Gas fireplaces and heating appliances have steadily increased in popularity in the last several years. Homeowners are drawn to the low cost to operate, the ease of getting heat at the push of a button, and the draw of significantly less maintenance. While there are a number of benefits to switching to gas, it is important to remember that gas heating appliances still need regular maintenance.
Maintaining your gas fireplace or insert
Many homeowners have the misconception that gas heating appliances do not require maintenance. While they may not produce soot and ash the same way as their wood burning counterparts, it is still important to have them regularly maintained!
It is extremely important to hire a technician who is certified to clean and inspect gas fireplaces and inserts. Many of the components of gas fireplaces are delicate and must be handled with care; even a tiny shift to a gas line can create a gas leak or fireplace performance problems! Likewise, gas heating appliances have their own unique maintenance needs that differs from their wood burning counterparts. At Jack Pixley Sweeps, we are proud to be one of the few companies that has a NFI Certified Technician on staff for gas heating appliance maintenance.
Ask us about your gas fireplace!
At Jack Pixley Sweeps, we are dedicated to helping our customers get the most out of their gas fireplaces and inserts! After installing a new gas heating appliance, we are happy to answer any questions you may have; this helps you have the peace of mind to fully use and enjoy your new gas fireplace or insert! Some of the most frequently asked questions include:
- How do I adjust flame height?
- How do I adjust the heat output?
- How do I control the blower?
- How do I clean the fireplace and vent?
Other gas fireplace issues our technicians can help with include:
- Navigating issues with the pilot light
- Programming the fireplace to automatically turn off when a room reaches a certain temperature
- What kinds of fuels can be burned in the fireplace
- Whether or not it is normal to have blue flames
- What is normal regarding the temperature of the fireplace’s glass doors
- Cooking food using gas heating appliances
At home maintenance for gas fireplaces
In addition to regular maintenance by a certified professional, there are a number of things homeowners can do to keep their gas fireplaces and inserts burning safely and efficiently.
- Exterior fireplace components: Exterior glass doors or metal components can be cleaned using regular household cleaners and clean, dry cloths. Make sure to only clean the fireplace when it is completely cooled after use.
- Interior fireplace components: Interior fireplace components should be cleaned one to two times per year. Using a soft, clean brush or a soft bristled, clean paint brush, gently remove dust and soot from gas lines or ceramic logs. Use extreme caution when cleaning interior components to avoid shifting gas lines, which can create leaks or reduce fireplace performance.
Regular maintenance of your gas fireplace can ensure it burns safely and efficiently for years to come. For more information on maintaining your gas heating appliances or to schedule an appointment with our NFI Certified Technicians, contact Jack Pixley Sweeps today!