5 Gel Fireplace Fuel Safety Tips

Gel fireplaces are a popular source of heat, making the topic of gel fireplace fuel safety an important one to discuss. Gel burning fireplaces have many advantages over either a wood or gas burning version. They are ventless and don’t require the use of a chimney, are easy to clean, and yet still give off enough heat to heat up a room without the danger of soot, or noxious gases. However, there are always safety measures to consider when it comes to any type of heat source.

Here are five gel fireplace fuel tips and safety measures to consider:

1. Watch out for Hot Metal Cans

One disadvantage of gel fuel is the cost. Gel fuel is somewhat expensive and this fact could cause people to consider saving unused fuel leftover in their fireplace. While this can be done, it has to be done correctly. You should put out any existing flame in a can of fuel using tongs to place the lid back on the can. Don’t do this with just your fingers, because the metal in the can will cause you to get burned.

2. Safety Concern

Some people may wonder if the burning of gel fireplace fuel is safe, when it comes to the quality of the air. As long as you buy the type of gel fuel meant to be used indoors, inside of a gel-burning fireplace, it is safe. Gel fuel is an alcohol-based fuel rated 90 percent effective and it burns clean without fumes or smoke.

3. Don’t Store Gel Fuel near Sunlight or Heat

The alcohol in gel fireplace fuel makes it dangerous for it to be stored anywhere near where it could overheat, such as direct sun or other heat sources. You have to be sure to keep your gel fireplace fuel someplace where it remains cool, in order to both keep it from catching on fire and to keep it from degrading.

4. Don’t Use Colored Gel Fuel

While regular gel fireplace fuel is non-toxic and burns without causing any fumes, the same may not be said about colored versions of gel fireplace fuel. If you still want to use these types of gel fuel, be very careful because they can put toxins into the air. The chemicals used to color the gel cause noxious fumes to be formed, so regular, uncolored fuel is best and safest.

5. Buy Only Pure Grade Gel Fuel

Don’t try to save money on gel fireplace fuel by buying a cheap version of gel fuel that may not be safety rated by OSHA or the FDA. These may not be rated to use in an indoor fireplace meant for home use. This means the fuel could cause a fire and also could cause deadly levels of carbon monoxide, which is fatal to humans.

All in all, gel fireplace fuel is a safe, efficient way to power your gel fireplace and heat your home, as long as you are careful and follow basic safety rules.