Do gas fireplaces need annual maintenance?
This is due to their relative ease of operation and cleaner burn than solid fuel models. However, this doesn't mean that your gas fireplace requires no maintenance. Because of their lower combustion temperatures, gas models often harbor spiders in the gas valve area and in the corners of the combustion chamber.
Is it necessary to ventilate a gas fireplace?
Vertically venting a gas fireplace through the roof is a little more cost- and labor-intensive, but necessary if a homeowner is looking to vent a gas fireplace on an interior wall—or when a gas fireplace insert is being installed and a masonry chimney, through which venting will run, already exists.
Do I need to have my gas fireplace inspected?
Gas Fireplaces need an annual inspection in order to keep up to snuff. This is a very important practice, which many people overlook. Because gas fireplaces burn clean and are very easy to take care of, some assume that this means it doesn’t need cleaning.
Does my gas fireplace need maintenance?
Though they burn cleanly, with no smoke, cinders or wood ash left behind and no sooty chimneys to clean out, gas fireplaces still need regular fireplace maintenance and service to run safely and extend their lifespan. Cleaning your gas fireplace can be a DIY task, but only for those comfortable working around natural gas. If you’re hesitant to work with a natural gas line, call a fireplace service to do the job.
How often should you clean propane fireplace?
If you like a roaring fire from autumn all the way through spring, you should conduct or schedule service once a year, ideally early in the summer. If you only use your gas fireplace occasionally, you can probably get by with a fireplace service check every two years.
How do you maintain a propane fireplace?
5 Tips on How to Care for a Gas FireplaceClean glass as needed. Most gas fireplace doors are removable for easy cleaning. ... Clean interior as needed. Using the wand attachment, gently vacuum dust and debris from the fireplace interior. ... Clean logs. ... Replace batteries. ... Inspections.
What happens if you don't clean your gas fireplace?
Gas fireplaces need to be cleaned periodically since various types of material such as bird nests, dead animals, and soot can accumulate in them over time. If they are not cleaned, they can become a safety hazard. There's a lot of information out there that can help you take care of your gas fireplace.
What maintenance is required for a gas fireplace?
The initial and foremost guideline of any gas fireplace system is to have it inspected every year. With professional chimney companies, you can usually have your annual chimney cleaning and gas inspection scheduled at the same time. Matter of fact, your whole system should be inspected annually, top to bottom.
How much does it cost to clean a gas fireplace?
Most of the cleaning for a gas fireplace can be done on your own when the fireplace is cool and the pilot light is off. However, because of the vent, you will need an annual inspection which costs around $75-$100. If you want a thorough cleaning at the same time the cost could be closer to $150-$175.
Why does my propane fireplace soot up?
Soot buildup is commonly caused by clogged burner ports and improperly positioned fire-logs. A fire-log that's out of position can obstruct the flame path that ensures the clean-burning of gas. This contributes to soot formation on the fireplace. Another primary cause of soot is clogged gas burner ports.
How do I know if my gas fireplace is safe to use?
Conduct a Gas Fireplace Safety Check Open gas fireplace screens or doors to ensure absence of any foul smells. A rotten egg odor—or similar type smell—is a definite leak indicator. Listen for any hissing or whistling sounds coming from your gas fireplace. Look for any dust, dirt, or other debris at the fireplace base.
Do gas fires need chimney sweeping?
I have a gas fire do I need to have my chimney swept? Yes, although less frequently. Blockages in chimneys connected to gas fires can lead to a build-up of carbon monoxide and other harmful gases. A chimney sweep or your gas service engineer can advise how often your chimney ought to be swept.
Can a gas fireplace cause a chimney fire?
It is fueled by gas and is often mistaken for wood because the fire looks very much like a wood-burning fire and lets out about the same amount of heat. Vented gas logs generate some soot and carbon just like wood-burning fires and can leave deposits in the chimney the same way.
What is the life expectancy of a gas fireplace?
ten to fifteen yearsHow Long Can a Gas Fireplace Last? Generally speaking, you can get a good ten to fifteen years of use before you need to replace your gas fireplace.
Do ventless gas fireplaces need to be cleaned?
Your vent-free gas fireplace must be cleaned and serviced a minimum of once per year. Prior to the burning season, and additional cleaning in the middle of the season is recommended if the appliance is used heavily or it is located in an area of heavy traffic, dust, dirt, or pet hair.
How often do you have to replace gas fireplace logs?
Q: How long do gas logs last? A: In the average home, a well-maintained vented log set with ceramic logs will last 10 or more years. A well-maintained vent-free log set with ceramic logs can also last a long time, but, if heavily used, will begin to wear in 3-5 years.
How long can you run a propane fireplace?
three hoursIn short, you really shouldn't let a gas fireplace on for too long—specifically more than three hours at a time.
What do I need to know about propane fireplace?
Modern ventless fireplace models are strictly regulated by federal agencies and standards groups for safe operation in your home. But the debate about their safety does continue. In fact, Massachusetts and California, as well as Canada and other countries, have outlawed gas and propane ventless fireplaces.
Do you need a carbon monoxide detector for propane fireplace?
Install carbon monoxide detectors on every floor of your house. Although tests show that gas fireplaces do not increase carbon monoxide levels in your home, it's wise to have the detectors if you use any gas appliances at home, including a furnace, a stove or a fireplace.
Are indoor propane fireplaces safe?
Propane Is Safe Propane fireplaces are safe. Unlike a traditional fireplace, propane fireplaces do not have an open flame. A direct vent fireplace has glass protection. This prevents your children from accidental burns.
Why do you choose a gas chimney?
After all, you chose a gas chimney so you that you didn’t need to worry about ash, wood, and creosote. You don’t want to have to worry about other problems either. If you have a gas chimney that is ready for a cleaning or needs a repair made, contact us today.
Can a chimney sweep fix a leak?
This means while your chimney sweep is in cleaning things up, they can spot potential problems early. If you have a leak or a vent that won’t open or close, by catching these potential problems early, the repair for them is often a lot cheaper than if you caught it a few years later.
Do gas fireplaces produce creosote?
While gas fireplaces don’t produce creosote, they do still need annual cleaning. Both propane and natural gas are clean burning gas fuels, so they don’t produce the same byproducts as wood, but they can still produce buildup that needs to be cleaned away.
Do gas chimneys need to be cleaned?
While gas chimneys often don’t need as much cleaning as their wood counterparts, it doesn’t mean they don’t need any cleaning at all. They are just as vulnerable to other chimney problems and it strongly behooves you to have them cleaned and inspected every year.
How to clean a pilot light?
Once you have located your pilot tube, take out your can of compressed air and use it directly down the pilot tube. This will help clear out dirt, dust, and soot that may accumulate inside, making your pilot light unreliable.
How to get soot out of a flue?
Get out your broom and put it up your flue. You should be able to remove a great deal of soot by moving your broom around.
Can you clean a propane fireplace?
However, propane fireplaces still require cleaning from time to time. In particular, it is important to keep the pilot assembly on a propane fireplace clear and clean. A dirty pilot assembly on a propane fireplace will lead to many problems, including reduced efficiency and reliability. Luckily, it is possible to clean your own propane fireplace. The following should give you everything you need to know in order to do it.
Why do you need to maintain a fireplace?
Regular maintenance ensures your fireplace is clear of gunk, so you use less fuel. You’ll save more on your propane bill by burning fuel in a clean fireplace.
Why do you need to tune up your propane fireplace?
Tuneups and cleanings ensure your fireplace will last longer because it’s not straining to function through clogged vents, cracked crowns or mortars, or unwanted moisture build-up. Having your propane provider perform an inspection ensures that the propane gas fireplace is running safely in your home and will have a longer lifespan.
Do you need a regular inspection for a propane fireplace?
Just like a car engine, a fireplace requires annual inspection and maintenance to run smoothly. Regular inspection pinpoints any needed fixes to keep the heating unit up to par. Without a regular inspection, small issues with your propane gas fireplace might go unseen and turn into big problems over time.
Can you clean faux logs in a propane fireplace?
For instance, the faux logs in your propane fireplace are one thing that should be cleaned regularly. Even though they’re fake, they can still deteriorate, and chunks of that debris can get trapped along the sides of your propane fireplace. That build-up can block the ventilation and cause your fireplace to build-up too much heat which stresses the parts exposed to high temperatures.
Is propane quiet in the summer?
Propane companies are quiet in the summer months. Once fall comes, there will be an influx of installs and deliveries that can make arranging a fireplace inspection a pain for your schedule.
Why do you need to Clean a Gas Fireplace?
While we’ve established that gas burning keeps you protected from creosote buildup, you are getting some buildup, and it’s just not produced from the wood.
What to do if you smell gas in your fireplace?
If you smell gas during operation, turn off your fireplace immediately. While you may be able to track down the leak with a spray bottle of soapy water (sprayed on the lines to look for telltale bubbles), a gas leak is nothing to trifle with. It is better to call the gas company right away!
Why do you need to inspect a chimney?
Chimney inspection and cleaning – You’ll have to check your chimney to ensure proper ventilation and identify and remove any debris that might impede or obstruct proper airflow.
How to get dust off a log burner?
With a soft brush or a small broom, we may now begin wiping out dust and debris from the logs as well as from your burner. Pay attention to holes and vents in the latter to ensure that everything gets a good brush-over.
What color should the pilot light be on a fireplace?
It should be completely or almost completely blue, with the possibility of a bit of yellow at the tip. If it is not primarily blue like this, it might be time to clean and/or a service check.
How to get dust off of a hearth?
A soft, clean cloth will get any dust accumulation off of the hearth and the mantle now, and the cloth itself tells you once the job is done. So give these a good wipe down until you don’t see any signs of residual dust and debris, and we are just about done!
Do you have to check the gasket on a gas fireplace?
Cleaning and checking the glass – Aside from cleaning the glass, you may have to check the gasket seals on gas fireplace glass doors to ensure that everything is adequately sealed or determine if the gasket needs to be repaired.
Why does my gas fireplace shut off?
This will result in a fireplace that shuts off intermittently due to interference with the flame-sensing signal. Fortunately, this can often be an easy fix.
Why is my fireplace glass cloudy?
Over time, fireplace glass can accumulate soot or a cloudy film layer. This is due to the combination of combustion and mineral byproducts in the air . While this is normal, it’s not an attractive addition to your focal point fire feature. Fortunately, cleaning glass is an easy maintenance task.
What does a firebox tech check for?
Firebox interior – A fireplace tech will check the inside of your firebox for signs of wear-and-tear like rust or soot buildup.
Can a dirty fireplace cause a chimney to be blocked?
A dirty fireplace not only results in poor performance, but it can also be a safety hazard. If a fireplace has gone for a long period without being used—often the case during the summer months—a chimney can become blocked without the homeowner realizing.
Do you need to clean a gas fireplace?
Yes, your gas fireplace needs to be cleaned regularly. Regular cleaning will help keep your fireplace performing efficiently and safely for years to come. Be sure to clean your fireplace annually for best results.
Can gas logs get dirty?
Burners and gas logs can also become dirty with regular use. Although gas logs are designed to last for many years, they still may break down over time, which can result in some of the chimney issues previously mentioned. Additionally, gas burners may become clogged over time, resulting in poor flame performance.
Should I Have My Fireplace Professionally Cleaned?
Having your fireplace inspected annually by a professional is a great idea. As with any technical process, a trained eye can spot problems early and fix any issues found during the inspection. If you hire a professional, here are some of the key areas of your fireplace they’ll review:
How long do gas logs last?
Gas logs are designed to last for long years, but if they’re not cleaned regularly, their life will be cut short. Plus, if they’re too dirty, they may not burn properly, affecting the fireplace’s efficiency.
What happens if you block a chimney?
A blocked chimney leads to poor ventilation, which in turn may lead to the production of dangerous fumes, such as carbon monoxide. The consequences of having carbon monoxide in a house are disastrous because it’s highly toxic and odorless, so you may not know it’s even there.
Is it easy to clean a gas fireplace?
As beautiful as wood fireplaces are, they’re not exactly easy to clean. They leave a lot of ash behind, making a huge mess that you need to clean constantly. Gas fireplaces aren’t as aesthetic as wood ones, but they’re much easier to maintain and clean. I’d go without the comforting crackling sound if it means I don’t have to clean wood ash!
Do gas fireplaces need a gas inspection?
Other than the occasional cleaning to prevent the accumulation of buildup, gas fireplaces need an annual gas inspection to make sure everything is operating safely and along with the manufacturer’s guidelines.
Can you leave a fireplace dirty?
Leaving your fireplace dirty won’t only affect its performance, but it may also lead to some safety issues. For example, the chimney may get blocked without you realizing it, especially when you’d left it in the summer months without operating it.
Can you use window cleaner on fireplace glass?
Avoid using any window glass cleaner you find in your house. Instead, grab a fireplace glass cleaner, so it’ll keep the glass shiny and safe.
Do you have to take off the fireplace before starting?
The parts you need to take off the fireplace before you start depend on the design of your fireplace. Yours may have a mesh curtain, a glass door, or a metal screen. In all cases, remove them for easier access.
How Often Should You Clean a Gas Fireplace?
According to Alex Varela, general manager of Dallas Maids, it's a good idea to clean a gas fireplace about once a month, followed by a once-annual professional cleaning and inspection. If you use your fireplace frequently, such as in the winter months, you may need to clean it every week or every other week.
Things You'll Need
Always begin with a cool fireplace. Before you begin cleaning a gas fireplace, make sure you turn off the gas valve (usually located next to the fireplace). It's also important to make sure the pilot light is out before you get started.
How to Keep a Gas Fireplace Cleaner, Longer
Monthly maintenance is the best way to ensure your gas fireplace is both clean and functional for the long haul. If you use your fireplace routinely, then Varela says it may be a good idea to vacuum it every week or so.
How Often do Gas Fireplaces Need to be Cleaned?
Like wood-burning fireplaces, gas fireplaces should be inspected and cleaned at least once a year. Gas fireplaces can have a series of mechanical issues, along with a buildup of soot in the firebox or chimney. It’s usually a good idea to get your chimney inspected and cleaned during this time as well.
How Much Does It Cost to Clean a Gas Fireplace?
Cleaning a gas fireplace yourself normally won’t cost anything since you’ll likely have some cleaning materials already on hand. However, if you choose to have your gas fireplace professionally cleaned, it will cost an average of $100 and a typical maximum of $200. This is excluding any possible replacement parts.
12 Steps to Clean a Gas Fireplace
If you have a gas fireplace and are looking to clean it yourself, there are some important guidelines to keep in mind before you begin.
How do you know if you need to maintain a propane fireplace?
Here are 6 signs that propane fireplace maintenance is needed and what you can do to about each: 1. Pilot Light Problems Indicate a Need for Propane Fireplace Maintenance. As is the case with a gas furnace. propane fireplaces have a built-in pilot light as well. Your gas fireplace manufacturer should have left you with instructions on how ...
How do you know if you need propane fireplace maintenance?
Another one of the most common signs that propane fireplace maintenance help is needed is a fireplace that switches on and off unexpectedly. This issue requires the help of a professional technician.
What is a propane fireplace made of?
Your propane fireplace is made up of gas and valve connections where dangerous leaks can occur. The thermopile and thermocouple should be cleaned regularly and so should the ceramic logs that come with the fireplace. The logs should also be carefully placed within the fireplace to allow full functionality.
Why does my fireplace smell like rotten eggs?
If you ever smell something like rotten eggs emitting from your fireplace, this is a sure sign that maintenance is a must. This smell is indicative of a gas leak and a gas leak can be very dangerous.
Why does my fireplace make a roaring noise?
If your fireplace makes roaring or rumbling noises, it could be due to dirty burners. Shrieking noises are usually the result of a problem with the blower. A blower replacement might be necessary for this situation.
What to do when your fireplace is not working?
The best thing to do is to turn off your fireplace and call a professional for assistance so you don’t put yourself or anyone in your household at risk of injury.
Why is there soot on my fireplace?
Too much soot can also be the result of a dirty chimney.
