Many residents in Shawnee, Lee’s Summit, and the surrounding Kansas City area have a gas fireplace. They are popular in single-family homes, townhomes, and condominiums. Unlike a traditional wood-burning fireplace, gas fireplaces burn cleaner without the creosote, soot, and ash that require constant cleaning. Also, a gas fireplace doesn’t require the clearance that a wood fireplace needs, so it can be installed practically anywhere in the home, even in smaller living spaces. While a gas fireplace doesn’t require much maintenance, they require occasional cleaning. The following guide will help homeowners properly care for their gas fireplace.
Review the User’s Manual
It’s essential to review the user manual that came with your gas heating appliance to familiarize yourself with the safety, operating, and maintenance guidelines to properly care for your gas fireplace and logs. Your manual will also provide troubleshooting tips for common gas fireplace problems. If your manual is not handy, you may be able to download it online. Otherwise, call Fluesbrothers Chimney & Fireplace in Kansas City at (913) 236-7141 or your local gas fireplace specialist for assistance.
Annual Safety Inspections
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommends all fireplace owners with solid or liquid fuel appliances have annual safety & maintenance inspections. While gas fireplaces burn cleaner than wood, yearly safety and maintenance inspections are still essential to ensure they operate safely. A comprehensive multi-point visual inspection of the chimney, vents, and attached heating appliances is the best way to ensure that your gas fireplace is venting correctly and is safe to operate. Also, masonry cracks, flue obstructions, worn parts, loose fittings, and other issues can often be detected early, reducing repair costs and prolonging the lifespan of your gas fireplace.
A gas fireplace doesn’t need the frequent cleaning that a wood-burning fireplace requires to remove soot, creosote, and ash. However, gas fireplaces do require annual cleaning to eliminate any dust, dirt, pet hair, and other particulates trapped inside the appliance to prevent damage to the burner, ceramic logs, and other internal components. Fortunately, cleaning a gas fireplace is relatively easy, and you can do it yourself with a few handy tools.
- Ensure your gas fireplace is cool. Then, turn the gas valve to the OFF position before cleaning.
- Follow the instructions in your owner’s manual to remove the fireplace’s front panel or safety barrier.
- Use a vacuum to carefully clean any dust, fibers, and particles inside the fireplace.
- Clean the soot on vented gas logs. You will need to first remove the logs from the fireplace before cleaning. The user’s manual will explain how to do this. Gas logs for vent-free fireplaces are not a user-serviceable item. Only a certified fireplace technician like Fluesbrothers should clean vent-free gas log sets.
- Clean the gas fireplace doors with fireplace glass cleaner to remove soot and gas residue from the glass. You may find that removing the doors will make it easier to clean. The instruction for this is in the owner’s manual.
- Don’t forget to turn the gas valve to the ON position when you’re ready to ignite your gas fireplace.
Signs Your Gas Fireplace Needs Maintenance
- You smell rotten eggs: A rotten egg odor indicates a possible gas leak. A hissing sound may also accompany it. Stay calm and get everyone out of the home as quickly as possible. Call 9-1-1 when you are outside. It is unsafe to use a cell phone near a gas leak.
- Sooty buildup: Gas fireplaces should burn cleanly with minimal soot. So, if you notice soot accumulating on your ceramic logs, glass doors, or anywhere else inside the fireplace, contact your fireplace professional to schedule maintenance. Please don’t use the gas fireplace until after it has been serviced to avoid damaging the appliance or injury.
- Pilot light keeps going out: When the pilot light refuses to stay lit, one possible cause is a worn thermocouple that needs replacement. However, since there can be several other reasons for pilot light issues, you should contact a qualified gas fireplace technician to inspect the appliance and make necessary repairs or parts replacements.
Gas Fireplace Maintenance in Kansas City
Fluesbrothers has NFI-certified technicians that provide gas fireplace inspections, maintenance, cleaning, and repairs in Olathe, Independence, and surrounding communities throughout the Kansas City KS/MO Metro area. Call (913) 236-7141 or contact us at https://fluesbrotherskc.com/schedule-appointment/ to schedule maintenance for your gas fireplace today!
