Gas Fireplace Maintenance Intro Guide
Yes, they are super easy to use and maintain! But you still need to do some basic maintenance to make sure your gas fireplace is running properly. Even though gas fireplace maintenance can be relatively easier than their wood-burning counterparts, the DIY approach might not be the best option.
Pursuing the DYI approach entails a certain level of risk. If you don’t have the experience or knowledge in dealing with gas lines, it’s best to consult a professional company like ours.
Let's quickly go over why you should get your gas fireplace serviced.
Besides the obvious, which is to make sure your fireplace is running smoothly and efficiently, getting your gas fireplace serviced by a professional also:
- Ensures that your family is safe – A yearly service will help to identify any potential hazards with your fireplace.
- Helps you save money in the long run – By keeping your fireplace well-maintained, you can avoid costly repairs down the road.
- Keeps your warranty valid – Many gas fireplace manufacturers require proof of yearly service in order to keep your warranty valid.
What will a gas fireplace service do for me?
- Inspect the fireplace exterior side: The technician will make sure the unit is securely in place and that there are no gaps or cracks in the framework of the fireplace.
- Check the glass for cracks: The technician will also check the glass for any cracks or chips. Cracks in the glass will need to be repaired or replaced as soon as possible in order to avoid any further damage.
- Clean the glass: After inspecting the glass, the technician will then proceed to clean it. We recommend using vinegar in a spray bottle, as it will help to break down any residue or build-up on the glass.
- Inspect logs and burner assembly: Even though these are not real logs, they are still prone to damage. The technician will check for any cracks or chips in the logs and make sure the burner assembly is clean and free of debris.
- Clean the burner assembly: Once the inspection is complete, the technician will then clean the burner assembly. This is important as a build-up of debris can cause problems with the gas flow.
- Check the gas ignition: The technician will set off the interior gas ignition under the logs to make sure it works correctly. Then, the fireplace repair technician will turn off the gas, and clean the valves and ports beneath and in between the logs by softly rubbing them with a ball of steel wool or a sheet of sandpaper with fine grit.
- Vacuum the interior: The technician will then use a vacuum to clean the interior of the fireplace. This includes the area around the gas ignition, the burner assembly, and the flue.
- Check carbon monoxide detectors: Professional fireplace service should always include this step. The technician should check the carbon monoxide detectors to make sure they are working correctly. This step prevents any potential accidents from happening. As you can see, there are quite a few things that a professional gas fireplace service can do to maintain your fireplace. However, there are also some things that you can do on a day-to-day basis to make sure it’s running smoothly.
- Inspect the chimney: As we mentioned above, any gas fireplace needs to be inspected as frequently as its wood-burning counterpart. It is crucial that you check both the exterior chimney and the interior walls in front of as well as around the chimney.
When Should I Get my Gas Fireplace Serviced
The frequency at which you get a gas fireplace service check depends on how regularly you use the fireplace. Once a year, ideally during the early summer, you should conduct or schedule service to keep your fireplace running smoothly from autumn to spring.
There you have it! These are just some of the things a professional gas fireplace service can do for you. As you can see, there is quite a bit of work involved in keeping your gas fireplace running smoothly. While it may seem like a lot of work, it is definitely worth it in the long run. A little bit of preventative maintenance now will save you a lot of money and headache down the road.
