Important Tips for Maintaining Gas Fireplace - Getting Informative Ideas

Thursday 4 May 2017

Important Tips for Maintaining Gas Fireplace

Unlike wood-burning fireplace, a gas fireplace burns neat and clean. So, why is it important to clean and maintain gas fireplace heaters regularly? Though gas fireplaces are more convenient and need less maintenance than wood-burning fireplaces, several factors can go wrong. Things like debris, dust, and dirt can build up and clog the ports, wire connections can become loose, or there might be some wear and tear. Lack of maintenance can affect the performance of fireplace and sometimes it may lead to some hazards. An annual inspection is highly recommended to keep your gas fireplace up and running all the time. 

How to Maintain Gas Fireplace? 
In addition to the annual maintenance, there are a few things that you can do regularly to keep your gas fireplace heaters clean. Fortunately, gas fireplaces are usually low maintenance. Following are some of the simple steps, which will help you keep your fireplace free from dirt and other unwanted particles, ensuring the safety and warmth of your family during all seasons. 
Gas Fireplace Heater
Gas Fireplace Heater
  • Turn the fireplace off: This is the first thing that you need to do before you start cleaning. Make sure to turn off the gas valves and see that all parts are cool to the touch. 
  • Check for dirt, cobwebs, debris, and other filth build-ups: Filth deposit is a natural process, it can settle down in your fireplace anytime. So, make sure to check them regularly. Cobwebs can develop from inside the gas fireplace heaters if you keep fireplace idle for long periods. Fire flakes can also clog the logs if you keep them unattended. Use an efficient vacuum cleaner to clear out the dust, soot, and dirt builds up. You can make use of a soft-bristled brush to remove cobwebs. 
  • The clean glass door of the fireplace: Clean the glass door of the gas fireplace regularly to prevent a cloudy film from building up. If you do not clean the glass regularly, the clarity of the glass can be compromised permanently. Take a damp cloth and wipe the glass doors only when the system is cool because if you wipe the hot glass, it might get cracked. Also, make sure every component of the glass door, including screws and bolts of the gas fireplace heaters, is tight and secured. 
Gas Fireplace Heater
Gas Fireplace
  • Do not forget to check the vent: If your gas fireplace is vented then make sure to check the vent regularly. The external vent shouldn't have any clogged waste. Some external substances can get through the vent or leaves and twigs can start growing inside the vent. So, it is important that you de-clog the vent before using the fireplace. Small animals or birds can start inhabiting the vent. So, make sure to check the vent regularly and keep out all the unnecessary elements away from the vent. 
  • Check for fumes and unusual odors: If you start smelling gas from your gas fireplace heaters, you should contact the professional immediately and get it repaired. Do not try to fix it on your own, as it may lead to some accidents. Also, fix a broken or damaged glass viewing door as soon as you notice because it might allow hazardous gas such as carbon monoxide enter into your home. As an extra precaution, you can also install carbon monoxide alarm detector. 
  • Check for cracks and missing components: Make sure to check the gasket for cracks because broken gasket allows carbon monoxide enter into your home. Also, ensure that gasket wires are all in place. Fireplace logs, valves, and connections also undergo deterioration. So, include them during your regular maintenance. Last but not the least, check if your gas fireplace heaters have caught any rust, if so, repair or replace the parts to extend the lifespan. 
Hence, you can follow these important tips to maintain the gas fireplace heaters. 

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