Although gas fireplaces require less cleaning and maintenance than wood burning fireplaces, they still need to be serviced on occasion. Knowing when and how to service your gas fireplace can help you keep your home safe and protect your investment.
In this article, we will tackle everything you need to know about servicing your home gas fireplace!
What Maintenance is Required For a Gas Fireplace?
Gas fireplace service should include a series of tasks to make sure your unit is in great working order. Whether you complete this service as a DIY project or decide to call a professional, the process should usually include these steps:
- Inspect the exterior of the unit to make sure there are no cracks or gaps in the framework.
- Check the glass for any cracks and clean the gas. You should always use a non-ammonia glass cleaner. If there are any cracks in the gasket seals, seal them with gasket cement or replace them if necessary.
- Check the ‘logs’ to make sure they’re not deteriorating.
- Take a look at the gas ignition. Turn off the gas and clean the valves with steel wool or sandpaper and inspect them for leaks.
- Inspect the carbon monoxide detectors to ensure they are on and working properly. If they aren’t, or you don’t have one, install a new one ASAP.
- Check out your chimney. The biggest thing to look out for with a gas chimney is condensation, which can often be seen on the surrounding walls, ceiling or masonry. If you see signs of condensation, contact a professional immediately.
How Often Should a Gas Fireplace or Insert 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.
How Much Does It Cost to Service a Gas Fireplace?
The cost of servicing a gas fireplace depends on a few factors: where you live, the size of your unit, and whether the service is urgent or routine. On average, you can expect to pay between $200 and $300, but prices can vary significantly.
If your fireplace is in good condition and you plan on doing a DIY service, it can cost little to no money as long as you don’t need to replace any parts. However, we recommend hiring a professional if your fireplace is older or you suspect it needs significant maintenance work.
The Best Time of Year for Fireplace Maintenance
The best time of year to do fireplace maintenance is before the colder months roll in. The spring and summer seasons are often the best times to get your gas fireplace serviced so everything works later when you need it.
Ideally, you should get maintenance done when there’s still plenty of time before the winter season hits. In cold months, demand can be high, and scheduling service may be difficult if your local HVAC companies are swamped.
Looking For a Professional to Help Service Your Gas Fireplace?
If you live in the Puget Sound area and need help with gas fireplace service, look no further than Four Day Fireplace. Our highly experienced, trained, and certified technicians can find the source of any problems you are having and get your fireplace back in top condition!
