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Should Your Fireplace Doors Be Open or Closed While Burning?

Jan 28, 2022Matthew SherdanFireplace Doors

Gathering around the fireplace with family is one of life’s simple joys. But if you’re constantly tending a weak fire, or worried about damaging your fireplace doors, you might be asking the most common question we hear:

Should your fireplace doors be open or closed while burning?

Quick Answer:

  • Tempered glass doors (prefab fireplaces): Always keep doors open while burning.

  • Ceramic glass doors (masonry fireplaces): Safe to burn with doors open or closed.

Below, we’ll explain why the type of glass matters, how to safely operate your doors, and tips for keeping your fires burning efficiently.

Understanding Fireplace Door Glass Types

Your fireplace doors aren’t just decorative, they’re built with different kinds of glass, and that determines how you should use them.

Tempered Glass

  • Required on all prefabricated fireplaces.

  • Tempered glass can shatter under high heat.

  • Always keep tempered glass doors open while burning.

Ceramic Glass

  • Found on masonry fireplace doors, wood fireplace glass doors, and custom glass models.

  • Designed to handle very high temperatures.

  • Safe to keep open or closed while burning.

  • ⚠️ Code violation to install ceramic glass on prefab units.

Why It Matters if Fireplace Doors Are Open or Closed

Leaving doors open in winter can cause heat loss that adds up to hundreds in extra energy bills, while keeping doors closed during a fire can damage tempered glass or shorten flames. Knowing how to use your doors correctly has real benefits:

  • Save money on heating and cooling

  • Keep fires burning longer

  • Improve safety at home

Let’s break it down. Below, we’ll explain why glass type matters and how to get the safest, most efficient fires.

Browse our Fireplace Door Buying Guide

Save Money on Heating & Cooling

  • In winter, open doors and an open flue let warm air escape up the chimney.

  • In summer, cool air gets sucked out the same way.

  • Best practice: flue closed + doors closed when no fire is burning.

Enjoy Longer-Lasting Fires

  • Fires need oxygen to thrive.

  • Keep doors open when starting a fire for stronger flames.

    • Be sure to monitor the fire and adjust doors slightly if flames seem weak or too smoky; airflow balance is key for long-lasting, healthy fires.

  • Too much oxygen can actually weaken a fire—monitor airflow.

  • Dirty chimneys and fireboxes also impact fire quality.


Burn Fires More Safely

  • Glass doors and screens protect from sparks and embers.

  • Mesh curtains or screens let you keep doors open while adding protection.

  • Never close tempered glass doors during a fire, it can crack or shatter.

How To Safely Use a Fireplace With Glass Doors

A few best practices to keep in mind:

  • Never leave a fire unattended.

  • Unsure what kind of glass you have? Keep doors open until you know for sure.

  • When in doubt, safety first - it’s cheaper than replacing broken glass.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Should you leave fireplace doors open when no fire is burning?

A: No. Open doors + open flue let warm or cool air escape, raising energy bills. Always close both when the fire is out.

Q: Will closing fireplace doors help a fire burn longer?

A: No. Fires burn longer with steady oxygen flow. Keep doors open for long, healthy flames.

Q: Should wood-burning fireplace glass doors remain open when burning?

  • Ceramic glass: Open or closed is fine.

  • Tempered glass: Must stay open.

Q: Should fireplace doors be open or closed when burning gas logs?

A: Keep them open. Like wood, gas logs need oxygen to burn efficiently.

Q: Should you add a screen or glass doors to an open-hearth fireplace?

A: Yes. Adding screens or glass doors helps:

  • Prevent heat loss

  • Increase safety (kids, pets, sparks)

  • Promote hotter flames

Shop Fireplace Doors, Screens & Accessories

Ready to upgrade your fireplace setup? Whether you need a replacement glass door for your fireplace or want a full set of ceramic or tempered doors, Fireplace Doors Online has you covered:

FDO Custom Shop

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Comments
M

Marshall Gillespie 02-03-2023, 10:44 AM

FDO SUPPORT TEAM
While burning with fireplace doors closed can have advantages, there are several reasons why it might not be advisable in some situations:

Inadequate Ventilation:

If the fireplace doors are not designed with proper vents or airflow mechanisms, burning with the doors closed can lead to inadequate ventilation. This can result in poor combustion, increased smoke production, and the buildup of harmful gases such as carbon monoxide.
Overheating and Damage:

Standard glass doors that are not specifically tempered or designed for high heat can crack or shatter due to the intense heat from the fire. This can be dangerous and cause damage to your fireplace and surroundings.
Incomplete Combustion:

Insufficient airflow can lead to incomplete combustion of the firewood, producing more creosote buildup in the chimney. This increases the risk of chimney fires.
Fireplace Design Compatibility:

Some fireplaces, particularly older models, are not designed to operate with closed doors while burning. This can hinder the performance of the fireplace and reduce its efficiency.
Safety Concerns:

In the event of improper installation or poor maintenance, closed doors can trap gases and heat, posing a safety hazard. Ensuring the doors are correctly installed and well-maintained is crucial for safe operation.
Reduced Heat Output:

In some cases, closed doors can reduce the amount of radiant heat entering the room. If your goal is to maximize heat output, open doors or screens might be more effective.
Manufacturer Guidelines:

Not all glass doors are rated for closed-door burning. Ignoring the manufacturer’s instructions and using the doors in a way they were not designed for can void warranties and create safety risks.
Aesthetic Preference:

Some people prefer the open look and feel of a traditional fireplace. Closed doors can obscure the view of the fire, reducing the visual appeal and ambiance.
Before deciding to burn with the fireplace doors closed, ensure that your doors are specifically designed for such use, follow all manufacturer instructions, and consider the factors mentioned above to ensure safe and efficient operation.

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J

Joe 09-15-2021, 12:39 PM

What if I have ceramic glass installed on my fireplace doors (similar to a wood oven). Is it not ok to burn the fire with the doors closed in this case?

FDO SUPPORT TEAM:
If you have a masonry fireplace with a fireplace door installed that has ceramic glass, you can burn with the doors closed as long as you have sufficient airflow to the fire.

J

John 02-07-2020, 08:29 PM

Funny, when I close my doors I get a roaring fire but when open I struggle to keep things burning. Opposite of any home I have had in that past. Any idea why this would be?

ANSWER:
If the doors are closed you are starving the fire of air and therefore it will be roaring. If the doors are open and the fire isn't going might be to much air, a cold flue or draft issue. Contact a certified chimney sweep he can check your situation out.

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