Like every home appliance, regular fireplace maintenance is important for your gas fireplace to work well. Skipping regular servicing can lead to malfunctions, gas leaks, and costly repairs. Since gas fireplaces are complex, it’s best to let the professionals handle the servicing.
How Often Should Gas Fireplaces Be Serviced?
Beyond a warm ambiance, gas fireplaces have proven to be a worthy investment. They can give you 10 to 15 years of solid usage, particularly for homeowners who are diligent in gas fireplace maintenance. Regular maintenance helps ensure safety and optimal performance while extending the lifespan of your fireplace.
Ideally, you should service your gas fireplace at least once a year. Unlike the traditional wood fireplace that requires frequent heavy cleaning, the basic maintenance standard for gas fireplace is a yearly routine.
When it comes to the age-old gas versus wood fireplace argument, one of the primary benefits of a gas fireplace over a wood-burning fireplace is the reduced cleaning requirements.
If you use your gas fireplace heavily, consider scheduling a service appointment at the beginning and end of the heating season. This ensures peak performance and addresses any wear and tear that may have occurred during heavy usage. If you use your gas fireplace occasionally, it may only need servicing every few years.
Service professionals are trained to recognize subtle signs of problems, such as unusual flame patterns, faint gas odors, or subtle changes in airflow, that homeowners miss. If you work with them and schedule regular fireplace inspections, you can help prolong the staying power of your gas fireplace.
Do I Need to Service and Clean My Gas Fireplace Annually?
No matter what your gas fireplace is made of, regular maintenance is needed.
If you bought your vent-free fireplace within the past decade, it will have an oxygen depletion sensor that monitors the structure’s performance. This sensor occasionally needs cleaning to prevent it from becoming overactive and raising false alarms. Using a proper fireplace glass cleaner is also crucial to maintaining the safety and performance of your gas fireplace.
An annual inspection and maintenance can help resolve many potential fireplace issues.
For most manufacturers, annual cleaning is a requirement to use the warranty cover. This is another reason why it’s essential to keep up with maintenance.
Common Problems Professionals Find During a Service Appointment
Modern fireplace problems often start small and go unnoticed until they become costly or hazardous. While your appliance may appear to be in good working condition, something might be wrong inside.
Thankfully, a fireplace repair professional will have the tools and expertise to catch issues you cannot observe. Here’s a range of subtle fireplace issues a specialist may find during a routine check:
- Ignition problems
- Faulty wiring
- Ventilation problems
- Gas leaks
- Carbon monoxide leaks
- Wear and tear
Let’s dive into these issues in more detail.
Ignition Problems
Ordinarily, most ignition faults are easily noticed. However, some are subtle.
For example, a failing thermocouple could allow your pilot light to light up intermittently but extinguish unexpectedly or fail to relight.
Faulty Wiring
If rodents are inside your gas fireplace, they can chew on the wiring system connections. A faulty wiring, in turn, can lead to gas leaks and disrupt the flame pattern.
Trained fireplace professionals will raise the alarm if they notice damage on any fireplace wires.
Ventilation Problems
Your gas fireplace’s vent helps aerate the fireplace and expel carbon monoxide. If there is a vent problem causing a blockage, carbon monoxide can be trapped within the vent pipe. This can result in a buildup of gas in the fireplace.
An expert’s troubleshooting during routine maintenance will expose any ventilation issues.
Gas Leaks
Gas slippages can sometimes be difficult to detect by smell. That is why a proper servicing routine includes pressure tests using gas leak detectors that are more sensitive than the human nose.
Regardless of whether or not you’re picking a smell, you can rely on a fireplace professional to spot gas leak issues.
Carbon Monoxide Leaks
A household carbon monoxide detector can quickly alert you to any leaks. A professional can take it from there by pinpointing the leak’s source and sealing it. It is important to replace carbon monoxide detectors every five years to ensure they function correctly.
Wear and Tear
Like every other household appliance, the fireplace will wear out with use. Your fireplace professional will look for general wear and tear and recommend a replacement, if needed. Additionally, regularly checking and cleaning gas logs is crucial to ensure optimal performance and prevent issues like carbon monoxide buildup.
Regular gas fireplace maintenance enhances safety, efficiency, and longevity, though specific needs may vary by type and model. A fireplace professional can inspect and fix any issues that they find. They can also help you determine why your pilot light won’t stay lit.
How Do I Know if My Gas Fireplace Needs Cleaning?
Cleaning fixes dust buildup and clogged burners. If you notice cracked glass, damaged logs, or excessive soot inside the venting system, those are bigger problems requiring repairs.
Some cleaning issues may stem from underlying damage, so knowing your fireplace model can be helpful.
For example, sooty debris is a common sign of cleaning needs, but it means something entirely different when it occurs in a vent-free gas fireplace. Sooty debris on the logs or glass of your vent-free fireplace indicates that your appliance has shifted from its original clean-burning design and points to potential damage in your fireplace.
Ultimately, the best thing to do if you notice your gas fireplace malfunctioning is to turn it off and contact a professional.
Other cases of potential damage to a fireplace include:
- Abnormal flame
- Difficulty starting
- Rotten egg smell
- Damaged logs
- Pilot light issues
- Cracked glass
Abnormal Flame
Healthy gas flames should be blue with a slight yellow tip. Flickering or yellow flames may indicate a problem with the gas supply or burner.
Difficulty Starting
The ignition of your fireplace determines how quickly you will enjoy its warmth. If your fireplace is difficult to start or the pilot light frequently goes out, it may need a simple cleaning or repair.
Rotten Egg Smell
Any smell like rotten eggs coming from your house can be a warning sign, indicating a major gas leak. Evacuate your home at the first hint of a rotten egg smell, and call 911.
Damaged Logs
Although built to last, gas logs can be damaged with regular use. Broken or deteriorating logs affect flame distribution and efficiency.
Pilot Light Issues
Pilot lights suddenly refusing to stay lit is a common problem. It’s best to seek help from a professional for pilot light issues.
Cracked Glass
Cracks in the glass door require immediate replacement to prevent gas leaks and ensure safety. This is also best left to a professional.
Why Does My Gas Fireplace Smell Like Burning Plastic?
Burning plastic smell is a familiar concern among new gas fireplace owners. It can be caused by residue from manufacturing materials, such as paint, lubricants, and packing materials.
The smell usually disappears after a few hours of operation. If your fireplace is newly installed, open a window to ventilate the area.
However, if the smell is still there after several hours of use or is accompanied by other signs of malfunction, it points to a more serious issue, like a problem with the gas line or wiring. It is better to contact a fireplace technician at this point.
Turn to the Pros for Your Gas Fireplace Woes
Annual servicing of a fireplace can often keep unexpected problems in check. However, if you notice something odd before the slated service date, do not try to fix it yourself. Instead, contact a professional.
Ensure you work with a professional fireplace repair company for reliable gas fireplace maintenance and repair.
Capitol Chimney Is An Expert on Gas Fireplaces
If you’re having issues with your gas fireplace, it’s best to call in a professional. A fireplace repair professional can assess the issue and make any needed repairs. At Capitol Chimney, we can assure you that your gas fireplace will be well taken care of.
