Condensation and soot.

[barlyhop]

2005 Heat N Glo gas fireplace insert. The glass front was wet on the inside with condensation and noticeable soot mixed with condensation.

The intake and exhaust vents are through the wall just behind the unit.

There is also a second gas fireplace insert in the basement directly below this unit.

The unit with the condensation looked like it hadn't been operated for a long time, lots of dust and spider webs in the control area. Also both blowers were inoperable.

What do you think caused this condensation and soot on the inside of the glass. I think the burners need adjustment but also believe we have inadequate venting of the unit as well.

Any suggestions?

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[Brandon Whitmore]

When there is complete combustion of natural gas, the byproducts of combustion are CO2 and water. Most, if not all gas log fireplaces will have moisture show up on the glass until it heats up enough to burn off the moisture. That's one of the reasons ventless units are such as bad idea.