How Much Maintenance Does a Gas Fireplace Need?

A gas fireplace is an excellent addition to any home, especially if you live in a cold climate. A gas fireplace provides warmth and creates a cozy atmosphere, and you’ll want to make sure it’s working all winter long. So how much maintenance does a gas fireplace need, exactly? Here’s what you need to know.

Yearly Inspections Are A Must

Yearly inspections for your gas fireplace are incredibly important. Not only do these inspections keep your fireplace running properly, but they also prevent fire safety issues. A professional chimney sweep can do a comprehensive safety check to identify any potential problems with your fireplace. They can also clean the decorative pieces on your fireplace to keep them in good condition.

These annual fireplace inspections typically take less than an hour to complete and are not very invasive. Set a reminder on your calendar each year to ensure you have this important appointment scheduled.

No Daily or Weekly Maintenance Required

Other than your yearly inspection, there’s not much maintenance required for a gas fireplace. This gives them a huge advantage over traditional wood fireplaces and other types of fireplaces that required a lot of upkeep. As a result, gas fireplaces are very popular among homeowners with busy lifestyles who don’t have time to manage a wood fireplace.

Watch For Emergencies

While gas fireplaces don’t require regular maintenance other than your annual inspection, you should still keep an eye on them for potential safety issues. If you notice a safety problem, it’s important to contact a professional right away for help. If you let safety problems with your gas fireplace go unchecked, it can lead to gas leaks or even a house fire. Here are some of the problems to watch out for.

• Abnormal debris buildup. It’s normal for small amounts of debris to build up in your fireplace when you use it regularly. Normal buildup can be removed during your annual inspection. However, if you notice more debris than normal, you should call a professional to have it removed.
• Broken parts. Even a small broken part on your gas fireplace could lead to serious safety issues. If you notice that any part of your fireplace is broken, contact a professional right away, and don’t use your fireplace until they give you the all-clear. This is particularly important if you suspect the broken part could contribute to a gas leak.
• Ventilation issues. Your fireplace needs to be properly ventilated to work safely. However, it’s possible for things to get trapped in your chimney, making it impossible for smoke to get out. If you notice a blockage, don’t try to remove it yourself – instead, call a professional for help.

Although gas chimneys are relatively low-maintenance, it’s still very important to keep an eye out for potential safety issues. Northeastern Chimney provides chimney repairs and inspections throughout Connecticut. Give us a call at (860)-223-5770 or visit mychimney.com to schedule your gas fireplace inspection

This post first appeared on https://www.mychimney.com