First burn-in of brand new unit soon - what to expect ?

[NN1]

Hello to all, first post here.

Got this new Archgard Pele 345 in the basement. This propane fireplace, tank and DirectVent pipes were installed by a pro company. Then I used Permabase Plus boards for the front covered with ceramic tiles with Mapei thinset.

Should start the unit soon before winter arrives. I've read quite a few nightmarish reviews about how strong ANY brand new gas unit can smell for the first initial use for the fireplace. Manual says start the unit at max with its fan off for 6 hours and that smoke alarm might trigger.

1) If I close the door between basement and upstairs, two windows in basement fully open with maybe even a fan shooting outside for a bit of negative pressure, should we be OK upstairs during those 6 hours ?

2) Of course most people report problems about anything and no report when it goes OK, so do you think at least some people also find this initial burn odour not that bad ?

3) Will that smell happen again next time I use the fireplace with its fan on or expect maybe two or three more unpleasant uses with some smoke and burnt paint smell ?

Thanks to all in advance

 

[gthomas785]

The paint curing process can be pretty intense for a while but in my opinion it's not as bad as some people make it sound. I think your plan to keep the basement closed off from the house and ventilate the basement is a good idea. I would also suggest maybe coming up with a plan B to ventilate the rest of the house or even leave for a while in case it gets really bad.

The first burn is the worst by far. You may still get some smell on subsequent burns that will reduce over time until you no longer can smell it.

 

[NN1]

Hi there,

Thanks for the ideas. Since I must let it on six hours according to the manual, I wonder if smoke and smell get worse in the first 2 to 3 hours or later on. I suppose that stink and smoke is not too dangerous despite containing VOCs, otherwise the manual would mention it.

Also, we hope the stink goes away in a few hours once the unit is turned off with windows still open. As you mention, my plan B could be to open windows upstairs some hours as well if stink reaches there despite precautions. Hopefully it won't cause big symptoms.

Another question, manual says to clean ceramic glass after initial use as it will stain it. I wonder if I need to clean it right after the first 6 hours when glass is cool or I can wait after a couple more uses since maybe there will be more stuff that will stain the glass inside ?

Any other comments about your own experience of first burn of brand new unit welcomed ! Thanks again.