Is your fireplace ready for the cold?
Regular fireplace service and maintenance is essential for both the longevity of your fireplace and for its safe operation. As the nights grow longer and the weather gets colder, people are naturally drawn to spending more time at home. This is also the time of year that we turn to appliances to warm our homes, so it is critical to have those appliances cleaned and serviced to ensure they are functioning correctly and safely.
It is highly recommended that you contact a licensed gas service provider to conduct maintenance on your fireplace at least once per year.
Homeowner Checklist for Fall
This check list can be sent to homeowners after a site visit or just after a new install. This is a great way to keep in contact and create a service and support relationship.
- Book an annual inspection for your gas fireplace. Booking early is a good idea as service professionals are busy this time of year.
- Replace remote control batteries and keep spares on hand.
- Move any flammable materials that may have migrated close to the fireplace during warmer months.
- Check outside fireplace termination for nests and other debris or obstructions.
- Don’t forget your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors! Check the “replace by” date on your detectors and replace if necessary. Change the backup batteries and test to ensure correct function.
- Homeowners may perform glass, firebox, and logset cleaning themselves if they are comfortable with it.
Fireplace Cleaning
Before cleaning any part of the fireplace, make sure to:
- Turn off the fireplace completely
- Allow adequate time for the fireplace to cool down
- Use eye protection and gloves
- Have your fireplace manual on hand so you can refer to it for glass removal/cleaning/replacement instructions
Airflows and Louvers
Use a damp microfiber cloth to wipe down the exposed areas of the fireplace. If you unit has louvers, wipe out any dust or dirt buildup. Inspect any air cavities to ensure they are clear of any debris or excessive dust.
Inspect the Paint
Wipe down the exterior of the fireplace and closely inspect the paint. Look for peeling or bubbling, which may indicate the fireplace is not functioning correctly. A fireplace service technician can source high temperature paint and retouch any areas that need attention.
Clean the Glass
Glass must be cleaned periodically to remove any visible film, which is a normal by-product of combustion. Cleaning the glass should be a standard part of seasonal maintenance.
Professional Service & Maintenance Checklist
After a cold winter’s day, many of us expect to come home and light up our gas fireplace without an issue. However, normal fireplace function can fail simply based on a change in climate or the length of time since the unit was last used. Which is why annual service and maintenance is so important.
Here are a few things to expect during a seasonal service and maintenance call.
General Maintenance
We recommend a full inspection and service of all major components including the pilot, burner, gaskets, and safety controls.
Power Outages
Winter brings winter storms! Test the battery back up system and install new batteries (if equipped). Keep some spares on hand as well.
Fan System Cleaning
Dust accumulates in blower systems when when a fireplace sits idle for several months. Annual cleaning ensures normal function.
Venting System Inspection
We recommend conducting an inspection of the venting system semi-annually to ensure it is clear from debris. A licensed gas service technician should inspect the vent system annually to make sure it is free from obstructions, is installed safely and securely, and is operating correctly.
Flex Gas Line Inspection
Flex gas pipe is vulnerable to damage. Line crimping or pinching impedes the flow of gas to the manifold, resulting in a flow much lower than the appliance is designed for. Even worse – line splitting can cause a fire outside the combustion chamber.
If flex pipe must be bent close to the gas fitting (less than 1″ away) or if the curve is sharper than the radius of a golf ball, then the gas line is too short. Instead, use one size longer pipe or use 45° or 90° degree angled gas brass fittings.
INCORRECT
Line is bent too tight and vulnerable to damage or breakdown. *do not bend at fitting*
CORRECT
Keep line straight to keep the flex line from crimping or stressing.
INCORRECT
If the bend is too tight, as in the picture above, it can weaken or even rupture.
CORRECT
Bend radius should not be sharp and should conform to a ‘golf ball’ size at minimum.
Ready to book your annual service with a fireplace professional?
