Glass Doors with Gas Logs?

Issue: Glass Door Use with Gas Logs

Question: I came across a story in a local paper that I believe not only misinformed their readers, but provided information that was potentially dangerous and had the potential of voiding a manufacturer’s warranty.

Here is what they said:
"Today, one of the most important elements to add to a fireplace is a glass door. Not only does this piece finish off the look of the fireplace, but it adds to the energy efficiency of the gas logs."

My question: Without operating the gas logs with the doors closed where is this supposed "energy efficiency" supposed to come from?

What, if anything do we have in our warranties or safety statements that address our policy on this issue? I ran through one manual but was unable to find what I was looking for. It has always seemed that gas log manufacturers have required the doors be open during operation...especially with all the newer safety pilot controls systems in use.

Answer: Increased efficiency can occur by closing the glass doors (or damper) after shutting down the gas log set. Since the need to exhaust the combustion products has ceased, closing the doors keeps the warm air in the room from venting up the chimney.

All of our vented instruction manuals state on the first page: Glass doors must be wide open when burner is lighted to allow air for safe combustion and venting. The vent-free ones have essentially the same warning on page 2.

We state in the warranty:This warranty does not extend to any product manufactured by RASMUSSEN which has been subjected to misuse, neglect, accident, improper installation, or use in violation of instructions furnished by RASMUSSEN.

Use of the gas log set with the glass doors closed would violate this section of the warranty.