What Kind of Maintenance is Required for a Gas Fireplace?
Gas fireplaces require routine maintenance to keep them safe and functioning properly. They need to be inspected and cleaned to keep out unwanted pests, such as squirrels and raccoons, which can build nests in the chimney flues that trap harmful gases. They also need to be inspected for leaks and faulty components that could cause house fires or serious injuries.
(Looking for “wood and gas fireplace repairs“? Contact us Today!)
What Kind of Maintenance is Required for a Gas Fireplace?
Many gas fireplace owners assume that because the gas fireplace is relatively easy to operate, it will need little or no maintenance. But the truth is that a properly-maintained gas fireplace is an essential part of a well-run home.
The owner’s manual should provide detailed instructions about how to maintain your gas fireplace, including a checklist of maintenance tasks. Moreover, most gas fireplaces are designed with safety features like thermocouples and thermopiles that must be periodically checked to ensure they’re working correctly.
If your gas fireplace isn’t operating properly, the first thing you should do is call a professional who specializes in gas fireplace repairs. They will be able to check the pilot light, make sure all connections are working properly, and replace a faulty pilot. They will also test the burners to see if they are burning properly.
Another common problem that gas fireplace owners encounter is the burners not lighting properly. This can be caused by a dirty burner, a clogged orifice, or a malfunction of the thermocouple.
Cleaning the Burner Orifice: If your gas fireplace isn’t lit, there may be a clog in one of the burner’s orifices. This clog will prevent the flames from coming out of all the spaces between the burners, so you need to call a professional to fix it.
Clean the Glass Doors: If the view of the flames looks hazy, or you have a white film that’s starting to build up on the glass doors, take the time to clean them thoroughly. This will help keep them from fading over time and potentially leading to dangerous carbon monoxide poisoning.
If your fireplace has a ceramic log set, it’s important to have them regularly inspected and replaced if they are showing signs of wear and tear. These logs can be very expensive, so it’s a good idea to change them frequently.
Vacuuming the Interior: Dust bunnies, dead bugs, and pet hair can accumulate in your gas fireplace and can cause the system to run inefficiently. To avoid these issues, vacuum the interior of your fireplace on a regular basis, or at least once a month during the heating season.
Your fireplace should be inspected annually to remove any debris and nesting materials from the chimney flue. This will help keep your fireplace and chimney from catching on fire, causing significant damage to your home. The inspection should also include checking the thermocouple and thermopile to ensure they’re working properly, as well as making sure that all vents and pipes are working properly.