Does your gas fireplace need an annual inspection?
While it is true that gas fireplaces are both efficient and low maintenance, it’s a known fact that ANY appliance can become a nuisance if neglected. That is why you need an annual inspection of your gas fireplace. By cleaning your fireplace and chimney, you can put your mind at ease when you start your unit this season.
How often should you have your gas fireplace cleaned?
Even if you opt to clean the fireplace yourself, it’s still a requirement to have an inspection—yearly, at the very least. Inspections 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.
How often should you inspect your masonry fireplace logs?
Remember: If you have a masonry fireplace with a gas log set insert, inspect the logs with every annual inspection. What Happens During an Inspection? During an inspection, the technician will first take a look at the exterior. This includes making sure glass is not chipped, cracked, or dirty, and that the framework is holding up sufficiently.
When is it time to replace your gas fireplace chimney?
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 often should I service gas fireplace?
Knowing when to get your gas fireplace serviced depends on how much you use your unit. If you find yourself lighting a fire often throughout the cold season, consider servicing your unit once a year. If you rarely use your fireplace, you may be able to service it once every 2 years.
Does a gas fireplace need to be checked?
Your gas fireplace must be regularly inspected, serviced, and repaired as needed in order to maintain safety, efficiency, and even convenience. As the fireplace or log set stops working properly, your ignition, remote, and burners can malfunction.
How much does it cost to maintain a gas fireplace?
A Gas fireplace might cost anywhere from $556 - $1,112* per year when being used for supplemental heating with natural gas. A Freestanding Gas Stove might cost anywhere from $1,016 - $2,031* per year when being used as a zone heaters with natural gas.
How often should gas fireplace chimneys be 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 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.
What is the lifespan 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.
Is it OK to run gas fireplace all day?
You can run a vented gas fireplace all day with little concern for anything other than gas usage.
Is it OK to leave pilot light on gas fireplace?
We recommend that you turn off your gas fireplace pilot light seasonally. Turning off your gas fireplace's pilot light can save a substantial amount of energy and money. It is important to remember that not all gas fireplaces have “standing” pilot light, or, a pilot light that is “always on”.
Is it cheaper to run gas fireplace or electric heat?
Gas fireplaces are inexpensive to run and provide a significant amount of warmth, which can greatly reduce your heating costs. Electric fireplaces are cheaper in cost and installation compared to their gas-burning counterparts.
Do I need to clean my chimney if I have a gas fireplace?
Since gas fireplaces don't produce smoke, soot, or ashes, they do not need to be cleaned as often as wood-burning fireplaces, but they still require maintenance. As a rule of thumb, gas fireplace chimneys should be cleaned once a year.
Should gas fireplace chimney 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.
Can gas logs cause a chimney fire?
If you've been told by an inspector, contractor or chimney sweep that your chimney isn't safe to burn wood, do not use it for a gas fire. Your gas logs will produce heat and exhaust. If your chimney is not properly insulated or sealed, you could light your house on fire.
Is running a gas fireplace expensive?
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.
How much does a gas fire cost to run?
Typically, with gas fires it only costs around 5 pence per KW to run – when compared to electric which typically costs around 15p per KW and bioethanol which can cost up to 90p per KW, this is by far the most efficient.
Does a gas fire use a lot of gas?
An average 40,000BTU gas fireplace on full heat will use approximately 10 Therms of energy per day. Depending on the age of a gas fireplace and its maximum heat output, a gas fireplace can use a relatively large amounts of gas if used at max settings for a number of hours per day.
How much does it cost to run a gas fireplace pilot light?
The average fuel consumption of your standing Pilot light is: Natural gas is $0.60 a day = $219 a year. Liquid Propane is $1.80 a day = $657 a year. Sophisticated fireplace manufactures like Travis Industries have developed Intermittent pilot light systems.
Why do you need an annual inspection for a gas fireplace?
It seems obvious to most people that the chimney of a wood-burning fireplace is going to need annual cleaning because of the buildup of soot and creosote. A gas fireplace, on the other hand, burns nice and neat.
Why is it important for a chimney to work properly?
It’s essential that the chimney work properly, in order to prevent dangerous fumes from entering your home.
Why does my chimney break off?
If the exterior chimney has a cracked crown or if the mortar joints are in poor condition, moisture can enter the chimney system and cause the flue tiles to break off and fall into the hearth.
How long does it take for a gas door to cool?
In addition, it takes about 45 minutes for the glass doors to cool enough to touch after the gas fire is out. Children should be informed about the danger, and a screen with childproof barriers should be installed if there are small children in the house.
Can a gas fireplace leak?
One thing you don’t ever want to take for granted year after year is that the equipment in a gas fireplace is operating the way it should. Over time, valves and connections could develop leaks. Thermopile and thermocouple could be worn and/or need cleaning. The ceramic logs should be checked to ensure they are properly placed and in working condition.
Can birds get into a fireplace?
Animals, such as birds, can get into your chimney and build a nest which blocks proper ventilation for your gas fireplace. Animals, such as birds, can get into your chimney and build a nest which blocks proper ventilation for your gas fireplace.
Can gas fireplaces cause fires?
Any type of open combustion system has the potential to cause house fires. Gas fireplaces should be treated with the same level of awareness and respect as wood-burning fireplaces, including being cleaned and inspected annually.
Dangers Of Not Inspecting Your Gas Fireplace
You could endanger your life and the people around you if you neglect inspection of your chimney and fireplace.
How To Inspect Gas Fireplaces
The information above has shown some reasons for gas fireplace inspection and the dangers of negligence. This section is going to show you how to carry out the job alongside the inspectors.
Best Time For Inspecting Gas Fireplace
There is no fixed date to carry out the inspection. You decide to make, whether annually or quarterly. However, it’s best to do that in the late summer or during the early winter before lighting the first fire.
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.
Why Get a Gas Fireplace Serviced?
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.
What Does Fireplace Servicing Cost?
Expect to spend between $100 and $200, although in some areas it may be much higher. If you do a DIY fireplace servicing, the cost is minimal, especially if no parts need to be replaced.
What to do if you don't have a carbon monoxide detector?
Dust bunnies, dead bugs, pet hair — all can accumulate in your gas fireplace, so this is the time to vacuum them out. Check carbon monoxide detectors. A routine fireplace service should also ensure the carbon monoxide monitors work. If you don’t have a carbon monoxide monitor installed near your fireplace, add one. Inspect the chimney.
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 to check if gas leaks?
Check the gas ignition. Test-fire the interior gas ignition under the logs and make sure it lights correctly. Turn off the gas, then clean all the valves and ports under and amid the logs by gently rubbing them with a wad of steel wool or a sheet of fine-grit sandpaper. Check for gas leaks. Smell is an obvious giveaway, but to be sure, brush some water mixed with dish soap over the lines, valves and ports and watch for bubbles — the telltale sign of a leak.
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.
What to do if your fireplace is gas?
Hire a professional fireplace inspector who is certified to perform your annual safety check . The technician will clean your fireplace, which if it’s gas, should consist of some type of ceramic log that mimics the shape and look of real wood.
Why is it important to maintain a gas fireplace?
Maintaining a fireplace is as important as maintaining anything else in your home , and by knowing what needs to be checked, cleaned, and inspected, you can prolong the lifespan of your gas fireplace while prioritizing safety.
Why is my chimney not working?
According to the Chimney Safety Institute of America, a few issues like incomplete combustion and condensation are the leading cause of chimney and fireplace malfunctions. For an incomplete combustion to occur, the chimney is too cool to create a draft, and this fails to provide a substantial combustion air.
What are the stains on the outside of a gas fireplace?
For your gas fireplace, keep an eye out for damp patches on the surrounding walls (interior or exterior), white stains on the outside brick of the chimney, crumbling bricks, cracked paint, separated and peeling wallpaper, stains near the chimney or on the ceiling above it, and eroding mortar joints.
Why should children not play near a gas fireplace?
Children playing near a gas fireplace should be educated on keeping away from contacting these glass protectant screens because if touched, the heat can cause serious injuries and burns.
Is there soot in a gas fireplace?
While there are a handful of devout wood fireplace lovers, the rest of us are attracted to the low maintenance of its cousin fireplace—gas. Unlike wood, there’s no ash left behind from a nightlong fire, no soot, debris, or half burnt chunks of wood. For the fireplace owner, this means less day-to-day clean up.
Do wood fireplaces have more maintenance?
Wood fireplaces are known to have more maintenance, but many people don’t want to part ways with their beloved wood-burning fireplace because of its authenticity, nostalgic smell and the unbeatable sound of wood crackling. That hasn’t stopped the sale of gas fireplaces, however, and nowadays, gas fireplace sales are soaring.
Why is it important to inspect the top of a chimney?
It’s also important to inspect the top of the chimney from the outside to ensure the cap is in good shape and that birds or rodents haven’t built nests that would obstruct the flue or pose a fire risk.
What is a good inspection?
A good inspection includes several things in addition to inspecting the fire-box for damaged or missing motor, checking the damper for proper operation and surveying the inside of the chimney for dangerous creosote buildup.
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.
