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October 5, 2010Have you had your Gas Log Fireplace Serviced Yet?
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. Contact Fireplace Village today to schedule your annual maintenance.
March 9, 2010Consider Upgrading to New Gas Logs
For a new style, or to replace an aging set, upgrading to new gas logs can transform the look of your fireplace. As you go about your annual cleaning of the log set, watch for cracking, warping and general wear. Extensive use will take its toll on the gas log set. Upgrading keeps your fireplace in good working order and looks fabulous for years. New gas logs may also save you money as many new gas log sets are more energy efficient than older gas log models. Make your fire larger with a wider gas log set or different shaped gas logs. You may be surprised by the selection. When upgrading to new gas logs, visit Fireplace Village to check out the wide selection and variety of available. At Fireplace Village you can buy fireplace and wood stove accessories online.
February 15, 2010Checklist for Your Gas Fireplace Annual Maintenance
Many people choose a gas fireplace for the convenience and ease of use, but miss the importance of annual maintenance. A few simple steps will ensure you have a clean, safe and efficiently burning gas fireplace year after year. 1) Check the care guide or owner’s manual for your gas fireplace model. More specific instructions may be found there. It’s also a good idea to have the gas lines, connections and fireplace operation checked every year by a qualified gas fireplace professional. 2) Start with the cleanliness of your gas fireplace. Wipe the glass doors or face with a soft cloth and a specially made fireplace glass cleaner. It isn’t regular glass that you’re working with – more likely tempered glass or transparent ceramic – so don’t opt for household glass cleaners. Use gloves and even a mask for safety. Never attempt to clean your gas fireplace while it is burning or hot. 3) Move then to cleaning your gas log set. Wipe with damp cloth to remove any soot and dust buildup. If you need to replace the gas log set, visit a local fireplace professional to find something that will suit and fit your appliance. 4) Check the vents of your gas fireplace as well. Cobwebs, wasp nests and various other critters can cause a blockage in the vents from the outside. If your fireplace uses a chimney, have that professionally cleaned by a certified chimney sweep before the fire burning season begins. Trim any shrubs, flowers or bushes that have overgrown the vent area and make sure nothing is stored around them. 5) Make sure that your burner or burner pipes are working well, as any buildup there can cause dangerous emissions and reduce efficiency. Clean them as directed in your manual. Some fireplace owners give the interior of the firebox a quick vacuum at this time as well, just to reduce dust. An accumulation of dust poses a fire hazard and will decrease the efficiency of your gas fireplace. 6) If necessary, relight your pilot light – the tiny flame that constantly burns inside the fireplace. Some people douse that flame for the warm, humid months while others simply switch the fireplace to “Off.” If you’re having trouble with your pilot light, be sure to wait five minutes between lighting attempts, in order to clear the area of dangerous gas. 7) Lastly, test your carbon monoxide detectors to ensure they are in good working order. Homes that are equipped with gas burning appliances should have carbon monoxide detectors for safety and protection. Test them annually and replace them when necessary Completing these gas fireplace annual maintenance steps will provide a season of warmth and comfort for your family. Enjoy the convenience of gas fireplaces while maintaining optimum efficiency and safety through these annual tasks.
December 18, 2009How to choose which Gas Fireplace is right for youGas log fireplaces are a great solution for anyone who wants the authentic look and feel of a wood burning fireplace without all the hassle. Once you have decided that a gas fireplace is right for your home, it is time to decide what type will work best based on your current set up.
Gas log fireplaces come in two basic types, vented and vent-free. If you currently have a wood burning fireplace which you would like to transform into a gas log fireplace then a vented option is right for you. This means that you have an existing chimney that can be connected to the gas log fireplace. A vent-free gas log fireplace, however, can be used in an existing wood burning fireplace, or in a firebox with no chimney. This means a vent-free gas log fireplace can be installed in a home or apartment that does not currently have a fireplace. Another big difference in vented or vent-free gas fireplaces is the heat output. Vented gas log fireplaces generally do not give off much heat, although a gas log heater could be installed to change this. Vented gas log fireplaces, however, have a more realistic wood burning look than their vent-less counterparts, but operate without the hassle of cleaning up ash and chopping wood. A vent-free gas log model operates with the damper closed, circulating warm air throughout the room. This makes it a more economical choice as it will cut down on heating bills. Vent-free models have to be used with the gas doors open, in order to circulate the air. All gas fireplaces and gas fireplace inserts can burn either natural gas or propane (LP). Once you have decided what type of venting system is right for you it is time to pick out the gas logs. There are two main types, ceramic fiber gas logs and concrete refractory gas logs. Ceramic fiber logs are somewhat more realistic looking, although not as durable. They also offer a realistic glow after about 15 minutes of burning. Concrete gas logs are much more durable but will never create a realistic looking glow. Both types of gas logs come in a variety of styles, including oak, cedar and birch. When ordering gas logs you will need to know if you have a vented or vent-less fireplace, the size of your firebox and what type you would prefer. All gas logs and gas log sets can burn either natural gas or propane (LP). Fireplace Village carries many varieties of ceramic fiber and concrete refractory gas logs, as well as the largest selection of gas fireplaces, which can be purchased in one of our New Hampshire locations, or online at shop.fireplacevillage.net.
December 17, 2009Gas Log MaintenanceGas fireplaces are a great fit for city dwellers, homes with little storage, or for people who want to enjoy the comfort and warmth of a fireplace without the hassle of cutting firewood and starting fires. Gas fireplaces are not only easily adjustable and a good source of heat, but they are also fairly easy to maintain. Follow these steps for yearly maintenance and you will be able to enjoy your gas fireplace with no risk of injury or flare-up. The embers need to be cleaned out, or simply added to as often as needed, but at least once a year. Generic replacement embers are available, but if you bring in a sample to any one of Fireplace Village’s locations we will be able to match it up as best as possible. The other important part of gas fireplace maintenance is hiring a professional to check the gas lines and connections. Once this is done you can wipe down your gas fireplace logs with a soft cloth, clean off the gas doors and your fireplace is safe to use for another year. Fireplace Village New Hampshire sells a wide selection of gas logs and also provides gas log installation and annual maintenance service.
December 3, 2009Gas Fireplace Maintenance
The ease and simplicity of owning and maintaining a gas fireplace are the main reasons many people prefer them to traditional wood burning fireplaces, but even gas fireplaces need yearly maintenance to keep them safe and in proper working order. The most important part of gas fireplace safety is making sure the installation is correct. By hiring a certified fireplace professional you can insure that your fireplace will be hooked up securely and safely. Before using your gas fireplace for the first time each season, there are a few routine checkups which should be made to make sure your fireplace is running as cleanly and safely as possible. First off, make sure all of the vents are working properly. You can reduce drafts and heat loss by installing glass doors in front of the gas fireplace, but the doors must remain open while the fire is burning. This prevents smoke and carbon monoxide from entering your home. Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless, potentially lethal gas produced as a byproduct when fuels such as natural or propane gas, kerosene, and wood are burned. It’s important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions exactly when using any type of fuel-burning appliance. In some areas, local building codes may require the damper in your chimney to be permanently blocked open if you install gas logs. Another key part to the safety of your fireplace is the cleanliness of the chimney. Having a chimney sweep come in once a year assures that no flare-ups start in the chimney. The burner is another crucial part of a gas burning fireplace that needs to be checked and cleaned annually. A dirty or poor working burner can lead to soot buildup and even carbon monoxide. This is why it is important to have a carbon monoxide detector in the home. Another way to make sure your home is safe is by having the gas lines checked yearly to make sure no leaks have occurred. Another part of the fireplace to keep clean are the ceramic logs themselves. Using a soft brush to wipe away any soot that has built up will keep your fireplace not only looking clean but also burning clean. As for glass fireplace doors or covers, it is important to check the seal of your doors to make sure you are not letting cold air in while the fireplace is not in use. Wiping down the glass doors with a soft cloth and water will allow you to enjoy your safely burning gas log fireplace all winter long. Fireplace Village is the largest gas fireplaces and gas log retailer in New England. We provide complete gas fireplace installation, service and maintenance with our staff of certified professionals. Since 1972, Fireplace Village has been the providing installation and maintenance service.
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