No, you do not need to open the damper.
Example - A gas cook stove is not vented and neither is the oven. Nor were the old gas space heaters (I still use them) your grandparents used. Carbon monoxide is produced by incomplete burning of fuel. Not just the burning of fuel. In fact the EPA states that a correctly operating gas appliance DOES NOT produce unsafe levels of carbon monoxide. If they did, all our grandparents would be dead. I remember sleeping by an old gas space heater turned on high.
Ventless gas logs are sold world wide, if just the burning of the gas produced CM then they would not sell logs that allowed you to close your damper. The bigger concern with these logs is not CM but oxygen depletion. All vent free logs have an oxygen depletion safety on them and not a CM safety. That should tell you something. So relax. If you are concerned, go to Home Depot and buy a CM detector. I think every home with gas appliances should have one in case an appliance gets faulty.
When using a vented gas fireplace, the damper should be fully open to allow proper ventilation and ensure that the gases produced by the burning gas escape safely through the chimney. Keeping the damper fully open also helps in preventing backdrafts and promoting efficient burning of the gas.
Your chimney damper is open
To turn on a gas fireplace using the wall key, insert the key into the keyhole on the wall near the fireplace. Turn the key clockwise to open the gas valve and allow gas to flow to the fireplace. Then, use the fireplace's ignition switch or button to ignite the gas and start the fire.
I would have a gas applaince service rep examine the fireplace, and insure that no parts were damaged due to high heat- and leave a note for self to remember to open damper next time.
To turn on a gas fireplace using a key, locate the gas valve on the fireplace and insert the key into the valve. Turn the key clockwise to open the gas flow. Then, use the fireplace's ignition switch or a long lighter to ignite the gas. Adjust the flame as needed for desired heat.
Check and see if your fireplace has heat vents on the sides or above the firebox, and that they are open.
To start a propane fireplace, first make sure the gas valve is open. Next, turn on the fireplace using the control knob or switch. Finally, ignite the fireplace using a long lighter or the built-in igniter.
To start a propane fireplace, first make sure the gas valve is open. Next, turn on the fireplace using the control knob or switch. Finally, ignite the fireplace using a long lighter or the built-in igniter.
There are many kinds of dampers, depending upon how old the house is and the choice by the masons. Many dampers have a hinge on the rear and a handle that can be pushed or lifted to lift the front and latch it open. Others have a lever designed to move with a knob or chain connected to the damper. Some chimneys have counter-balanced dampers on the top of the chimney that are opened by pulling and latching a chain. A "tilt and slide" damper not only opens with a handle, but also has a movable grating that can be "slid" open and shut using a knob cast into it. If you have a gas log fireplace and can not close your damper by the handle it is very possible that the damper has been disabled or welded open according to the 1991 building code that states that dampers in new gas log fireplaces must be disabled. The only type of damper that is allowable to use in a gas log fireplace is an inflatable damper. If you do not have a gas log fireplace and you cannot open or close your damper it is likely that it has corroded to the point of non-function. The chimney is a very acidy and corrosive environment any metal in it will rust and degrade rapidly over time. Lubricate the damper with a penetrating oil and try to loosen it by hand or call a chimney sweep to come and work on it.
yes it can, open damper in fireplace for drafting while gas logs are being used. As far as converting burners, NO. Ventless and vented burners and logs are different in design.
first off you need to turn off the gas then, cap the gas line then remove the gas line and the vent pipes up in the chimney, then remove the insert or gas log, then install damper doors, put on a suitable door to the fireplace, and put a basket in the fireplace to hold the wood The above paragraph assumes that the fireplace was originally a wood burning fireplace that was retrofit to accommodate a gas fireplace insert and in that circumstance the information is accurate. However, if the fireplace was originally designed as a gas appliance it cannot be converted to solid fuel ( wood ).
First off you need to turn off the gas and cap the gas line. Next, remove the gas line and the vent pipes up in the chimney. After that, remove the insert or gas log and install damper doors. Then, put on a suitable door to the fireplace. Finally, put a basket in the fireplace to hold the wood.http://wiki.answers.com/How_do_you_convert_a_gas_fireplace_into_a_wood_burning_fireplace#ixzz17W5OFp8M