Necessities of gas fireplace maintenance. Gas fireplaces need less maintenance than traditional wood-burning fireplaces; however, it will still require some service. Inadequate cleaning and maintenance can lead to inefficient burning or even gaskets wearing out, letting dangerous carbon monoxide into the air. Cleaning your gas fireplace prevents the buildup of debris and increases the safety of the fireplace. 

Cleaning

It’s best to clean your gas fireplace at least yearly. If you clean it yourself, you will need two clean cloths, a broom or paintbrush, a handheld vacuum, bristle brush, and fireplace cleaner. Be sure to use an alcohol-based fireplace cleaner, not ammonia-based. You will need to clean the burners, logs, and glass on the front of the fireplace. 

Before you start cleaning or maintenance, have the fire off for at least two hours to let the fireplace cool. Then turn the pilot light and the gas off.

With the fireplace cleaner on a cloth, wipe both sides of the glass and let it sit for 15 minutes. Then wipe away with another cloth.

After cleaning the glass, run the hand vac over the burners to remove debris. Next, scrub the burners with the bristle brush to remove any remaining debris. Vacuum the burners one final time.

To clean the logs, remove them from the fireplace and sweep the soot away with a paintbrush or broom. You may want to place the logs on a sheet to avoid staining your carpet with the soot.

Alternatively, you can have the full cleaning and inspection process completed professionally by an HVAC technician in a little over 30 minutes. 

Fireplace Up Keep

Gas fireplace monthly maintenance includes:

  • Clean both sides of the glass with glass cleaner to prevent permanent damage to the glass. If you let it go for too long without cleaning, you may end up with a permanently cloudy film on the glass, reducing the visibility and aesthetics of your fire.
  • Clear out any spiderwebs, dirt, or dust in the fireplace.
  • Check the bolts on the glass door to ensure they’re secure (a securely fitting door can prevent carbon monoxide from leaking into the house).
  • Check the gasket for any cracks or missing pieces. Replace the gasket immediately if you find any breakage.
  • Check the outside vent (if there is one) for nests, leaves, or wear and tear. Be sure to replace your vent if there’s any damage to it.

If you’re worried about carbon monoxide leakage, you can install a CO alarm. Make sure you get a battery-operated alarm in case of power outages.

Safety Inspection

You will want to have an annual safety inspection of your gas fireplace. Your HVAC technician will test the gas pressure and the burners, adjusting the burners. The technician will then check for natural gas or carbon monoxide leaks. 

It’s a good idea to run your fireplace for at least 20 minutes after cleaning to eliminate residual dust.

Get Help with Your Gas Fireplace

The benefits of adequate care for your gas fireplace are threefold. Not only does cleaning enhance the beauty of your fireplace, but it also increases its safety. Further, regular maintenance can extend the life of your fireplace for several years, saving you time and money.

Consider having your fireplace cleaned professionally once a year. Think of it like dentistry. We brush our teeth daily to maintain the work our dentists do, but we still visit them every six months for deep cleaning and check for any issues as laypeople we might not be able to detect.

Choose Brick + Ember Outfitters of Indianapolis, IN, to service your gas fireplace. We offer professional care at a reasonable cost, whether it’s cleaning, inspection, or replacement you need. Give us a call at 317-500-1250 or request an appointment on our website today.

CATEGORIES

RECENT POSTS