Environmental Chimney Sweep Inc.

Why Your Gas Fireplace Needs Regular Inspection Too


If you have a gas fireplace, one of the considerations for purchase was more than likely the low maintenance factor. Compared to a wood burning fireplace, there is hardly the daily and yearly maintenance required. However, like wood burning fireplaces, gas fireplaces should be inspected on a yearly basis.

Be sure to have your gas burning fireplace regularly maintained

Just like a wood burning fireplace, your gas fireplace can have a buildup, even if it is a ventless fireplace. Even though the logs inside are ceramic, they can create debris on the bottom of the fireplace as well as clog any vents. These are just a couple of areas of concern for owners of gas fireplaces.

Depending upon the service requested, your inspection may vary from a simple test of all working parts and connections to a complete cleaning and refinishing (if necessary) of your fireplace. So, what are some of the basics you can expect from your gas fireplace inspection?

  • All hearth equipment should be checked for proper working condition.
  • Connections and valves should be checked for leaks and proper working condition.
  • Thermocouple and thermopile is checked for cleanliness and wear.
  • Glass should be cleaned, both inside and out.
  • Logs will be checked for placement and proper working condition.
  • If necessary, embers will be replaced.
  • Entire inside of the fireplace should be cleaned and ready for use.

Some additional safety facts unrelated to the fireplace inspection but very important are:

  • It generally takes about 45 minutes for a gas fire to cool to the point the doors and glass are cool enough to touch. This is especially important for homes with small children, as they may be curious about the fireplace and want to examine it.
  • Glass on a gas fireplace door can reach temperatures as high as 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • If young children are around, create some type of barrier around the fireplace to prevent them from having access. You can find fireplace screens and childproof barriers at most home improvement stores.
By on December 18th, 2012 | Tagged with: Tags: , | Comments Off on Why Your Gas Fireplace Needs Regular Inspection Too


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