Gas fireplaces are great additions to any home; they look
great and are more efficient than wood fireplaces; however they require regular
maintenance. Gas fireplaces can be dangerous; therefore it is very important to
take the maintenance seriously. This article will take a look at 10 tips for
gas fireplace maintenance that will help keep you safe and your fireplace
working efficiently. If you think there is any kind of problem with the gas
fireplace have a professional take a look at it, ignoring problems can be
dangerous and deadly.
1. Safety first
When attempting any maintenance or cleaning you should make
sure the gas valve is turned off; if the valve is not turned off there is
potential for injury or death.
2. Get the unit inspected
When dealing with a gas fireplace you do not want to take
chances, if anything seems off about the unit you should call in a licensed gas
technician to be on the safe side.
3. Does your gas fireplace have a working fan?
Not all gas fireplaces require the use of a fan; however
some people install fans to spread the heat out throughout the room. If you
happen to have a fan make sure to check if it is working properly, if it is not
you are not getting the full benefit of the fireplace.
4. Ventilation system
The ventilation system is one of the most important things
to check while doing routine maintenance on a gas fireplace. If there is any
clogging or anything preventing the ventilation system from working properly it
needs to be fixed immediately. If there is something clogging the ventilation
system you could have a very unsafe fireplace that could cause injury or death.
5. Clean the glass on the door
About every 1-2 months you should clean the glass door to
make sure there is no nasty build up or irregularities. Make sure to use a
cleaner that the manufacturer deems safe for the gas fireplace. Most hardware
stores and large home improvement stores sell special glass cleaner for gas
fireplaces and can be found near the fireplace accessories.
6. Do you need to take the door off to clean it?
When cleaning the glass on the gas fireplace door you have
two options, you can leave the door attached to the unit or remove it and clean
it on a soft surface. If the gas fireplace is turned off and you feel
comfortable cleaning it while still attached then you can clean it this way to
save time and aggravation.
7. Have you checked the fake logs lately?
The logs that are used in gas fireplaces can become dirty
and can even break on occasion. Make sure to inspect the logs on a monthly
basis or at the first sign of unusual behavior; skipping this step could cause
malfunction and possibly injury. When cleaning the fake logs make sure to use a
soft bristle log cleaning brush, which can be picked up at most hardware
stores.
8. Don't skip annual maintenance
Although annual maintenance for gas fireplaces is very
expensive since it requires a licensed gas technician it is a good idea to not
skip maintenance. If there is a leak or build up in the ventilation system you
could be out a lot more money than the maintenance cost in damages. Many gas
fireplace owners skip this step to save a few dollars; however skipping this
step can cause malfunction and even injury.
9. Use recommended cleaners for cleaning logs, glass,
and interior
I worked for a local hardware store for multiple years as a
student job and know the prices of cleaners for gas fireplaces, some can be
very high. Although the cleaners may be expensive you should not try your own
solution unless it is recommended by the manufacturer; you could be voiding
your warranty and damaging the unit. Do not cut corners!
10. The pilot light
The pilot light can be turned off during the spring and
summer when the stove is not in use; it can also be easily turned back on
during the months that the stove is in use. Always read the instruction manual
before tampering with the pilot light.
Sources: http://voices.yahoo.com/10-tips-maintaining-gas-fireplace-4115875.html?cat=6
by Josh Mason
by Josh Mason
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