How do you maintain a gas fireplace?

Do gas fireplaces need to be maintained?

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?

If you like a roaring fire from autumn all the way through spring, you should conduct or schedule service once a year, ideally early in the summer. If you only use your gas fireplace occasionally, you can probably get by with a fireplace service check every two years.

Do gas fires need to be cleaned?

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.

Can I clean my own gas fireplace?

Bust the Dust: Dust your natural gas fireplace logs from top-to-bottom using a paintbrush or soft-bristled toothbrush. Next, wipe down the glass cover with a dry cloth and an alcohol-based fireplace cleaner (one that is not ammonia-based) for a spotless shine.

Gas Fireplace Maintenance - You can do this yourself!

What is the lifespan 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.

Should I leave the pilot light on gas fireplace?

We recommend that you turn off your gas fireplace pilot light seasonally. Turning off your gas fireplace's pilot light can save a substantial amount of energy and money. It is important to remember that not all gas fireplaces have “standing” pilot light, or, a pilot light that is “always on”.

Do you need to sweep a gas fire chimney?

Before any gas fire has been installed, the chimneys should be swept through to make sure it's clear and it's safe to use. It should also be tested to make sure it's safe to use. But fro a maintenance basis, the chimney does need to be swept regularly.

How much does it cost to clean a gas fireplace?

How Much Does It Cost to Clean a Gas Fireplace? Cleaning a gas fireplace yourself normally won't cost anything since you'll likely have some cleaning materials already on hand. However, if you choose to have your gas fireplace professionally cleaned, it will cost an average of $100 and a typical maximum of $200.

How do I know if my gas fireplace is safe to use?

Conduct a Gas Fireplace Safety Check

Open gas fireplace screens or doors to ensure absence of any foul smells. A rotten egg odor—or similar type smell—is a definite leak indicator. Listen for any hissing or whistling sounds coming from your gas fireplace. Look for any dust, dirt, or other debris at the fireplace base.

Do gas fireplaces cost a lot to run?

A standard 20,000 BTU gas fireplace will use about 20 cubic feet of natural gas per hour. Given that price of natural gas is about $1.09 per 100 cubic feet, running a standard-sized gas fireplace will cost about $0.22/hour at 100% heating output. In short: Gas fireplaces are quite inexpensive to run.

How do you clean gas fireplace logs?

How many hours can you run a gas fireplace?

In general, you should not run an unvented fireplace for more than three hours at a time. If you are using natural gas, you can usually run your fireplace for up to four hours before needing to refuel. If you are using propane, the limit is typically two hours.

Can you 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.

Is it cheaper to run furnace or gas fireplace?

A modern furnace is more efficient in turning gas into heat than a gas fireplace. This means that although a furnace costs more to run per hour than a gas fireplace, it turns more of that energy into heat and can warm a whole house rather than a single room.

How often should you have your chimney swept with a gas fire?

Most people only use their fireplace in the winter, which means a sweeping once a year (preferably around August) will suffice to cover the few months of use. If you use your fireplace more regularly – or we have a long winter – then it is worth having the chimney swept twice a year at intervals.

How often does a gas fireplace chimney need to be cleaned?

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.

How can I tell if my chimney needs cleaning?

Is a gas fireplace always on?

Gas fireplaces that use a standing pilot ignition system will have a pilot flame that's always on. Gas fireplaces that use an intermittent pilot ignition system won't have and/or require a flame that's always on as the pilot can be switched on and off as required.

Do gas fireplaces turn off automatically?

One of the main reasons why your gas fireplace keeps shutting down is likely due to the pilot light. This is an integral part of a gas fireplace, that kick starts the gas fire. When you turn on the fire, the pilot light button needs to be held in so that it can light the fire.

How do I know if my gas fireplace is vented?

A vented fireplace has attractive yellow and orange flames that lick upward around the sides of the ceramic logs. An unvented fireplace, by contrast, has much less striking flames. These flames tend to be smaller and bluer. As a result, an unvented gas fireplace won't create quite the same illusion as a vented one.

Do you ever have to replace the logs in a gas fireplace?

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. Valves, pipes and gas connections should also inspected to ensure they are in good repair.

Can you change logs in gas fireplace?

If you're wondering do gas log wear out, the answer is yes. While you certainly won't be replacing your gas logs as often as you would with real firewood, there comes a point in time where they'll need to be swapped out with replacement gas logs.

What can go wrong with a gas fireplace?

Can gas fireplaces explode?

Although convenient, these home gas fireplaces pose significant risk of explosions and house fires if they are improperly installed or maintained. Gas Fireplace leaks can result in carbon monoxide poisoning, but can also result in explosions that can level an entire neighborhood block.