The popularity of gas fireplaces has risen over the years, which has increased the need for inspection and maintenance of these units. Many don’t know much about their gas fireplace other than it can heat their home, so looking for a qualified professional can often be difficult. Knowing the reasons behind a gas fireplace inspection is the first step towards understanding how to properly utilize this important home appliance.
The Affordability Of A Natural Gas Fireplace
Overall, a gas fireplace is more economical than a typical wood burning fireplace. A large portion of the heat generated by a wood fireplace is wasted and sent out of your house through the chimney. This is one of the main reasons why a gas fireplace is more affordable. So, is it more affordable to have it inspected frequently?
Unfortunately, it’s not cheaper to have a gas fireplace inspected. A gas fireplace has a more complicated inner framework then does a wood burning fireplace. Vents, outlets, combustion chambers, pipes and other mechanisms make up its structure, when all that makes up a wood burning fireplace is the hearth and the chimney. However, you can make up for the cost of inspection when it comes down to the money you save out of the unit’s efficiency overall.
A Gas Fireplace Inspection
To keep energy costs low annual maintenance of your gas fireplace is required. There are many reasons as to why a gas fireplace inspection is necessary. Firstly, checking for irregularities in the glass doors of the fireplace is essential to prevent gas from leaking into your home. This is obviously a safety concern for your family and the main reason why this type of inspection is completely necessary. Checking the venting system and the pilot of your natural gas fireplace can also help to ensure it continues to operate correctly by heating your home and expelling extra smoke and heat outdoors.
If either the venting system or your pilot stops functioning the gas fireplace could begin to cost you more money than it’s worth. Another important reason for inspection is to check the combustion chamber for cracks. This is a major safety concern because if it’s not caught it can let gas seep into your home. Gas leaks can be silent killers, regardless if they’re uncommon. For safety’s sake, have your fireplace inspected once a year because it’s not worth the risk.
Gas fireplaces are great additions to any home; they look great and are more efficient than wood fireplaces; however they require regular annual maintenance. Gas fireplaces can be dangerous; therefore it is important to conduct annual inspections and recommended maintenance. Below you will find tips for gas fireplace maintenance that will help keep you safe and your fireplace working operating safely and efficiently. If you think there is any kind of problem with the gas fireplace always have a gas fireplace professional take a look in order to avoid serious problems.
Safety first
When attempting any maintenance or cleaning you should make sure the gas valve is turned off; if the valve is not turned off there is potential for injury or death.
Get the unit inspected
When dealing with a gas fireplace you do not want to take chances, if anything seems off about the unit you should call in a licensed gas technician to be on the safe side.
Does your gas fireplace have a working fan?
Not all gas fireplaces require the use of a fan; however some people install fans to spread the heat out throughout the room. If you happen to have a fan make sure to check if it is working properly, if it is not you are not getting the full benefit of the fireplace.
Ventilation system
The ventilation system is one of the most important things to check while doing routine maintenance on a gas fireplace. If there is any clogging or anything preventing the ventilation system from working properly it needs to be fixed immediately. If there is something clogging the ventilation system you could have a very unsafe fireplace that could cause injury or death.
Clean the glass on the door
Clean the glass door regularly to make sure there is no soot or dust build up. Soot and dust build up can pose a fire hazard. Make sure to use a glass cleaner that the manufacturer deems safe for the gas fireplace. Most specialty hearth stores and hardware stores sell special glass cleaner for gas fireplaces.
Have you checked the gas logs lately?
The logs that are used in gas fireplaces can become dirty and can even break on occasion. Make sure to inspect the logs on a monthly basis or at the first sign of unusual behavior; skipping this step could cause malfunction and possibly injury. When cleaning the fake logs make sure to use a soft bristle log cleaning brush, which can be picked up at most hardware stores. Again, dust and soot build up can pose a fire hazard.
Never skip annual maintenance
Although annual maintenance for gas fireplaces can be somewhat expensive since it requires a licensed gas technician never skip annual maintenance. Annual inspection and maintenance service is recommended by all major manufacturers and Fireplace Village. If there is a leaking valve or a buildup of dust or soot on the gas logs or in the ventilation system you could be out a lot more money than the maintenance cost. Many gas fireplace owners are not aware of the annual maintenance requirements of gas hearth appliances or are trying to save a few dollars; however not performing annual maintenance can cause the unit to malfunction and possibly create a fire hazard. Annual gas fireplace maintenance performed by a licensed and trained gas technician will cost from $100 to $175 depending on your location, time of year and required replacement of damaged parts.
Use recommended cleaners for cleaning logs, glass, and interior
Use cleaners that are recommended by the manufacturer or you local specialty gas fireplace dealer. Although the cleaners may be expensive you should not try your own solution unless it is recommended by the manufacturer; you could be voiding your warranty and damaging the unit.
The pilot light
If you have a pilot light, it can be turned off during the spring and summer when the fireplace is not in use; it can also be easily turned back on during the months that the stove is in use. Always follows the manufacturers’ instructions when adjusting the pilot light. Most new gas fireplaces have electronic ignition systems (IPI) avoiding the need for a pilot light.
Gas is an efficient and convenient fuel choice for many appliances in your home. From gas inserts to a gas fireplace or gas stove, you enjoy the dependability of natural gas or propane to heat your home. Keep the systems safe and running at maximum efficiency with a gas appliance inspection service from Fireplace Village. This reasonably priced service call will cover all aspects of the appliance and ensure your home will be kept warm all season long.
A highly trained and experienced technician from Fireplace Village will visit your home to perform this inspection. Besides checking the clearances and venting systems manually, the tech will also perform a variety of tests on the appliance itself. The Leak Test is imperative and helps to maintain efficiency and avoid the danger of carbon monoxide.
Once the burner, firebox and glass have been cleaned and the appliance purged, the log embers, burner, flame height and wiring are all checked. Remote control operation is tested and the speed of the variable motor is checked as well. The trained staff at Fireplace Village will always do a thorough job on your gas appliance inspection service, resulting in a much safer, more efficient heating season for your family.
We’ve talked about how important it is to choose the proper size fireplace or wood stove and why it’s essential to have that unit installed by a professional. But don’t forget the most important element of owning a fireplace or hearth product – regular maintenance.
Using a clean, properly operational fireplace, gas insert or wood stove is vital for the safety of your family. With the services of a certified chimney sweep you can ensure smoke and emissions have a clear path up and away from your living space. By having a qualified technician inspect your fireplace, you can be sure that all of the essential mechanisms and components are working well and that the hearth appliance is running at peak efficiency.
It pays to have a certified, experienced fireplace technician into your home every year. Your family will stay safe and enjoy the dependability of a wood burning insert, gas fireplace or wood stove all winter long. Fireplace Village has knowledgeable, trained and experienced staff on hand to perform fireplace maintenance. We are also professional chimney sweeps and can handle all aspects of maintenance for any of the models we sell. Trust the pros who know. Let Fireplace Village keep your family safe this heating season.
Gas log and gas fireplace manufacturers recommend that your gas fireplace be inspected and cleaned once a year. Call Fireplace Village now to schedule your annual gas log and fireplace maintenance. Fireplace Village provides the only 24 point safety inspection and cleaning service in New England.
You know us as the largest hearth retailer in New Hampshire. But besides having an expansive stove shop full of working models from leading manufacturers, Fireplace Village also offers a host of special services that set them apart and keeps loyal customers coming back for more.
Not only will you find all of the latest models and the tried and true classics in the hearth industry, but we have trained, certified staff to install those models for you. Gas or wood burning, new build or insert, our technicians have the know how to get the job done right. We also have the proper tools for cutting into masonry, should that be required, and can dispose of your old stove for you in a safe manner.
After you’ve enjoyed your fireplace, gas or wood stove for a time Fireplace Village can also take care of the regular maintenance for you. Certified chimney sweeps are ready to remove creosote build up and inspect your chimney and venting systems. Thorough and complete maintenance can be done on any model of hearth appliance and after almost forty years in business, you can count on Fireplace Village to be here next year when the hearth needs servicing again.
Your gas fireplace is extremely convenient and inexpensive to use. One essential task for homeowners who enjoy gas fireplaces is to have a safety check and cleaning service done on their fireplace. All gas lines and connections will be checked, ensuring that carbon monoxide and other dangerous emissions are not posing a risk to your family.
Gas fireplace cleaning can sometimes seem strange, as they have a very low production of ashes and dirt. But having your gas fireplace cleaned and inspected by a certified professional each year is important to the health of your home and the safety of the unit. Dust and debris can be inside and will build up, damaging the operation of a top-of-the-line fireplace. Catch any issues right away, ensure the fittings are secure and rest easy the next time you flip that wall switch.
Fireplace Village provides annual safety inspection and cleaning service for gas fireplaces, gas fireplace inserts and gas stoves. Contact Fireplace Village today for pricing and appointments. Fireplace Village recommends using only licensed gas technicians when servicing and cleaning gas hearth appliances.
Gas fireplace, gas stove and pellet stove installation.
Fireplace glass door installation.
Gas fireplace and gas stove annual maintenance and repairs.
Gas line installation and gas connection.
Fireplace, wood stove and pellet stove safety inspection and cleaning service.
Chimney safety inspection and chimney cleaning.
Fireplace Village is the largest hearth retailer and service provider in New England. Beat the Fall rush, contact Fireplace Village for pricing and for appointments today.
Did you know that all manufacturers recommend that homeowners have their gas fireplace, gas stove or gas fireplace insert cleaned and serviced annually by a licensed gas technician?
Fireplace Village provides annual maintenance and repair service on all gas appliances with our licensed gas professionals. Contact Fireplace Village today for pricing and to schedule an appointment.
Fireplace Village is the largest hearth retailer in New England. Fireplace Village provides installation, maintenance and repair service for most hearth appliances including complete gas appliance service. In addition, we provide safety inspection and chimney cleaning service.
