Does it ruin a gas fireplace to shut off gas and not use it?

Question

I rent a home that has a fireplace in it. The landlord tells me that it will ruin it to not use it - soot issues etc. The venting is drafty and gas prices are expensive. They insist that it be relighted. What is the best way to handle this simce they refuse to deal with the draft issue.

I rent a home that has a fireplace in it. The landlord tells me that it will ruin it to not use it - soot issues etc. The venting is drafty and gas prices are expensive. They insist that it be relighted since I have already turned it off. What is the best way to handle this since they refuse to deal with the draft issue. I live in a duplex community that is far into the country.

This is a gas fireplace that is "sealed" and temp controlled only by a switch to turn it on and off. There are no additional flues/dampers etc.

I wanted to let all of you know that EVERY answer was awesome and incredibly helpful. i had a frank talk with him and I will not be using it as I originally intended and no pilot will be lit either. I am blocking it off again tomorrow after work!! THANKS AGAIN!!!

Answer 1

Nope,, just turn it off. I'm not sure what soot issues your landlord is talking about but if it is not running it will not produce soot, and if it is running, the only reason it will produce soot is if it is running bad. The fireplace should have a damper in the flue, be sure to close this or you will have a constant draft pulling the heat out of your apartment and up the chimney. I think your landlord has other reasons why he wants you to keep using it.Problem is,, he is the landlord. Hope this helps,, good luck

Answer 2

For starters how would you have soot issues in a gas fireplace if you do not burn wood? Soot is the substance that builds up on the side of chimney walls when burning wood. Gas is a clean alternative to wood burning. So no it will not hurt if you don't use it. Also I would contact your local courthouse and find out exactly what you can do to get the draft situation under control. Their should be a code enforcement official that can help you.

Answer 3

No, It wont hurt it. When you do start it up, you need to clear the gas pipes from spider webs, and dust. Spiders like to crawel into the pipes,and orfices. It can lead to fire if not properley cleared. Get a orfice brush from anyplace that sells barbeques.It looks like a little bottle brush. Than remove the orfice, which is located at the end of the regulator,blow it out,and run the brush thru the gas pipe.Replace the orfice, and turm it on.

Answer 4

My personal suggestion is, tell him that the draft keeps putting out the pilot and that you are scared of a gas explosion.
there will be no gas explosion because the thermocouple will shut off the gas at the Gas Valve.
I mean he is wrong about his issues for shutting it off then you can have your issues for your fears of it going out from a back draft. :)
you have a yearly lease and are not a tenant at will?
call him or a his plumber every time it goes out and have them relight it.

Answer 5

will not hurt it a bit to turn the gas off to the logs......cut it off and close the damper:
tip: cut a piece of insulation the size of the upper fireplace and a piece of cardboard the same size and push the insulation up and then the cardboard up t hold the insulation in place....will stop the drafts.....

lic. gen. contractor

Answer 6

No, You will have to relight the pilot light again

Answer 7

does your landlord also say he must sit next to the fireplace with you? something smells fishy here... beware