A gas fireplace can be a great addition to any home. It’s easy for homeowners to forget about the maintenance that goes into owning a gas fireplace.
Although it’s not a difficult task, maintaining a gas fireplace does involve some simple checks. If you want to get the most out of your fireplace and keep your home safe, follow this guide on how to take care of your gas fireplace.
1. Schedule Annual Inspections
Odds are you aren’t an expert on fireplaces and that’s okay! Let the professionals handle the inspecting before any problems arise.
A technician will look for a few things during their inspection:
- Is the fireplace operational for day-to-day use?
- Are there carbon monoxide leaks?
- Are there any dirty sensors, safety controls, burners, fans, etc.?
- Is the fireplace venting properly?
- Are all connections in good, working condition?
2. Maintain the Inside of a Gas Fireplace
As a homeowner, it’s your responsibility to maintain a gas fireplace between annual inspections. This means cleaning the unit at least once a month, especially when you’re using the fireplace weekly.
Make sure you’ve given the unit time to cool down before cleaning and ensure all controls and levers are turned off before you begin. Disassembling what you can inside the fireplace can help you clean the unit thoroughly.
While cleaning inside the fireplace, make sure to clean gas fire logs. Any excessive accumulation of dust or debris on the logs/unit can cause problems down the line.
3. Invest in a Shop Vac
This is a recommendation, but vacuuming out your fireplace is so beneficial to its overall maintenance. One of the best pieces of equipment you should invest in is a shop vac.
A shop vac is so effective because of its ability to clean up heavy debris and liquid spills. If you were to use a traditional vacuum for this type of cleaning, you may risk electrocution or significant damage to your vacuum.
Shop vacs are often more powerful, picking up materials like wood chips, ash, and more that you may encounter inside a fireplace.
4. Inspect and Locate Issues
The last order of business when you’re maintaining gas fireplaces is to inspect the unit for any rust, cracks, damaged areas, or additional problems. These basic inspections can help a homeowner determine if they need to schedule a deeper, professional inspection mentioned above.
If you notice a problem area while cleaning a gas fireplace, do not turn it back on. Additional hazards can be avoided if you take care of your fireplace.
Maintain a Gas Fireplace
Maintaining a gas fireplace means inspecting the unit thoroughly and understanding general upkeep.
A fireplace that is dirty, broken, or ignored can be a serious health risk. If you suspect there is a problem with your unit, turn it off and follow the steps above to ensure it’s in working order.
Fireplaces should offer a location that is cozy, safe, and warm. This type of experience is a direct result of properly maintaining a gas fireplace.