If you heat your home with a gas fireplace and it stops working in the middle of an extreme cold spell, you could have an emergency on hand. Don’t risk a sudden fireplace problem when you need the heat most. Follow these gas fireplace maintenance tips to prevent emergencies. We’ll also discuss when to call the experts.
1. Remove Build-Up
A gas fireplace should not produce soot, but it will have other kinds of build-up, including:
- Dust
- Dirt
- Dead bugs
- Ceramic log pieces
These sources of build-up can reduce the efficiency and safety of your fireplace and eventually cause it to stop working altogether. A yearly clean-up from a professional is wise, but you can also do some of the cleaning work yourself. We don’t suggest you clean internal parts (though a professional should clean them to keep them running).
What if your gas fireplace seems to have a soot build-up? This is a serious problem that needs a professional’s attention to fix.
2. Check for Vent Obstructions
Clogs in a gas fireplace’s ventilation can cause it to stop working. Or, the clog could redirect gas into your home, which is a serious problem and health hazard.
In order to ensure your fireplace will work all winter, you should check the exhaust for obstructions, such as animals and animal nests, leaves and other debris. Any obstructions should be cleaned immediately to prevent a fire or full blockage. Once the blockage is serious, your fireplace needs a professional’s attention.
When to Call the Experts
Sometimes, you can clean up minor gas fireplace winter maintenance issues on your own. However, to prevent serious issues it is best to have the experts maintain your gas fireplace yearly. They have the knowledge and equipment to more completely care for your fireplace.
At RB Heating, we follow a 22-point gas fireplace maintenance checklist to ensure your fireplace is ready for the demands of winter. This includes an inspection and cleaning of every fireplace part, including the pilot light and other sensitive parts, such as the thermopile.
During our inspection, we will also make sure your fireplace is looking good on the outside. We’ll clean and even replace the gas logs if they show signs of damage.
Also, there are some winter gas fireplace problems you should never try to tackle on your own because they are too dangerous. These include:
- Suspected gas leaks
- Suspected mechanical failure/broken parts
- Suspected valve or connection problems
- Major ventilation blockages
Need More Gas Fireplace Maintenance Tips?
If you’re not sure if you need expert help, reach out to us. For all of your heating and cooling needs, contact RB Heating.
