Our problem:

We have had a Santa Fe propane fireplace for two years. We had recurring problems with the window sooting (or carboning?) up over a short period (1 or 2 days, oftentimes), to the degree that the stove would no longer light. We would clean the stove and the burner orifices and then it would work again. This winter, it seemed to need less cleaning... though we found that when the propane truck came and filled our tank from 10% full to 100% full, that the stove immediately started fogging again. This time we just replaced the stove.

After lugging a new used stove from a friends house (an Aladdin 42000 BTU that worked wonderfully there for several years without sooting problems) we had it installed this week. It puts out tremendous, wonderful heat. However, within a day, a soot spot began on the center of the window, and within another 10 hours half the window is filled with soot. So a second stove is now having the same problem, unique to our set up (neither stove did this for the previous owners.)

1. Could it be the propane tank, the quality of the propane, water in the line, the propane tank regulator?
2. Could it be the venting system? The fireplace has a 2 foot vent, then a bend and goes out the wall. It is unobstructed. But is it possible that there's not enough air or too much air coming back down the vent?
3. Or is absolutely something with the air mixture on the fireplace itself?

Help! We can't afford to lose another propane fireplace!

/s

I would get some vent pipe and run it on its own. But a pro could test it for you and save you time. Also the propane company will have to test the tank and regulator if it is a leased tank. If you own it they may test it for you any way.

Are you sure 100% it is converted to be used for propane? Ask the people you bought it from what they used. Even go and see if they have a propane tank in their yard. And that that is the house they used it in. Also on the stove may be a sticker saying this unit was converted to propane.

Agree with Dennis. Most gas fireplaces come set up for natural gas and need to be properly converted for use with lp (propane). If not converted properly they will soot up right away. If you find that the newer fireplace was definitely run on lp in the previous house then I would start by checking incoming and manifold pressures. Incoming should be roughly between 11 and 13 inches of water column and manifold at 10 inch wc (on high fire if adjustable flame). If pressures are correct you will need to recheck venting to make sure it is 100% clear and that it is the correct venting for that exact fireplace (direct vent or not?). Good luck and please do let us know what you find.