Why My Gas Fireplace Mantel Gets Hot [3 Easy Solutions]

My gas fireplace mantel gets hot always when the fireplace is on. Why?

The answer is it’s natural, the mantel you installed above the fireplace will get hot. But if it gets too hot, then something is malfunctioning.

And the worst case is- the mantel gets extremely hot even if you installed a fireplace hood or heat shield between the fireplace and mantel.

Now, you may ask- how hot is too hot for a mantel shield? According to a report, the expected and acceptable temperature of a mantel is 187-192 F. And 150-degree is very hot to touch.

In this guide, we cover everything about why the gas fireplace mantel gets hot. And the best part is- we also provide remedies to prevent the mantelpiece from getting extremely hot. Without further ado, let’s dig into this article.

The Reasons Behind Your Gas Fireplace Mantel Gets Too Hot

3 Solutions When Gas Fireplace Mantel Gets Hot
1. Install a Fireplace Blower
2. Put a Ceiling Fan in the Room

3. Put Tin Foil Over the Top of the Firescreen
FAQ
Conclusion

The Reasons Behind Your Gas Fireplace Mantel Gets Too Hot

The first and foremost reason behind the mantel heat shield getting extremely hot is the improper installation of the fireplace. Check the manual of your fireplace and see whether the installer installed the fireplace properly or not.

In case of improper installation, the mantel gets hot no matter whether you attach a hood or heat shield. Another reason behind the hot mantel is the improper installation of the fireplace flue. A flue is an opening in the chimney that helps to exhaust gases or heat from the fireplace.

If the fireplace flue doesn’t function properly, the heat can’t exhaust from the fireplace. In return, the firebox area becomes extremely torrid that makes the mantel hot as well.

3 Solutions When Gas Fireplace Mantel Gets Hot

From the above chapter, you could learn the firebox mantelpiece gets hot for the following reason:

Improper fireplace installation

The fireplace flue is malfunctioning

So, install the fireplace according to the manufacturer’s manual. Plus, fix the fireplace flue if there are any issues. Besides, follow the below tips to avoid the mantel from getting too hot.

1. Install a Fireplace Blower

Installing a fireplace blower into the fireplace insert is the best way to keep the fireplace area comparatively cool. And when the firebox area remains less hot, the temperature of the mantel stays low.

The blower helps to circulate the heat around your fireplace and into your room. So, the fireplace absorbs less heat, and it remains less hot.

2. Put a Ceiling Fan in the Room

You can also install a ceiling fan in the room where you installed the fireplace. The fan circulates the air around the room and keeps the fireplace area and the mantel less heated.

3. Put Tin Foil Over the Top of the Firescreen

Another effective way to keep the fireplace mantle relatively cool is by putting the tin foil over the top of the firebox. It can work great as the mantel protector.

The tin foil deflects the heat and stops the heat from rising to the mantel. In return, your gas fireplace mantel remains less hot.

FAQ

How do you protect a fireplace mantel from heat?

Installing a fireplace hood, fireplace heat protector, or a heat deflector between the mantel and the fireplace protects your mantel from heat.

How high should a mantle be above a gas fireplace?

The general rule of thumb is you should keep the mantel 12 inches above a gas fireplace.

What is the clearance for a fireplace mantel?

The clearance for a fireplace mantel is 12 inches. It means you should install the mantel about 12 inches above a fireplace.

How many hours can you run a gas fireplace?

You can run your gas fireplace continuously if it is full-vented and outfitted with a sealed fireplace glass door front. On the other hand, you can operate your gas fireplace for only three hours if it is vent-free.

Is it dangerous to leave the gas fireplace on all night?

It is not recommendable to leave your gas fireplace on overnight as gas fire may be the reason for carbon monoxide poisoning. However, you can leave it all night if the gas fireplace is fully vented.

Which type of fireplace is most efficient- electric, gas, or wood-burning fireplace.

The electric fireplace is the most energy-efficient fireplace as well as cheaper than a gas fireplace insert or wood fireplace

Vented gas fireplace or ventless gas fireplace-which one is better?

A ventless fireplace costs you less energy than a vented one. The ventless gas fireplace doesn’t allow any heat loss. But, a vented fireplace loses a great amount of heat output as the flue. As the flue is a combustible material, a direct vent gas fireplace needs more fuel than a ventless gas stove.

Can I turn my existing manual gas fireplace into a remote control?

Yes, you can turn your existing fireplace into a remote control. To make it happen, adding a thermostat to a gas fireplace is the only way to make your gas fireplace remote control.

Can I use gas logs in a wood-burning fireplace?

Yes, you can use a vented gas log or ventless logs in your wood fireplace. It’s your choice.

Does a gas fireplace soot buildup?

In a gas fireplace, soot buildup is noticed minimal. But, after a long time of use, it creates noticeable soot from flame like a wood stove.

Conclusion

The reason behind your gas fireplace mantel gets hot is improper installation of the fireplace and its flue. To keep the mantelpiece less heated, first off, make sure the fireplace flue is functioning properly. Also, ensure the gas firebox installation is properly done.

Then, try out the remedies we recommended. But installing the fireplace blower will be the best trait to stop your mantelpiece from getting too hot.

Now, the question for you: which remedies are you going to apply to keep your mantel less burned? Leave a comment below to let us know.