Does a gas fire need servicing?

Gas fireplaces are easy and convenient. So much so, that it's easy to forget that even a gas fireplace needs upkeep every once in a while. To keep your gas fireplace operating safely and in tip-top shape, it's recommended to perform annual maintenance.

How often should gas fireplace be serviced?

Knowing when to get your gas fireplace serviced depends on how much you use your unit. If you find yourself lighting a fire often throughout the cold season, consider servicing your unit once a year. If you rarely use your fireplace, you may be able to service it once every 2 years.

Should you have gas fireplaces serviced?

Yes, your gas fireplace needs to be cleaned regularly.

Regular cleaning will help keep your fireplace performing efficiently and safely for years to come. Be sure to clean your fireplace annually for best results.

What maintenance is needed for a gas fireplace?

Even if you opt to clean the fireplace yourself, it's still a requirement to have an inspection—yearly, at the very least. Inspections of a gas fireplace don't take long to conduct and won't break the bank. Your chimney should be cleaned annually, as well, to clear away any debris and nesting materials from animals.

What is the life expectancy of a gas fireplace?

How Long Can a Gas Fireplace Last? Generally speaking, you can get a good ten to fifteen years of use before you need to replace your gas fireplace.

Annual service of the gas fireplace

Do logs in a gas fireplace need to be replaced?

A: Gas log sets require no daily maintenance but should be inspected annually by a professional. Logs need to be inspected for cracks and breaks and replaced if they are not in sound condition.

Is it necessary to clean a gas fireplace chimney?

Since gas fireplaces don't produce smoke, soot, or ashes, they do not need to be cleaned as often as wood-burning fireplaces, but they still require maintenance. As a rule of thumb, gas fireplace chimneys should be cleaned once a year.

How much does it cost to clean your gas fireplace?

Most of the cleaning for a gas fireplace can be done on your own when the fireplace is cool and the pilot light is off. However, because of the vent, you will need an annual inspection which costs around $75-$100. If you want a thorough cleaning at the same time the cost could be closer to $150-$175.

How do you refresh a gas fireplace?

To switch things up, you could add blue fire glass, a ceramic fiber charred log set, black volcanic rock cinders, hollyhock birch logs, earth tone mix fire glass, or choose from many other options. New filaments can modernize your gas fireplace and provide fresh enjoyment.

How much does it cost to run a gas fireplace per hour?

The average price of natural gas in the US in 2020 was around $11 per thousand cubic feet ¹, equating to about $1.06 per therm. That means that a 38,000 BTU gas fireplace costs approximately $0.40 an hour to run.

How much does it cost to replace a pilot light on a gas fireplace?

If you need your pilot light fixed, most professionals will complete the repair for about $150, on average. When replacing a thermocouple or thermopile with the help of a professional, you can expect to pay between $150 and $250.

Do gas logs need to be cleaned?

It is important to clean a gas fireplace monthly even when it is not being used heavily. This will prevent dust and dirt from harming the system and allows you to inspect for damage – potentially catching something that could, later down the road, become an issue.

How much does it cost to replace gas fireplace logs?

You can expect to pay between $390 to $1,790 for most gas log fireplace installations. On the low end, DIY is common when a gas line is already in place or you are replacing an existing set of gas logs. For high end gas fireplace logs, the cost can go up to as high as $3,100 or more.

How long do fake logs last in a gas fireplace?

Fake fireplace logs can last anywhere from 3-10 years. Vented gas fireplace logs typically last the longest, up to 10 years, while ventless fireplace logs normally last 3-5 years. However, the duration of the logs depends on build quality, material, and how often they're used.

Is it cheaper to use gas fire or central heating?

Gas is often much cheaper than other sources of heating – up to 70% compared to electric fires.

Is it OK to leave a gas fireplace on overnight?

An overall rule for safe gas fireplace usage is to not let your fireplace—no matter which style—operate throughout the night. Unmonitored gas fireplaces can lead to dangerous, often fatal, outcomes. The two most concerning outcomes of leaving a gas fireplace on for too long are a house fire or a gas leak.

Can you sleep with a gas fireplace on?

There is a risk of carbon monoxide poisoning when you sleep in a room where a conventional coal or gas fire, a log burner, a cooker, or a back burner is left on overnight. You cannot feel the early symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning, so it is important that you protect yourself.

Is it OK to leave pilot light on gas fireplace?

Generally speaking, it is safe to leave your continuous pilot light on at all times, assuming it stays lit (more on this in a moment). While it does cost more to keep your pilot light on in between uses, it can actually have some benefits to your system.

Should I turn off gas fireplace in summer?

In general, we suggest homeowners turn the gas pilot light off for the spring and summer months, but if you prefer to keep it on, you likely won't notice any significant changes in your monthly energy bills or home comfort.

Why did my pilot light go out on my gas fireplace?

Some of the possible serious reasons for pilot lights to go out include loose or broken gas valves, thermocouples or heat exchangers, faulty venting, low gas pressure, or high winds. If you believe there is a serious problem, don't hesitate to contact a professional.

Do gas logs heat a room?

Vent-free gas logs are an inexpensive and efficient way to add extra heat to a room without having to open the damper on your fireplace. These logs use the air from within the room for combustion and then put heat back out into the room.

Are gas fireplaces more expensive than electric?

Gas fireplaces generally cost more to purchase and to install than their electric counterparts.

Do gas fireplaces smell?

Although it is normal for a fireplace to omit a slight odor, it is important to take proper precautions if you think you may smell a potential gas leak. Natural gas itself is odorless, but has an additive that makes it smell like rotten eggs.