Gas Fireplace Service: When Is It Needed?

A gas fireplace, like any appliance in your home, requires a certain amount of maintenance and upkeep to ensure safe and predictable operation. Here are some tips on gas fireplace service from the experts at Doodlebuggers Fireplace, Grill & Outdoor Store of Pensacola and Destin, Florida.

Always call for service when your fireplace is acting weird

You pretty much know what to expect from your gas fireplace in terms of operation. When it’s not operating as it should call for service. Signs might include:

• Sputtering flames
• Flames can’t be adjusted
• Odd smells
• Carbon monoxide monitors going off
• Fireplace won’t start at all

These and any other unusual signs need to be checked out by a licensed gas fireplace technician.

Your technician’s part in gas fireplace maintenance

It’s recommended that your fireplace be inspected once a year or every two years, depending on how much you use it. If damage or malfunction is uncovered, your tech can make the necessary repairs and save you money on possibly very expensive repairs should the problem be ignored.

For general safety checkups, a good gas fireplace technician will:

• Inspect the firebox and fireplace exterior
• Determine if there are cracks in the glass doors and if there are sealing issues with the doors’ gaskets
• Look over the logs for signs of damage or deterioration
• Ensure that the gas ignition works correctly and there are no signs of leaks
• Check all components and assemblies for wear or damage
• Inspect the vent pipe or vent system for buildups of particulate matter or outside debris
• Make sure you A. have a CO monitor and B. it works

A qualified technician knows what he or she is looking for during a gas fireplace inspection. The average homeowner often misses important issues that the tech will spot immediately.

Your part in taking care of your fireplace

Mechanical repair and parts replacement should be left to the professionals. That means your part in maintaining your gas fireplace centers on cleaning.

Give the unit enough time to cool off after the last fire, then wipe down the surfaces including the gas fireplace doors and the log set. You can use a vacuum in addition to a damp cloth and mild cleaning solution for a more thorough job.

Beyond cleaning, your main job is to keep an eye on your fireplace and report any oddities to your service company or technician.

Neglected gas fireplaces

Neglecting to schedule regular gas fireplace service can lead to problems including:

Carbon monoxide poisoning: Carbon monoxide is created during gas combustion – and more of it is created when gas fuel doesn’t fully ignite. Invisible and odorless, carbon monoxide is known to be potentially fatal when inhaled by humans and animals.

Fire: If your firebox is damaged or there are other compromises within the system, the result could be a fire starting in adjacent building materials of your home.

Low performance: The longer a fireplace is neglected, the lower its performance likely will be. This means less heat and comfort in your home.
 

The gas fireplace service you need

Doodlebuggers’ gas fireplace technicians are ready to help with fireplace inspections, repairs, venting issues and general maintenance for your fireplace. Speak with a certified gas tech in the Pensacola, FL, area at 850-477-1151. In and around Destin, FL, call 850-243-0154. You also can reach out through our convenient contact form.