Gas fireplaces are a wonderful way to easily and effectively heat up your home in the winter. With the lack of smoke and ash produced from gas log fireplaces, you may be asking yourself “do gas log fireplaces need to be cleaned and serviced?” In this guide we will discuss the importance of gas fireplace cleaning and the benefits of ongoing maintenance.
Do Gas Fireplaces Need To Be Cleaned?
Gas fireplaces, like wood-burning fireplaces, gather dirt and debris over time. This can cause them to burn inefficiently, accumulate flammable materials and even develop hazardous leaks. Even though gas fireplaces and stoves are low-maintenance, registered gas log professionals should still inspect them regularly.
How often you inspect, clean and maintenance your gas fireplace largely depends on the frequency of use. If you intend on using a gas fireplace at all during the winter, it is recommended to have an expert perform a full scale inspection at least once a year for enhanced fire safety.
Benefits of Professional Gas Log Service
While you can attempt to clean your fireplace by yourself, we highly recommend having a licensed professional do a comprehensive gas fireplace cleaning & inspection.
At Smoke Alert Home Fire Safety our fireplace technicians are fully certified and either former or active duty firefighters with years of experience identifying home fire risks. In addition to fireplace cleaning, our inspection consists of piping inspections for gas leaks, vent inspection & cleaning, rock wool replacement, burner pan cleaning and more.
How To Maintain Your Gas Fireplace
In addition to scheduling gas fireplace cleaning service each year, you should take the following actions to keep your fireplace in excellent condition and save money on future repairs:
Read The Fireplace Instruction Manual
Your gas fireplace’s instruction manual explains how to use and maintain the gas unit for the most reliable operation. Knowing your duties now could help you save time and money later.
If you can’t find your gas log manual, visit your fireplace provider’s website online and find a copy. Search for helpful gas fireplace service and maintenance videos if you’re unsure how to accomplish one of the maintenance activities recommended in your fireplace manual.
Keep Flammable Materials At A Safe Distance
Combustible and flammable materials like paper, children’s toys, dog toys and furniture should always be a safe distance from your fireplace to reduce fire risks. Installing a fireplace safety barrier or screen is an effective way to protect pets and household members.
Examine Your Smoke Detectors
You should check your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors’ operation and change the batteries at least once a year. Carbon monoxide is colorless and odorless, so it’s typically not noticeable until household members experience carbon monoxide poisoning symptoms such as weakness, dizziness, blurred vision, migraines and confusion.
An effective way to prevent fires and carbon monoxide poisoning is to schedule professional installation and inspection. You should contact a certified gas log service contractor to install, inspect and clean your fireplace, and you must always follow your fireplace’s user manual instructions when using it. Smoke Alert is the most qualified licensed gas fireplace contractor in the North Carolina and Georgia regions, and we are dedicated to helping you enjoy a warm, cozy home safely.
Replace Batteries in Your Gas Fireplace Receiver
When you replace your carbon monoxide and smoke detectors annually, you should also replace your gas log fireplace’s receiver batteries. In the event of a power outage, a battery-operated gas fireplace receiver supplies backup power, enabling you to light your fireplace by pressing a button.
Use a gas insert or gas fireplace with a receiver so that it can operate properly during storm seasons. If your fireplace has a remote control, ensure you update the batteries in your remote!
Contact The Experts At Smoke Alert For Gas Log Service
If you are in the greater Raleigh, Charlotte, or Atlanta areas Smoke Alert will take care of your annual gas fireplace cleaning & servicing! With a staff of former and active duty firefighters you can be sure that your fireplace will be held to the highest standard of fire safety! Contact us today to schedule an appointment.
