Gas fireplaces are a great way to add warmth and style to your living room. However, you need to make sure that it is working properly before the winter season sets in. This guide will tell you how to service and maintain your gas fireplace for optimal performance!
In this blog post, we will provide you with a user’s guide on how to maintain your gas fireplace. We will cover the benefits of installing a fireplace, what type of equipment is needed and maintenance steps that should be taken to keep it running well for years to come. There are many benefits that come from having a gas fireplace in your home or business. It not only provides heat but also can add atmosphere and ambiance if desired. Gas fireplaces require less upkeep than traditional wood fireplaces because they don’t need logs or other materials added as often so there is no mess left behind after use.
The following list includes some simple tips for service and maintenance:
- Inspecting flue pipe annually
- Make sure the flue pipe is not damaged and there are no blockages in it. If you find any damage, contact a professional to fix it right away.
- Inspect the flue pipe annually to make sure there are no blockages in it. If you find any, contact a professional immediately for repair work.
- If you do not have a flue pipe, you should install one because it will help vent the emission from your fireplace outside. It is important to use metal or stainless steel piping instead of plastic for safety purposes.
Why Get a Gas Fireplace Serviced?
A gas fireplace is a relatively new addition to the modern home. In fact, it only started being produced in mass quantities within the past thirty years or so. There are many advantages of owning a gas fire place over an older wood stove-like product that used open flame and natural elements such as smoke and embers for heat production. Firstly, they are much less dangerous.
Secondly, they are extremely efficient when it comes to the amount of heat they produce for your home in comparison with their size. They also tend not to emit any smoke or harmful emissions into the air you breathe while burning gas instead of wood which is a definite plus!
However, just because these fireplaces have only been around for a few decades, it doesn’t mean they are infallible. Like anything else that has an electrical or mechanical component to them, your gas fireplace will need servicing and maintenance periodically in order for you to ensure its safety as well as the longevity of its functionality.
The first thing you should do is call up professional fire place service company and make an appointment to have a technician come out and do a full service on it.
What Will a Fireplace Service Do?
The service professional will check the fireplace for safety and clean it.
They will also do a variety of things, such as:
Check to see if all components are working properly
If they aren’t, that’s another reason why you might need to consider getting your gas fireplace repaired or replaced entirely.
Clean the unit
They will use special brushes to clean your firebox, burner assembly, and heat exchanger. They can also vacuum out any soot that has built up inside over time. It is important they do this every year or two because it can affect how efficiently your fireplace operates if too much soot builds up.
Check the clearances
You need to make sure that your gas fireplace has at least three inches on each side and six inches in front of the unit. The service provider will check these measurements with a ruler or tape measure and let you know if anything needs to be adjusted. If it doesn’t, they will mark down any issues on your service report.
Check the flue
The flue is a vital part of any gas fireplace, because it draws out combustion by-products and makes sure they don’t come back inside. If you have an older unit or live in a historic building, chances are there may be an issue with the flue that can’t be easily fixed. This is another good reason to consider a replacement fireplace if it’s an option, because the flue can always be replaced then.
Check for drafts
If you feel like your fireplace isn’t putting out as much heat as usual, this could indicate that there are cracks in the unit or gaps around its frame. The service provider will check for drafts and seal any leaks that are found using caulk or insulation to make sure you get the most heat out of your fireplace in future.
Check the venting
The gas line needs a good path from outside back into the house, so they’ll inspect it for blockages or damages to make sure it is venting properly.
Check the pilot light
The pilot light needs to be lit for your gas fireplace to function efficiently, so they’ll check that it’s turned on and working if needed.
The service professional will also change the air filter (if applicable). They may remove dirt or other particles from the unit.
They will also inspect the logs (if applicable). This is important to do if they are not fake logs, as it helps protect them from damage by checking for cracks or chips that can lead to leaks or cracking over time. If there are any issues found, the service professional may recommend getting replacements made because replacement parts might not be available.
The service professional can also adjust your gas fireplace if you are having issues with its performance or safety that cannot be easily fixed on your own, such as ensuring the door closes properly and doesn’t swing open accidentally when it is in operation. They may have to get replacement parts for some components depending on how old your unit is and how long you’ve owned it.
They can test for carbon monoxide emissions to make sure the unit doesn’t give off any harmful gases, which is important if your fireplace runs on gas logs. This will also be included as part of their inspection process but may not result in a service call fee depending on what they find during the inspection.
The service professional may also need to look into how much gas is being used, which will affect the cost of your bill depending on what they find. This could be an issue if you are not getting enough heat out of your fireplace or it seems to have stopped working altogether, but there might be a simple reason for this.
They may also need to get replacement parts for your unit if they find that some of the components are malfunctioning or not working properly, which might involve reworking gas lines and other connections. If this is required, it will be included in their service fee quoted before starting work on site. Standard labor fees will apply regardless of what they find.
When to Get a Fireplace Service
You can get a fireplace service when you are having trouble with it. A possible problem may be that the flame is not coming up correctly or there might be carbon monoxide leaking into your home. You should also have someone come in to check if everything is working well and servicing any parts that need attention, such as cleaning out clogged air filters.
What Does Fireplace Servicing Cost?
Like with any furnace, fireplace servicing does require some investment. The cost of a service will depend on several factors: the type and build quality of your unit; its size; whether it is gas or wood burning; how old it is and what condition it’s in (i.e., worn out parts like seals, valves, and dampers).
How to Clean the Glass Doors of your Fireplace?
Your glass doors are the most beautiful part of your fireplace so it is important to keep them clean. The simplest way you can do this is by using a mixture of warm water and vinegar. Using a soft cloth, gently scrub away any dirt or stains with this solution. If there are stubborn areas that won’t come off easily then you can use a little bit of baking soda. Dip your cloth in the solution and gently scrub these areas until they are clean, then rinse them with clean water to make sure all the vinegar is gone.
As for oily or sticky deposits, you should not try to remove these manually since there is always the risk that they will scratch your glass. The best way to deal with this is by using a spray on solution that can dissolve these deposits.
Maintenance Tips for keeping your Gas Fireplaces in Good Condition
- Regularly check the fireplace for any obstructions or damage to avoid a fire hazard.
- Follow recommendations in your installation and user manual regarding regular service schedules.
- Inspect gas fireplace every month, follow the rules described below:
- Inspect the gas logs for damage or discoloration.
- Inspect pilot assembly and burner system.
- Check with a professional if you find any problems with your fireplace, such as cracks in glass components, electrical wiring faults, leaks from valves or joints of pipe work which leads to open flame etc.
Tips for Troubleshooting common problems with your Gas Fireplace
- If you have a gas fireplace, there are certain troubleshooting tips that can help if your fireplace is not working. These solutions might be able to get your fire quickly back on track and save you from having to call the repair technician early in the season or just after it has started getting cold outside. Here are some of our most frequently asked questions, and the most common reasons why your fireplace is not working.
- If the pilot light won’t stay lit, check to see if it is out. Make sure that you have a clear line of sight from your gas fireplace remote control to the fireplace itself (the location where you turn on and off the device). If everything looks alright, make sure there’s no blockage in front of or behind the fireplace. Then, try turning off the gas valve and lighting it again with a lighter or matchstick.
- If your fireplace’s remote control is not working properly (it won’t turn on and off), you need to replace its batteries if it uses them. You can also check that all of the buttons are lined up correctly against their corresponding slots. If not, you might need to replace the remote control itself or try using a different one in order for it work properly.
- If your fireplace’s pilot light keeps going out and won’t stay lit, make sure there’s no blockage in front of or behind the fireplace that is causing the flame to go out when it should be lit. If you don’t see anything there, turn off the gas valve and then try to light it again using a lighter or matchstick.
- If your fireplace is not working properly (it seems like its flames are coming out too high), make sure that there’s no blockage in front of or behind the fireplace which could be causing the flame to come out too high. If everything looks alright, then turn off your gas valve and light it again with a lighter or matchstick.
- If the flames are coming out of your fireplace in an unusual color (not orange), make sure that you have enough ventilation around where you typically use it. A blocked vent could cause the flames to come out of your fireplace in an unusual color.
- If the logs inside aren’t staying lit, make sure that you have enough ventilation around where you typically use it and see if any part of one of the logs is blocking another log from getting air underneath itself so that it can stay on fire. You might also need to replace the logs themselves if they are not getting enough ventilation.
Common mistakes people make when Installing their own gas Fireplaces
You don’t turn off the gas when you install it. You choose a poor location for your fireplace and then wonder why you didn’t get enough heat in that particular room (think south-facing windows). There is such thing as an “idiot light”. It means there is something wrong with your equipment and you need to contact your supplier immediately. Because it’s gas, the system needs access to air in order for it work properly. You can get a chimney or exhaust fan installed so that there is always sufficient flow of fresh air through the fireplace (and back outside).
How do I know when my Gas Fireplace needs to be Serviced?
There are a number of signs that might indicate your gas fireplace needs to be serviced. One sign is the sound it makes when you turn on the unit. A second sign is how quickly it starts up and heats up your room (or not). Last but not least, if there’s smoke coming from the fireplace that shouldn’t be present when its on, then it might need some service.
Can I do a Gas Fireplace Service by myself?
A gas fireplace is not something you want to play around with – especially if you don’t know what you’re doing! In fact there are very specific tasks people can and cannot perform to service and maintain their fireplace. For example, changing the air/gas mix to accommodate colder weather is something only a pro can do for you (and it’s not very complicated – just follow your user manual).
How much does Service & Maintenance cost?
The good news here is that gas fireplaces are pretty simple machines and they don’t need to be serviced very often – twice a year is typically the maximum recommended frequency. So, if you have it done once or even twice yearly by a pro and factor in the cost of parts (if needed) an hour or two labour should do it for most people.
Environmental Protection
Heat the air in your home with natural gas, propane or wood fires that create no emissions. By using a fireplace to heat your home you are doing something for nature and yourself at the same time by reducing pollution from traditional heating methods like electric power plants which produce greenhouse gasses-a leading cause of global warming.
Fireplaces can also improve air quality and health by producing negative ions which purify and deodorize the air in your home. Natural gas tends to produce more negative ions than other sources of household energy like wood or electric power plants, so you may want to consider installing a fireplace that uses natural gas as its fuel source rather than propane or wood.
A fireplace’s heat is also very comfortable and can be used to help warm up your home when the temperature outside falls below freezing in winter months, so you’ll never have to worry about being too cold during colder days! When it starts getting chilly at night, simply turn on the gas fire pit for instant warmth with no emissions!
Safety Tips
- If your fireplace is not in use, unplug it! This will help prevent corrosion and damage to the unit.
- Be mindful of where you place furniture around gas fireplaces. For safety reasons, ensure that combustible objects such as walls or curtains are never placed near a gas fireplace. Fueled by natural gas, they provide a safe and beautiful way to heat your home.
- Service and maintenance of the gas fireplace is important.
- Make sure that you regularly inspect, clean and service your unit as recommended by the manufacturer’s instructions (most manufacturers recommend an annual inspection).
- Check all connections for leaks. Check with a soapy water solution if there are any leaks and tighten connections if necessary.
- Check your chimney flue for blockage, deterioration or other damage. If you have a damaged chimney, we recommend hiring a professional to inspect it as soon as possible (some problems such as corrosion may not be visible from the outside).
- If there is any strange noise coming from the unit, it is best to contact a professional.
- Regularly check the pilot light and controls for proper operation. Ensure that they are clean of any debris or lint by using compressed air (do not use water).
- Install your gas fireplace according to manufacturer’s instructions in order to prevent accidents. Make sure all electrical components are grounded.
- Keep the area around your gas fireplace clear of combustible objects, debris or fire hazards (e.g., do not place hot items on the mantle above). Do not block air intakes with furniture etc..
- If you have pets and/or children in your home always remember to keep a safe distance from the fireplace (e.g., do not place toys, food or drinks near it).
- Check on your gas fireplace periodically to make sure there are no leaks and all connections are properly attached/fastened.
- Do not use the unit if you find any damage; call a professional immediately! To prevent accidents around gas fireplaces.
- Always be mindful of where you place furniture around gas fireplaces. For safety reasons, ensure that combustible objects such as walls or curtains are never placed near a gas fireplace. Fueled by natural gas, they provide a safe and beautiful way to heat your home.
- Service and maintenance of the gas fireplace is important in order to prevent accidents.
- Make sure that you regularly inspect, clean and service your unit as recommended by the manufacturer’s instructions (most manufacturers recommend an annual inspection).
- Check all connections for leaks. Check with a soapy water solution if there are any leaks and tighten connections if necessary.
FAQs
What do I need to know before servicing and maintaining my gas fireplace?
There are a few things that you should keep in mind when doing routine maintenance on your fireplace. First, make sure that the chimney is lined properly and also check for cracks and chips every so often as well as making sure there isn’t any sort of debris inside. Second, make sure that the area around your fireplace is clean and free from any sort of burn marks as well as making sure that it’s not blocked off by anything like furniture or carpeting. Lastly, try to avoid placing items on top of the mantel since this can damage both your mantle and heating elements which can lead to costly repairs.
What are some common signs that I should have my fireplace serviced?
You may want to consider having your fireplace serviced if you notice anything out of the ordinary with it such as a burning smell, smoke coming from somewhere else in the house, or even worse – carbon monoxide gas leaking into your home. Another sign that you might need servicing is if your fireplace does not seem to be working properly such as the pilot light going out or it won’t turn on at all when you try and use it.
What should I do before having my gas fireplace serviced?
Before calling a professional for service, there are a few things that you can check yourself. You should make sure to turn the gas supply off at the source before doing any work on your fireplace as well as turning it back on once you are finished. If this doesn’t solve the problem, then its time to call in for service or maintenance of your fire place by an expert since there may be something wrong with the gas burner itself.
What are some common questions that I should ask a professional before having my fireplace serviced?
Some good starting questions to start off with include asking if they have any sort of certifications or license for servicing, what kind of warranties do they offer on their service and maintenance work, and if they have any recommendations for a maintenance schedule. It’s also good to find out what the average cost is of service or maintenance as well as how much it would be to replace certain parts such as gas valves, igniters, etc.
I’ve heard that there are different types of fireplace servicing – what is the difference between them?
There are two different types of fireplace maintenance – a standard service and an annual inspection. With standard servicing, your gas fireplace will be inspected to see if there’s anything wrong with it or any potential problems that may require parts such as cables and wires for starters. After everything has been checked out and deemed safe, your fireplace will be cleaned so you can enjoy it for many years to come.
What are some common questions that I should ask a potential professional before having my gas fire place serviced?
Some good starting questions include asking if they have any sort of certifications or licensing for servicing, what kind of warranties do they offer on their service and maintenance work, as well as if they have any recommendations for a servicing schedule. It’s also good to find out how much the average cost of service or maintenance is as well as what replacement parts typically run in case you need them replaced such as gas valves, igniters, etc.
What should I do after having my gas fireplace serviced?
After you have your fireplace service or maintenance done, it’s important to inspect the area around your fireplace for anything that may be causing damage such as burn marks on the flooring or any cracks in nearby walls. Another thing you should check out is if there are anymore leaks coming from anywhere else within your gas lines. If you find any damage, contact the service company right away since they should be able to help repair or replace anything that may have been damaged during servicing.
Conclusion
It is important to take your time when you are servicing or cleaning the fireplace. This will ensure that all of the parts are cleaned thoroughly and allow more control over how much dirt, dust, debris, etc. gets removed from each part. It also ensures that there isn’t any damage done to some of these delicate pieces as well.