Gas Fireplace Maintenance Requirements

People love gas fireplaces for many reasons, not the least of which is the easier maintenance these appliances require compared to wood fireplaces. But note: that’s easier maintenance, not no maintenance. Here are some useful tips from Fire N’ Stone of Tilton, NH.

Steps for keeping your gas fireplace in excellent shape

Maintaining a gas fireplace is a two-part job: one part is yours, the other part is your fireplace services provider’s.

Your part in maintenance

The most important thing you can do in this area is simply to keep an eye on your fireplace. Perform periodic visual inspections and watch for obvious signs of damage or malfunction.

Contact a fireplace repair company if you notice partial flames or flames that constantly flicker. Inspect ceramic logs, lava rocks, and other components for signs of damage.

Gas fireplaces, when working as they should burn very cleanly and safely. As a precaution, install a carbon monoxide (CO) monitor near your fireplace positioned higher than the firebox.

CO monitors will alert you to low (or high) levels of carbon monoxide in your home’s living spaces. A fireplace’s burning apparatus that is clogged or damaged may prevent the gas fuel from combusting completely, which will produce carbon monoxide. Gas leaks and drafting issues also can send this substance into your home.

Carbon monoxide is invisible and odorless, which means you won’t know it’s in your breathing air until negative symptoms arise. Studies have shown that carbon monoxide inhalation can cause a variety of upper respiratory problems, headache, nausea, and even fatalities in severe cases.

While you’re checking your system, take a look outside at the vent pipe (if you have a vented gas fireplace). Make sure it’s not damaged or obstructed.

The professional side of fireplace maintenance

No matter what kind of fireplace you use, it should be inspected and cleaned on a regular basis by a licensed fireplace inspector. Most fireplace and chimney repair companies offer this service.

By scheduling a thorough inspection and cleaning once a year prior to the cold season, you’ll be able to learn of issues that could affect fireplace performance and safety and get them addressed quickly.

Your inspector can save you thousands of dollars on major repairs by spotting problems that you normally wouldn’t be aware of. A good gas fireplace inspector also will advise you on the best ways to ensure your fireplace continues to run safely and correctly like proper cleaning of the fireplace, gas logs, and other components.

When repair issues arise, turn these jobs over to pros who know how to do the work. You may have an owner’s manual that came with your fireplace, and while this is not a guide to gas fireplace repair, it can help provide some documentation to let you become familiar with your system and perform basic maintenance tasks.

It’s important to note that damage from a fireplace that was “fixed” by an unlicensed worker likely won’t be covered by homeowner’s insurance. An unlicensed worker means you, a “handyman” type, or anybody else who isn’t a credentialed fireplace repair professional.

Get the most out of your gas fireplace

Fire N’ Stone of Tilton, NH, provides all the services you need to keep your gas fireplace running right. We’re fully licensed and insured and do every bit of the work ourselves.

Call us at (603) 293-4040 for fireplace inspections, fireplace repair, component replacements, and the installation of new gas fireplaces. You also can reach us through our contact form.