Thread: gas fp smoky glass

I'm sure this has been covered before, but due to my advanced age, I can't remember what the deal is when the glass on the gas fp looks like this. Can it be cleaned off? Is it evidence of some kind of problem? This is cold, by the way. I didn't run it.

gas fp2.jpggas fp.jpg

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This is what Dale Feb had to say about a similar thread


White film on glass - InspectionNews.com
The condensation will occur as you have all stated. However the white film is sulfuric acid. All fossil fuel produces sulfur during the combustion process. When this sulfur is mixed with the moisture, sulfuric acid is created, (just like in the commercial process). This white film (acid) may permanently etch the glass. This film should be removed (serviced) on a regular bases. Your report should indicate that permanent damage may have already occurred to this glass panel and replacement may be necessary. This will prevent any “damage” that might be legally attributed to your inspection. This glass may clean up just fine, but the one that doesn’t may cost you. Cover your glass!Just fuel for thought,

Dale W. Feb,
Executive Director
Fireplace Investigation, Research & Education Service
Moorpark California & Richmond Virginia

Rick, Thanks!

Originally Posted by Rick Cantrell

This is what Dale Feb had to say about a similar thread


White film on glass - InspectionNews.com
The condensation will occur as you have all stated. However the white film is sulfuric acid. All fossil fuel produces sulfur during the combustion process. When this sulfur is mixed with the moisture, sulfuric acid is created, (just like in the commercial process). This white film (acid) may permanently etch the glass. This film should be removed (serviced) on a regular bases. Your report should indicate that permanent damage may have already occurred to this glass panel and replacement may be necessary. This will prevent any “damage” that might be legally attributed to your inspection. This glass may clean up just fine, but the one that doesn’t may cost you. Cover your glass!

Forgive my ignorance, but what do you mean by "cover your glass"? With a protective film?

Also if this condensation occurs, is it an indication of poor ventilation? I have a fireplace in between my bathroom and bedroom with glass on both sides, and I'm assuming the moisture from the bathroom post-shower may be mixing and condensing on the glass as you have stated. But is that something that can be dangerous? If it is poor ventilation?

Thanks for the info thus far.

You've got an older Heat & Glo fireplace. Besides the white film, you also may have a black soot component that is due to incorrect log placement, an improper air-to-gas mixture and/or improper ember placement. Propane-fueled fireplaces are more likely to soot than natural gas models.

As already mentioned, regular maintenance should take care of those issues as well.

I believe the glass on that model is held in place with four spring clips that are accessible once you lift the face off.

P.S. You may find that a 50/50 vinegar and water mixture helps to cut the film on the glass.There are also fireplace glass cleaners specially formulated to help deal with the mineral deposits.

This is a B-vented HG unit. See the air intake scoop down in the valve compartment? At any rate, they can try using a mico-abrasive cleaner such as "White-Off", which is made for removing this residue or Noxon or Brasso metal polishes. You can also use "Cerama-Bryte" cook top cleaner. If the glass has been permanently etched then replacement is the only option.

As stated, you have other issues with this unit causing the internal sooting. Usually log placement but so many things to check and test. Could be anything from low inlet pressure to undersized gas piping, rusted out burner, improperly adjusted air shutter, improper fuel conversion, too many embers on the burner or even house depressurization or a damaged vent termination or installation into an unlisted shroud.

John, you can give them my name if they're really that worried about it.

Originally Posted by Bob Harper

This is a B-vented HG unit. See the air intake scoop down in the valve compartment? At any rate, they can try using a mico-abrasive cleaner such as "White-Off", which is made for removing this residue or Noxon or Brasso metal polishes. You can also use "Cerama-Bryte" cook top cleaner. If the glass has been permanently etched then replacement is the only option.

As stated, you have other issues with this unit causing the internal sooting. Usually log placement but so many things to check and test. Could be anything from low inlet pressure to undersized gas piping, rusted out burner, improperly adjusted air shutter, improper fuel conversion, too many embers on the burner or even house depressurization or a damaged vent termination or installation into an unlisted shroud.

John, you can give them my name if they're really that worried about it.

Wow thanks for the response... and based on the complexity I'm now calling an expert. I live in Staten Island, NY. If any referrals, I'd appreciate it.

It's a Heatilator unit. I bought the White-off stuff and will try it. At one point windex and easy-off took the white stuff off, but 4-5 days later it came back. So something is wrong.

If the glass is really dirty,fogged up,it means the flame is to rich,have the fire place serviced.

You can find a National Fireplace Institute certified gas fireplaces specialist here: NFI Certified

I might suggest your local Heat & Glo dealer, but the ones around here do not have qualified service technicians.