How Often Should My Gas Fireplace Be Serviced?
Many homeowners assume that gas fireplaces don’t require regular maintenance or cleaning because they are easy to take care of and burn clean. However, this isn’t true, and neglecting your gas fireplace could lead to poor performance.
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Standard 211 states that “chimneys, fireplaces, and vents shall be inspected at least once per year for soundness, freedom from deposits, and correct clearances. Cleaning, maintenance, and repairs shall be done if necessary.” This includes gas fireplaces in addition to wood-burning fireplaces and pellet stoves.
Gas fireplaces include several areas to inspect and clean, making them too complicated for the average homeowner to maintain on their own. With over 22,000 chimney fires per year in the U.S., it just isn’t worth the risk of overlooking maintenance or trying to do it yourself.
We recommend an annual professional inspection at the very least for the safety of your family and home. Spring is the best time to get your gas fireplace cleaned and inspected if you use it regularly throughout the winter months, setting you up for a perfectly functioning fireplace for the rest of the year.
Why Gas Fireplaces Require Maintenance
Debris accumulates in your vents, flue, and chimney over time. If it’s not removed, it could begin to smell bad and restrict airflow.
Debris in your gas fireplace could include:
- Residue: Regular use of your gas fireplace causes residue to build up on both the interior and exterior surfaces.
- Deteriorating logs: Faux and ceramic logs don’t last forever. Eventually, they begin to deteriorate and cling to the sides of the insert, where they get trapped.
- Dirty or chipped glass doors or frame: Chips, scratches, and dirt on the glass doors or frame of your gas fireplace could interfere with the heat output. Regular cleaning may prevent the need to replace the frame or doors altogether.
Our Gas Fireplace Services
We specialize in servicing gas and wood-burning appliances from all manufacturers. Our gas fireplace technicians are National Fireplace Institute (NFI) Certified, so you can rest assured that we can handle all of your fireplace servicing needs.
