How much maintenance does a gas fireplace need?
What Will a Fireplace Service Do?
- Inspect the exterior. Make sure the unit is properly mounted and there are no gaps or cracks in the fireplace framework.
- Check the glass for cracks. ...
- Inspect the logs. ...
- Check the gas ignition. ...
- Vacuum the interior. ...
- Check carbon monoxide detectors. ...
- Inspect the chimney. ...
How to clean your gas fireplace in under an hour?
Part 2 of 3: Cleaning the Logs Download Article
- Scrub the logs. Once the logs are moved out of the fireplace, use a brush to remove the soot. ...
- Wipe the logs with a rag. To remove soot still clinging to the logs, use a dry, soft rag. ...
- Clean the logs with a damp rag. If necessary, some logs can be treated with a small amount of water.
- Vacuum up the soot. ...
Is an electric fireplace better than a gas fireplace?
Gas fireplaces are 70% to 90% efficient due to heat lost through venting while electric fireplaces are 100% efficient. if your primary concern is cost and energy efficiency, an electric fireplace is undoubtedly a better option. Gas fireplaces become hot very quickly.
Is a gas fireplace worth it?
This article will help you decide if a gas fireplace is worth it for your needs! In many cases, a gas fireplace can be considered an upgrade from a standard wood-burning fire. In fact, the input of energy for these appliances is often much lower than other types of fires and they are extremely efficient when it comes to how long their fuel source will last while producing heat.
How often should your gas fireplace be serviced?
once a yearIf 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.
Does a gas fireplace need to be cleaned out?
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.
How much should it cost to Clean a fireplace?
According to more than 16,000 nationwide homeowners, the average chimney sweep cost is $252. The typical chimney cleaning cost is between $129 and $377. Wood fireplaces that receive regular maintenance price $85 to $100 per cleaning.
How often should you have a gas fireplace chimney cleaned?
annuallyInspections of a gas fireplace don't take long to conduct and won't break the bank. Your chimney should be cleaned annually, as well, to clear away any debris and nesting materials from animals.
What is the lifespan of a gas fireplace?
How 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.
How do you clean the inside of a gas fireplace?
1:232:45How to Clean a Gas Fireplace - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSometimes you'll find you'll need a screwdriver to remove the logs. I blow the dust off the logsMoreSometimes you'll find you'll need a screwdriver to remove the logs. I blow the dust off the logs with canned air and vacuum out the firebox.
How do I get the soot smell out of my fireplace?
Mix equal parts water and vinegar in a spray bottle and spritz the fireplace area to deodorize at the source. Spray a towel with vinegar and wave it around the room to absorb the fireplace odor. You can also use this tip to eliminate cigarette smell in your home.
Can I clean my chimney myself?
In many cases, you can clean the chimney yourself and save a few hundred dollars. Removing ordinary chimney soot is pretty simple. But if you have heavy creosote buildup, you'll have to call in a pro.
How do I clean my fireplace?
Turn off the valve. Make sure the gas is off.Remove debris. Vacuum or sweep the fireplace area to remove dirt, dust or any chips from glass you find.Wipe down logs. ... Clean firebox screens and doors. ... Replace logs.
Should you chimney sweep gas fireplace?
Do You Need to Sweep a Gas Fire Chimney? It is essential to have your gas-fire chimney swept and inspected once per year, typically in spring or summer. This cleaning and inspection will remove buildup and blockages, as well as ensure your chimney and fireplace are functioning as intended.
Do gas fireplaces cost a lot to run?
A standard 20,000 BTU gas fireplace will use about 20 cubic feet of natural gas per hour. Given that price of natural gas is about $1.09 per 100 cubic feet, running a standard-sized gas fireplace will cost about $0.22/hour at 100% heating output. In short: Gas fireplaces are quite inexpensive to run.
Do gas fireplaces give off carbon monoxide?
Yes, gas fireplaces are one potential cause of carbon monoxide poisoning. While there are many potential sources of such exposure, including certain appliances and devices, motor vehicles and wood stoves, gas fireplaces are a common culprit.
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 much does a gas fireplace cost?
Including materials and installation, a gas fireplace can cost from $2,000 to $4,500 and up. So be sure to protect your investment by getting your gas fireplace serviced regularly.
How long does it take to service a gas fireplace?
Here are the steps necessary to service a gas fireplace. If you choose the DIY route, leave yourself about an hour to complete the job. Inspect the exterior. Make sure the unit is properly mounted and there are no gaps or cracks in the fireplace framework.
What are the signs of a gas fireplace?
With gas fireplaces, the biggest threat to the chimney is condensation. Damp patches on the walls, ceiling stains and white blotches on exterior masonry ( called efflorescence) are all signs of a compromised chimney. If you haven’t called in the pros yet, it’s time to make the call.
How to clean cracked glass in fireplace?
Check the glass for cracks. Clean the glass with vinegar in a spray bottle, fireplace glass cleaner or another non-ammonia cleaning product. Wipe down the door trim and inspect for loose glass panes or cracked glass that can draw in air from your home.
Do gas fireplaces need to be cleaned?
Even clean-burning gas fireplaces need regular cleaning and inspection. Learn what's involved in a gas fireplace service and when it should be done. According to industry magazine Hearth & Home, sales of gas fireplaces far outpace those of traditional wood-burning fireplaces.
Do you need a carbon monoxide monitor for a gas fireplace?
If you don’t have a carbon monoxide monitor installed near your fireplace, add one. Inspect the chimney. You don’t need a Mary Poppins-style chimney sweep for a gas fireplace, but you do need to inspect the external chimney structure and the interior walls in front of and around the chimney. With gas fireplaces, the biggest threat to ...
How to compare gas fireplace to electric heat?
To compare the cost of operating a gas fireplace to the cost of electric heat, you must first determine how much electricity costs per therm so that you can compare the two appliances directly. The cost of electricity is typically given in kilowatt hours, and one kilowatt hour is equivalent to 3,413 BTUs. To convert the cost of electricity to therms, multiply the kilowatt-hour cost of electricity by 100,000, then divide the result by 3,413.
What is the difference between a gas fireplace and a gas furnace?
The differences lie in the heat output and efficiency of the appliances. Gas furnaces typically consume much more fuel and produce much more heat than a gas fireplace , but they are also usually significantly more efficient, so more of their energy consumption is converted to usable heat.
What is a BTU on a gas fireplace?
One BTU is the amount of energy required to raise the temperature of one pound of water by 1 degree Fahrenheit.
Is a forced air central furnace better than a gas fireplace?
Therefore, although the per-hour cost of operating a gas furnace will be higher than the cost of operating a gas fireplace, a forced-air central furnace will be better able to efficiently heat a larger space. Advertisement.