing about glass is that it’s not a good thermal conductor. So when the glass doors are closed, they create an insulating barrier that prevents heat from escaping.
Not only does this help to keep your room warm even after the fire goes out, but it also saves you money on your energy bill.
And the best part is you can still enjoy the flames without the hassle of ashes and soot. So, whether you’re looking for function or style (or both!), gas fireplaces with glass doors are a great choice.