Does My Gas Fireplace Need to be Serviced?
When I tell people I work for a chimney sweeping company, I’m often met with quizzical looks that are followed by a slew of questions. I get it – fireplaces and chimneys are things that most homeowners don’t think about until there’s a problem. Homeowners with gas fireplaces tend to be even less aware of maintenance issues because gas fireplaces are contained behind glass, there is no ashy mess and they start with the flip of a switch.
Why is it important to Service my gas Fireplace?
Gas fireplaces are just as important to service as their wood-burning counterparts and here’s
why:
- It’s gas! It needs to be vented properly in order to keep the air you breathe clean and safe for your family. It should also have a carbon monoxide detector near the unit, so you know if something isn’t quite right as soon as possible. A certified professional will be able to check this for you and write a detailed inspection report.
- Despite burning cleaner, they still get dirty! Have you ever noticed that the first time you turn it on in the fall, it smells like burning dust? That’s because dust can collect in there, just as it does in other parts of the home. And even though gas does burn pretty darn clean, particulates are still given off and floating around in the unit, often sticking to the glass. They also like to stick to the side of the venting pipe and make the cap not “breathe” as well. I’ve had lots of customers call us because they have black marks on the side of their house where the vent pipe terminates. Once again, a trained professional can spruce up your fireplace and have it shining bright in no time.
- Regular maintenance will extend the life of your fireplace! Think about it this way: If you have a car, you likely get the oil changed regularly. You do this to keep your car running smoothly and keep the engine from seizing. Spending the money on that regular maintenance keeps you from having to spend thousands of dollars on a new car, or at the very least a new engine. Gas fireplaces aren’t really that different. It’s always better to be proactive with regular maintenance that to be reactive with extensive repairs.
Now for the fine print…
- While we can do maintenance work on your gas fireplace, any work with the gas line is a different ball of wax. We feel like it’s best for us to stick to what we know, and let the gas plumbers work with your gas lines. They are qualified and trained for plumbing work, so they are the best people to work on the gas line.
- If you smell gas and feel it isn’t safe to be in your home, LEAVE! Call the gas company immediately. There may be a bigger issue than with your fireplace and we certainly want you to be as safe as possible.
- Always make sure that any fireplace contractor is certified and insured.
