Gas fireplaces are convenient and clean-burning, but they are still fuel-burning appliances with a venting system. A little routine care keeps them working properly and looking good. Always follow your fireplace manufacturer's manual. It is the final word for your specific unit.
Warning signs: shut it off
- You smell gas. Do not light anything or use switches. Leave the house and call your gas utility or 911 from outside.
- Your carbon monoxide alarm goes off.
- Heavy soot on the glass or logs, or flames that are tall, lazy and yellow when they normally are not
- The pilot will not stay lit, or the unit shuts off on its own repeatedly
What you can check yourself
- Carbon monoxide alarms: test them regularly and replace them on the manufacturer's schedule. Have one on every level and near sleeping areas.
- Glass: when the unit is completely cool, check for a white or cloudy film and clean it only with a cleaner approved by the manufacturer. Never operate with cracked glass.
- Outside vent termination: make sure the exterior vent cap is clear of leaves, nests, wasps, plants and anything stored nearby.
- Remote and receiver batteries: replace them before the season starts.
- Clearances: keep decorations, furniture and anything flammable away from the front and top of the unit.
What a professional should do every year
NFPA 211 calls for venting systems to be inspected annually, and that includes gas. A professional service typically covers:
- Inspecting the vent or chimney for blockages, damage and proper connections
- Checking the pilot assembly, thermocouple or thermopile, and ignition
- Cleaning the burner and ports, and checking the flame pattern
- Correct log and media placement per the manual. Logs that are moved or the wrong type can cause sooting and poor combustion.
- Checking gaskets and the glass seal on direct-vent units
- Checking gas connections and controls for proper operation
A few don'ts
- Do not burn wood, paper or anything else in a gas fireplace.
- Do not add or rearrange logs or media beyond what the manual allows.
- Do not block or cover vents, including the outside termination.
Best time to schedule
Have the fireplace serviced before the heating season, so it is ready for the first cold front, and so any parts can be ordered without a rush.