Gas fireplaces are a great addition to any home. They make your home feel cozy and can help you stay warm in the winter months. While gas fireplaces don’t require as much daily upkeep as a traditional wood-burning fireplace, they do still require regular maintenance. Proper maintenance for your gas fireplace ensures that your fireplace runs safely and efficiently. Let’s take a look at the amount of maintenance you’ll need for your gas fireplace.
In order to keep your gas fireplace running safely, you should get a professional inspection each year. A professional chimney sweep can identify potential safety issues that you might miss on your own. Carbon monoxide leaks and gas leaks are extremely dangerous and can even be deadly, but many people don’t catch them until it is too late. Depending on the state of your fireplace, your chimney sweep may recommend more extensive repairs during this inspection. A professional chimney sweep can also clean your fireplace to keep it looking new.
While this annual inspection is crucial, you won’t need to worry about daily cleaning. This is one of the reasons why gas fireplaces have become so popular. Wood-burning fireplaces require you to clean up soot, ash, and debris every time you use them. Gas fireplaces mimic the feeling of a wood-burning fireplace without intensive maintenance.
You can clean your gas fireplace on your own in between inspections, but you will need to be extremely careful. Check your manufacturer’s instructions before starting to see which cleaning products are safe to use on your fireplace. You’ll also want to make sure that the gas is off and the fireplace is completely cool before doing any cleaning.
There are some instances where you may need to call a professional for repairs right away, even if you aren’t due for an annual inspection. Fireplaces do come with their own safety hazards, so you won’t want to wait if you notice any of these issues. Here’s when you should call a professional right away.
If you start noticing dirt and debris build up in your fireplace that you can’t clean yourself, it’s time to call a professional. While it may seem harmless, this extra buildup can eventually become a safety hazard if it isn’t taken care of.
If you notice condensation in your gas fireplace, don’t ignore it – call a professional right away. Condensation usually indicates that there is something wrong with the temperature and airflow in your fireplace. If it isn’t addressed, condensation can lead to corrosion.
If you notice that any aspect of your fireplace is broken, call your chimney sweep right away to prevent future issues. This goes for “decorative” pieces like logs and rocks as well as any valves or wiring that breaks. While a small broken piece may seem harmless, it can cause safety issues in the long run.
Need to schedule your annual fireplace inspection? Chimney Solutions’ CSIA-certified team is here to help.
Give us a call at 770-255-1300 or contact us to set up an appointment!
