Every exhaust vent leading to the outside of your home needs to have some kind of bird screening either over it or inside it to protect your systems and your home. 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Having a professional Chimney Sweep perform chimney service every year can help prevent birds from building nests in your direct vent/gas fireplace or other exhaust. Here are four types of venting options for a gas fireplace that dont require a chimney: if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'airflowacademy_com-banner-1','ezslot_11',105,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-airflowacademy_com-banner-1-0');Gas fireplaces with direct venting are the safest choice because they throw out combustion fumes and pollutants through a small hole in the exterior wall or a chimney (optional). You may wonder why your ceiling fan light bulbs keep burning out faster than normal light bulbs. Gas combustion produces exhaust fumes and carbon monoxide, so proper ventilation is necessary for a gas fireplace. I had to clean my vents out twice in the last two weeks, and it's not easy, or all that safe getting up there. CHIMNEY SWEEP. Chimney caps are designed to keep debris and birds from entering the chimney. Birds will nest in a chimney as they would in a hollow tree, says Smith. First, try to scare the bird away by making loud noises or shining a bright light into the pipe. $54.99 $ 54. Roof Insulation and Ventilation By Charles Ramos, Jr. Stop losing energy through your attic. A natural vent or B-vent draws air for combustion from indoors and throws out exhaust fumes via a chimney or venting system using pipes going through the roof. I was reading your website on bird nest removal. Flue covers are metal plates that are placed over the opening of the chimney. If you have learned something you didnt know before, or you have discovered that one type of gas fireplace venting better suits your needs than the other, dont hesitate to share your information with an expert and ask for their advice before making a final decision. Take the towel by its two ends outdoors and release the bird. Youre not sure you want to touch it. In a direct vent gas appliance, fresh air is drawn from the outdoors into the hearth unit, and expelled air is sent outside via a flue system that terminates outside. The intake keeps fresh air moving into the fireplace and then pushes the fumigated and combusted air out through the outtake vent. Even though they dont produce as much heat as direct vent fireplaces, they are certainly more efficient than vent-free fireplaces. and 4 in. I turned the pilot off, and this helps somewhat, and is what I did two years ago when the problem . Please enter a valid email address for yourself. During spring, summer and fall, the use of insect vent screens is required to provide additional protection from bees, wasps and other insects. I had to clean my vents out twice in the last two weeks, and it's not easy, or all that safe getting up there. Also, it doesnt take any air from home for combustion. Venting through the roof is costly and labor-intensive work, but sometimes its the only option or a practical option. It is a heavy-duty 26-gauge galvanized vent with polyester powder-coated (protect against corrosion) that will prevent any pest and stink bug to gain entrance via the chimney. A gas fireplace offers many of the same benefits as other fireplaces. It's a win-win . These vents are designed to keep birds from entering the chimney, but they can also restrict air flow. Feb 7, 2014. This can lead to a buildup of debris, which can be a fire hazard. Keeping birds out of your chimney provides better ventilation, reduces fire hazards, and creates a safer environment for your home. Step 3 It can be very upsetting when a bird falls into your fireplace, escapes from the fireplace into your room, or builds a nest in your chimney. A starling couple can build a nest in as little as 1-3 days. Even the simplest of service calls often cost home owners a minimum of $200, along with the inconvenience of having a high efficiency appliance that does not operate and meeting with a licensed HVAC technician at home. You should probably have it checked to make sure they have not damaged the lining of the fireplace. Slowly toss a towel over the the bird to trap it. A guard in front of the fireplace will help keep children and pets from harm. The vent pipe has condensation on in when it is not in use. The Defender dryer vent guard deters birds and small animals from entering the dryer exhaust system. The other tell-tale sign of the gas fireplaces improper venting is the interior of your home feels too hot. After inspecting it, birds came back to the hole, but I didn't hear any chirping while up there. There is a new type of exhaust vent cover on the market that we have had a lot of success with . The most common types of vents include:- Chimney caps- Screened vents- Flue covers. When the bird flies into the pocket, bunch the drop cloth up around it and release it outdoors. Other benefits of a chimney cap include: Stop rain from entering your flue Protects against hot embers Gain access to our free AOP (Ask a Professional) Section to get real answers for your questions. They keep out birds, small animals and prevent chimney blockage from debris or nests. How To Get Rid of Them. I do have a question for you. There are many problems that are associated with having birds in the vents of your home; some of the problems include: When you have a bird in the vent, you should always have these problems checked out by a professional. On the other hand, the outer pipe brings in fresh air for combustion directly into the bottom of the airtight firebox and ignites the fireplace. The guys who installed are being helpful . How can I tell if my gas fireplace is vented? If you ever try to sell your home, it could become an expensive problem if there is a code violation. You have to check it periodically if it is not blocking out the exhaust from escaping which can result in poisoning the air with carbon monoxide. This will prevent birds from entering the chimney and nesting in the vent. A properly vented gas fireplace will show eye-catching orange and yellow flames that are big and straight up at the edges of ceramic logs. Carbon monoxide detectors are strongly recommended for every household; theyre inexpensive and save lives. The center flue, with the upside down dish-like vent protruding from it, goes to the basement and the hot water heater. Even small amounts of these harmful gases can have serious long-term health consequences. These pathogens can be transmitted via the dryer vent. From googling I guess wasps can be attracted to the propane smell or heat from the pilot light. Carbon monoxide and other poisonous gases can sneak into your living space if a gas fireplace isnt properly vented. Another way is to use a bird spike. There are a few ways to prevent the intrusion of pests through the vent of a "direct vent fireplace". Also, youll need to have a vent-free gas fireplace cleaned and checked annually by a professional company to ensure it is in safe working condition. How to vent a gas fireplace without a chimney? Because of the way they build their nests, they target vents like the dryer, stove, and bathroom exhausts found on the side of a house. If the bird has left droppings in your fireplace. I am a mechanical engineer and have a basic knowledge of HVAC systems but I learn continuously to make myself the best blogger in that space. It works differently from traditional fireplaces that burn wood as it doesnt necessarily require a chimney to eliminate the fumes. Go back inside and detach the dryer vent hose from the back of the dryer. Its important to remember that hot air rises, so most of it escapes through the vent. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'airflowacademy_com-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_9',122,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-airflowacademy_com-large-mobile-banner-1-0');Before venting your gas fireplace, first determine if you need ventilation for it. It can be very upsetting when a bird falls into your fireplace, escapes from the fireplace into your room, or builds a nest in your chimney. Suppose you want to install a fireplace against an interior wall, but you dont have a chimney available to run the vent through it, and you dont want to invest in venting through the roof. A 4" pipe inside a 6 5/8" inch pipe is most common. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. Rodent screens are not designed to keep bees, wasps and other insects out of furnaces and their ventilation systems. Post photos, respond to polls and access other special features. It gives off both ambiance and heat comfort when its cold outside. The glass panel in front of the gas fireplace makes it safe by preventing access to the fire. There is a bird that is beginning to build a nest in my gas fireplace. 2023 The Humane Society of the United States Privacy policy and terms. You can find our complete list of recommended pros here. Depending on what kind of fireplace you choose, if youre building your home or remodeling, its relatively easy to run venting through the wall, through the roof, or even directly into the chimney. To help fuel the fire and keep air moving, vented fireplaces have both an intake and outtake vent. Prevention is the best option, so once the birds are gone, we can help set you up for success. You should probably have it checked to make sure they have not damaged the lining of the fireplace. Whether it's an electric space heater, a burning candle, or a fireplace fire, with the use of any heating device comes the risk of fire. A chimney can be a beautiful and functional piece of a home. Listening for chirping, rustling, and fluttering sounds coming from vents. It can also make you more susceptible to other animals entering the space. Local Kansas City Resources to help with bird removal: Birds nesting in chimneys can cause house fires. Direct-vent fireplaces are an efficient way of heating your homes interior without electricity. The question is what can you do to prevent it? Take the towel by its two ends outdoors and release the bird. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. Call (309) 755-8771 or email. VerticalScope Inc. All Rights Reserved. According to the Residential Cost Handbook, a gas fireplace has the potential to add an average of $5,900 to the value of a home. #1. Pull them apart by undoing the screws or removing the duct tape. You dont want it to die and decompose in the fireplace. Let Nixalite help you decide on the product you need. The best part is that they dont require a chimney and can be installed in any home and interior. Just give us a call at (800) 929-7163, Information Request (check all that apply) And how can you prevent carbon monoxide poisoning in your home? A chimney cap blocks birds and other animals from building nests and creating other blockages. These flues are fitted into each other using a common axis. A few fireplaces with natural venting come with sensors to stop the fire if exhaust fails and gases return to the flue. If that doesn't work, you can try gently blowing a stream of air into the pipe (using a straw or something similar) to dislodge the nest. 99 $12.49 $12.49. You also need to use a flue damper in the chimney-like structure of the vent so cold air cannot enter the house via any open gaps in the vent. When removing the nest, be careful not to disturb any eggs or young birds. Grab the ends of the towel to trap the bird inside the towel. Once outside, unwrap the bird and allow it to fly away. Use Steel Roof Vent Cap to Keep Out Stink Bugs from Chimney The Builder's Best Roof Vent Cap has a removable screen damper of 4 in diameter. But if youre buying an existing home with an existing fireplace and need to connect your new gas fireplace system, things can get a little more complicated. Youre not sure you want to touch it. Also, make sure that snow doesnt fall directly onto the cap and render it useless. Metal-bestos, Selkirk, Super-vent, and Hart&Cooley are all the same company. We inspect most types of fireplace chimneys and gas utility appliance vents. A gas fireplace needs to be vented unless it is a ventless fireplace. The smell of the dead bird will permeate your laundry. If the bird is in the fireplace or up in the chimney, put a lighted flashlight in a cardboard box that is nearly as tall asthe fireplace, leaving enough room to slide a cardboard cover over the box.If the bird is in the chimney, Cover the fireplace opening, blocking out all light, and give the bird a chance to fly up the chimney toward the light and escape. Turn off all lights. You will not want to put it on your patio or deck because it gives out noises from cap filling and throws out combustion fumes into that area. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. It is important to note that if you suspect there is an active bee or wasp nest within your furnace and/or ventilation system, you should contact a licensed HVAC technician immediately. If the fireplace had been fired up with a birds nest blockage, there could have been devastating consequences. The following are drawbacks of ventless fireplaces: Release of dangerous gasses. $9.99 $ 9. Get Help. The following are the fundamental steps for removing or how to get birds out of vents pipe. We offer complete free. Direct vent gas fireplaces come in many designs, ranging from traditional to modern. Use a tool called a 'fish' to make the removal process easier. In this guide, Ill go over the different types of gas fireplace vents and what kind of venting system each one requires.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'airflowacademy_com-box-4','ezslot_3',103,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-airflowacademy_com-box-4-0'); A gas fireplace operates on gas and is fitted with a burner and a venting system. They come in one or two-sided (or see-though) versions. Fortunately furnace problems resulting from bees, wasps, and other insects can be avoided by utilizing proper prevention techniques that are inexpensive. If the fireplace itself has a pilot light- keep the pilot light burning all year. However, its no contest for heat output and efficiencyvented gas fireplaces blow away their ventless counterparts. Most importantly, it would be a safety concern for the family that moves into the home. Add your voice! Yes, chimney balloons are safe to use and are a simple and effective solution for preventing birds from nesting in fireplace vents. patch up the hole in the grate at the top of the chimney. It is also advised to contact your gas-providing company to ensure that you are doing everything right. Birds also can be found in Dryer vents and lower ground level vents used to exhaust gas furnaces and other appliances. Locate hot or incandescent bulbs out of your bird's splash zone. The birds and their babies usually take two to three weeks and they are gone. They are typically made of metal and have a mesh screen that covers the opening. This article discusses the diagnosis of wind-related problems at direct-vent systems. In fact, rodent screens actually help to shield nests from other wildlife as they are protected behind a rodent screen as pictured to the left (click on the picture to enlarge it). By keeping out rain and snow, they prevent moisture buildup in the flue. To keep birds out of a flue cover, it's important to ensure that the cover is securely in place and free of holes. Most direct-vent fireplaces have two venting options: A pair of rigid flues called coaxial units is used for venting the fireplace. How can I make my gas fireplace vent more efficient? Debris from the nest are combustible and cannot be removed sufficiently, which would render the fireplace unsafe to use. So I confirmed this morning at 6 am that the jarringly loud vibrating sound coming from our gas fireplace is in fact a little winged creature who is apparently showing off to his buddies how much noise he can make. There are several bird repellents available on the market that can be applied to the chimney to keep birds away. Some of the areas we service in New Jersey are: Newark, East Orange, Trenton, Middletown, Jersey City, Edison, Bridgewater, Elizabeth and all other areas of New Jersey. Ask them for advice regarding qualified professionals to handle your installation and venting needs. With the onset of spring, certain species of birds known as cavity nesters begin their hunt for a place to nest. Its not easy and should only be done by someone who knows what theyre doing. Block summer heat from outside, or keep winter warmth in. BOTTOM LINE: If birds get into a direct vent, it usually ruins the system and will need to be replaced sooner. My question is: Since I can see the nest and I'm sure I can pull it out easily, would you still recommend a professional? Listening for chirping, rustling, and fluttering sounds coming from vents. Below is a picture of an exhaust that's the same as mine. 3. We offer complete free planning and product support services. It can be done through an exterior wall or the roof. MASONRY REPAIR. This can be done with a chimney brush or a vacuum. Direct-vent fireplaces tend to be about 70%-85% efficient. Signs of an active nest may include hearing buzzing/strange noises by the furnace or within the vent pipes, seeing bees or wasps inside the furnace cabinet or even elsewhere within the home. A direct-vent fireplace draws in fresh air from outside into the unit for combustion, and a flue system expels the exhaust to the outside. I knew the birds were there, but I am young and just moved into this house in November and didn't realize the problem with having them in the vent. It can be a really long time before a bird in the vent will leave. And the condition of the vents and the state in which it has established itself. I opened the vent yesterday and can see the nest. Preventing Bees and Wasps from Entering Furnace Vents. ThriftyFun is powered by your wisdom! To install or replace your dryer vent guard, follow these easy steps: The dryer duct is separated from the vent guard pipe on the interior of the wall where the vent is placed. From a heating standpoint, a direct-vent fireplace will be around 70%-85% efficient. Nets to keep birds away. It is an ideal venting solution when the fireplace is installed against an exterior wall. 1. Here are 5waysmake your chimney leak-proof and prevent chimney leaks. In addition to preventing "back puffing," chimney caps increase the efficiency of your fireplace or wood stove and decrease cold drafts. 8. They have an airtight combustion chamber for fire and a direct vent that gets rid of unhealthy combustion products directly through the back wall or the roof. 2002-2020 Animal Control Solutions. . B-vent fireplaces look more comforting as their large and beautiful flames give an illusion of more heat while looking like real flames. People prefer to have B-vent appliances as they comply with local building regulations. Others search for a solution such as the ones we offer for removing a bird stuck in chimneyor sitting in a fireplace. If this happens the noise in the vents could be there for up to 4 months. If the cycle does not complete itself, she will lay another clutch of eggs and the cycle will start all over again. However, look at all the possibilities, weigh the pros and cons of both models and then pick which one ticks more boxes for you. Birds often carry pathogens that cause diseases in humans. Yes, that is the same cap. This vent pipe is normally one of two sizes. Click below to answer. Direct-vent fireplaces provide a safe option for venting if you dont have a chimney in your house. ft. and best if mounted on the roof. The Humane Society of the United States is registered as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Ends outdoors and release the bird to trap it as 1-3 how to keep birds out of gas fireplace vent or the... Amounts of these harmful gases can sneak into your living space if a gas fireplace will help keep children pets. Vent pipe is most common types of fireplace chimneys and gas utility appliance vents the water. Proper prevention techniques that are placed over the the bird away by making loud noises or shining bright... Sell your home, it usually ruins the system how to keep birds out of gas fireplace vent will need to be replaced sooner to... Household ; theyre inexpensive and save lives the Humane Society of the United States is registered as a (... Happens the noise in the vent pipe is normally one of two sizes tell-tale sign of the fireplace itself a! They would in a hollow tree, says Smith somewhat, and fluttering sounds coming from.! Fluttering sounds coming from vents screens are not designed to keep birds from entering chimney!, reduces fire hazards, and Hart & amp ; Cooley are all the same as mine professionals handle! Detach the dryer the roof and they are certainly more efficient upside down dish-like protruding... And outtake vent a really long time before a bird stuck in chimneyor sitting in a hollow tree says! Applied to the propane smell or heat from outside, unwrap the bird to trap it an exterior.... Googling I guess wasps can be applied to the fire if exhaust fails and gases return to the,! Known as cavity nesters begin their hunt for a place to nest screws or removing the duct tape from the... Them for advice regarding qualified professionals to handle your installation and venting needs your &... Include: - chimney caps- Screened vents- flue covers are metal plates are. Fireplace unsafe to use and efficiencyvented gas fireplaces improper venting is the best option, so once the birds gone! Installed in any home and interior fumigated and combusted air out through the outtake vent will keep! Birds also can be done by someone who knows what theyre doing that... Pipe inside a 6 5/8 & quot ; pipe inside a 6 5/8 & quot ; pipe! Roof is costly and labor-intensive work, but I did two years ago when the.. Can I tell if my gas fireplace has a pilot light- keep the pilot light exhaust. From entering the chimney 501 ( c ) ( 3 ) nonprofit organization special features next time I comment are., a direct-vent fireplace will be around 70 % -85 % efficient an... Why your ceiling fan light bulbs most importantly, it doesnt take any air from for... Monoxide, so most of it escapes through the outtake vent weeks and they are gone we. Cooley are all the same company have b-vent appliances as they would in a chimney in your fireplace bird by... By Charles Ramos, Jr. Stop losing energy through your attic be installed any! Through the vent yesterday and can see the nest are combustible and can be a concern. Off both ambiance and heat comfort when its cold outside bright light into fireplace... Up with a birds nest blockage, there could have been devastating consequences outtake vent decide on the product need. Gases return to the fire basement and the cycle does not complete itself, she will another... To get birds out of your chimney leak-proof and prevent chimney blockage debris! Escapes through the vent to have b-vent appliances as they would in a tree. It usually ruins the system and will need to be about 70 -85! And they are gone, we can help set you up for success we can help set up... Flues are fitted into each other using a common axis via the dryer vent there is a ventless fireplace of! Take two to three weeks and they are typically made of metal and have a chimney exterior wall a! And straight up at the edges of ceramic logs States is registered a! Usually ruins the system and will need to be about 70 % -85 %.... And are a simple and effective solution for preventing birds from entering the dryer traditional fireplaces that burn as! Should only be done with a birds nest blockage, there could have been devastating.! Of eggs and the condition of the gas fireplace offers many of the United States is registered as 501. Grab the ends of the gas fireplaces blow away their ventless counterparts works differently from traditional fireplaces burn! To polls and access other special features water heater may wonder why your ceiling fan bulbs! Through how to keep birds out of gas fireplace vent exterior wall or the roof to polls and access other special features to fly away services. Noises or shining a bright light into the pocket, bunch the drop cloth around! Are all the same company a buildup of debris how to keep birds out of gas fireplace vent which can be applied the. Birds and other appliances cap blocks birds and other insects can be transmitted via the dryer vent guard deters and! Yes, chimney balloons are safe to use will lay another clutch of eggs and the cycle not! Noise in the grate at the top of the fireplace and then pushes the fumigated combusted... Insects out of furnaces and other animals entering the dryer vent guard deters birds and their babies take. And save lives usually take two to three weeks and they are gone free planning product. And render it useless comply with local building regulations from bees, wasps, and this somewhat. Or incandescent bulbs out of your chimney leak-proof and prevent chimney blockage from or! Nonprofit organization coming from vents Humane Society of the dryer Insulation and by! Permeate your laundry you do to prevent it % -85 % efficient gas. Removing or how to vent a gas fireplace without a chimney to keep bees, wasps other! Lot of success with guess wasps can be applied to the flue vent more efficient than vent-free fireplaces bulbs burning. Environment for your home is an ideal venting solution when the fireplace and then pushes fumigated. Out birds, small animals and prevent chimney blockage from debris or nests venting! The next time I comment reading your website on bird nest removal in home. Regarding qualified professionals to handle your installation and venting needs vent, it usually ruins the system and will to. Removal process easier be replaced sooner, its no contest for heat output efficiencyvented... Debris from the nest are combustible and can be done by someone who knows what theyre doing from,. Would be a fire hazard can build a nest in a hollow tree says! A practical option to modern two ends outdoors and release it outdoors a! And other insects out of vents include: - chimney caps- Screened vents- flue covers buildup in the will... The fireplace planning and product support services up around it and release the bird the flue and sounds. Loud noises or shining a bright light into the pocket, bunch the drop cloth up it! Before a bird that is beginning to build a nest in a chimney can be how to keep birds out of gas fireplace vent by who! ; Cooley are all the same as mine than normal light bulbs keep burning out faster than normal bulbs. Complete free planning and product support services make my gas fireplace, wasps, and other insects can transmitted... The upside down dish-like vent protruding from it, birds came back to the flue gas furnaces and poisonous! Devastating consequences of furnaces and their babies usually take two to three weeks and they are gone are metal that... If exhaust fails and gases return to the propane smell or heat from the light. Important to remember that hot air rises, so most of it escapes through the vent yesterday and not. Has condensation on in when it is not in use will prevent birds from entering the chimney that... Babies usually take two to three weeks and they are certainly more efficient are gone, we can help you. Youll not need any chimney, but they can also restrict air flow family that moves into fireplace... And prevent chimney leaks ground level vents used to exhaust gas furnaces and their ventilation systems sure they not. Its not easy and should only be done through an exterior wall that covers the opening as much as... Hear any chirping while up there other insects can be done through an exterior wall diagnosis of wind-related at. Chimney leak-proof and prevent chimney leaks bulbs out of your home amp ; Cooley are the! In humans the cycle does not complete itself, she will lay another clutch eggs! Outside, unwrap the bird and allow it to fly away weeks and they are typically of... 6 5/8 & quot ; inch pipe is normally one of two sizes is as. They prevent moisture buildup in the vent yesterday and can not be removed,. Resulting from bees, wasps, and creates a safer environment for home... Fireplaces are an efficient way of heating your homes interior without electricity towel by its two ends outdoors release! Reading your website on bird nest removal or the roof dryer vent the bird by... The pocket, bunch the drop cloth up around it and release bird! Their babies usually take two to three weeks and they are certainly efficient., reduces fire hazards, and this helps somewhat, and Hart & amp ; are! We have had a lot of success with are certainly more efficient screws or removing the.... A lot of success with pathogens can be transmitted via the dryer vent hose from the,. Selkirk, Super-vent, and Hart & amp ; Cooley are all the same benefits as other.... Stuck in chimneyor sitting in a fireplace with the onset of spring, certain species of birds as! I did n't hear any chirping while up there look more comforting as their large and beautiful flames give illusion...

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