The addition of a gas fireplace in your home is a beautiful and efficient way to add warmth and ambiance all year round—especially in those cold winter months. While gas fireplaces require less maintenance than their wood-burning counterparts, they are not maintenance-free.
If you have a gas fireplace in Denver, spring is the perfect time to make sure it is in good working order and perform any maintenance needed to shut it off for the summer and have it ready for the fall. If you fancy yourself a DIY whiz, here are a few tips for simple gas fireplace maintenance.
Safety First
Always make sure the gas valve is turned off before cleaning or performing any type of maintenance on your gas fireplace.
Ventilation and Circulation
If your gas fireplace or insert comes with a fan or you’ve installed one yourself, make sure it is working properly. The purpose of a fan is to circulate heat around your home and increase the efficiency of your gas fireplace. When the fan is not working, you are not getting the most out of your fireplace.
Check to make sure your ventilation system is in tip-top shape. This is one of the most important steps as any blockage can pose a serious hazard. Remove or clean anything that may be clogging the ventilation immediately.
Clean it Up
Clean your fireplace’s viewing window. You’ll need to use a special glass cleaner made for gas fireplaces so check to see what the manufacturer recommends. These cleaners can typically be found at any home improvement store or purchased from your fireplace dealer.
Be sure your artificial logs are in good repair. It is a good idea to give them a quick check every month or so. Removing the logs and giving them a scrub with a soft-bristle brush at least once a year will keep them looking new and give you an opportunity to look closely for any cracks or breaks. Don’t cut corners! Using the recommended cleaners and brushes is important so you don’t damage your unit or void any warranties.
Shut it Down
Turn off the pilot light. It is safe to turn off the pilot light during the spring and summer months when you won’t be using your gas fireplace or insert. Just be sure to have the manual on hand to be sure you are doing it properly.
Call in the Pros
Annual maintenance is very important. Give yourself a huge pat on the back for keeping up with the general maintenance, but hand the reins to a licensed gas technician when it comes to giving your fireplace the annual once over. There are so many things that an untrained eye can overlook, but a professional can make sure that your gas fireplace is safe for your home and for your family. Dishing out a little cash now can save you big headaches and a sizeable investment down the road.