There
is nothing inherent in the Chillbuster or Alterna vent-free heaters that will “break down” or
“fail” over time that will result in odor. The initial burn-in
period specified in the installation manual is to remove any oil
residue from the manufacture of the product and any dust from the
packaging material. Rasmussen does not use paint based coloration,
as the paint can burn away and cause odors, which is especially
noticeable in vent-free sets. Rasmussen uses inert ceramic stain
mixtures which do not create any odor when burned.
The
burning of gas produces a natural odor of combustion. This is a
physical property which cannot be eliminated, but can be diluted. It
occurs in all gas burning appliances but is most noticeable with
vent-free heaters in the absence of adequate fresh air. Homes of
tight construction or strict weather-proofing reduce the amount of
fresh air available to the living space and exacerbate the
significance of the natural odor of combustion.
Additionally,
since the gas log set is drawing its combustion air from the living
area, any odors or impurities present in the room will be recycled
through the flame and recirculated back into the room. Such
impurities include:
pet
hair
fresh
paint or varnish
paint
remover
cigarette
smoke
potpourri
and incense
cements
and glues
new
carpet or textiles, etc.
Dust
build-up in and around the gas log set
Odors
can also be released from residue that remains in the firebox and
flue from previous wood burning.
Slightly
opening a window to allow more fresh air into the room, or slightly
opening the chimney damper to allow some of the products of
combustion to vent up the chimney can help your situation if you are
unable to identify a specific contributor to the odor, or if the
natural odor of combustion is unacceptable.
There
is no adjustment that can be made to the flame to remove the “fumes”.
You can make “adjustments” to your house to provide more fresh
air or to remove external factors that can be exacerbated when they
are drawn into the flame of the gas log set and exhausted back into
the room.
Please
ensure that the installation instructions have been followed,
especially with regard to the cleanliness of the firebox, the size of
the firebox, the placement of the logs and the installation of the
glowing embers (small, loose pieces). Installation/operation manuals
can be downloaded from http://goo.gl/p4M9g
Ensure
that all air intake regions of the lower part of the burner, as well
as the burner ports themselves, are clear of dust, lint or other
debris that would block proper air intake or gas flow. Please view
the photos found at http://rasbox.com/questions.php?questionid=21
for location of these regions.
You
may also wish to perform the ODS cleaning advised in the instructions
found at http://rasbox.com/questions.php?questionid=22
This removes the accumulation of lint in the ODS air intakes that can
result in nuisance shutdown.