Complete Guide to Gas Fireplace Maintenance

Gas fireplaces have become more and more popular over the past several years. Millennials are coming of age. They are busy with their careers, buying their first homes, and raising a family. However, they don’t want the added tasks of caring for and maintaining a wood-burning fireplace. This is not to say that we all seek an easier way to enjoy life.

A fireplace is a must-have for many new homeowners. The cozy ambiance that it brings to a home is not to beat. A room with a fireplace is usually the focal point of a home. A gathering place. A gas fireplace is certainly easier to keep up, but it is not completely self-maintained.

For every fireplace, a professional inspection annually is a good idea. There are certain things that you can do as a homeowner.  The regular upkeep will keep your gas fireplace or insert running efficiently year after year. 

Fireplace Safety First

Before any fireplace maintenance, turn off the pilot and the gas. Wait about an hour as the gas exits the pipeline. Let the fireplace cool down.

Homeowner Maintenance

• Clean the glass doors. If the glass doors can be detached, you may do that. Use the manufacturer’s directions. Over time the glass dulls and may interfere with its pristine beauty. Dirty glass hinders the efficiency of the fireplace. It prevents the heater from working appropriately. Use a nonabrasive cleaner and a soft cloth.
• Clean the interior of the fireplace regularly. Dust and debris will collect in the fireplace. Thus, it is important to clean this regularly to keep the efficiency of the fireplace up. Take out the logs. Vacuum out the base of the fireplace. Vacuum the pilot component, blower, and burners. Use a soft damp cloth to wipe off the logs and the inner walls of the firebox. 
• Check ventilation regularly. Ventilation is important to prevent carbon monoxide gas buildup. Confirm that there is no blockage in the vent system. At times there may be blockage or nests that have gotten inside. Contact your professional chimney company to clean out the system. 
• Upgrade when needed. After years of use, the glass doors become dated and lose their efficiency. Several new gas fireplaces are safer and more efficient than the older versions. An upgrade may be a choice for you.

By keeping your gas fireplace in tip-top shape you will enjoy years of enjoyment. Cleaning out your fireplace is your first effort to keep an efficient fireplace. When it comes to the big jobs, contact Northeastern Chimney for a professional inspection. This is the time of year to secure your inspection. Call us before the season turns cold and the appointments are not readily available. 

Call the Chimney Professionals

Schedule your inspection or cleaning soon by calling Northeastern Chimney. We can clean your chimney no matter what bend or curve you have. We come with all the equipment needed for all sorts of chimneys. Our certified chimney technicians provide quality chimney sweep services including chimney repairs, chimney cleaning, and chimney rebuilding for residents in West Hartford, East Windsor, Farmington, Glastonbury, Wethersfield, Marlborough, Cromwell, and the surrounding Central Connecticut area. Contact us today!