Why Your Gas Fireplace Needs Regular Inspection

20 June 2016
 Categories: , Blog

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Gas fireplaces burn clean and are easy to clean and maintain. In fact, they do not require day-to-day cleaning as wood fireplaces. For this reason, most homeowners overlook regular maintenance and inspection of their gas fireplaces and chimneys. If not regularly inspected, a gas fireplace can leak carbon monoxide, which can cause detrimental effects to individuals' health. Since the gas has no smell, it is not easy to realize any faults until it's too late. Getting regular or annual inspection is necessary for the following reasons.

Prevent buildup of debris

Debris and other unwanted junk is usually found in the vents, chimney, and in the flues. Debris in the fireplace is generally in form of the following:

•    Deteriorated ceramic or faux log inserts which cling to the sides of the inserts and get stuck.

•    Chipped or broken glass from glass doors or frame.

•    The residue that results from continued use of gas fireplace without regular cleaning.

Continued buildup of debris can cause clogged vents and reduce the efficiency of your fireplace. Regular inspection ensures that all the debris is cleaned out, any chipped or broken parts repaired, and vents are clear for smooth flow of gas into the fireplace.

Ensure proper ventilation

Proper ventilation is crucial for gas fireplaces. However, various factors can result in poor ventilation and subsequently cause carbon monoxide poisoning. For example, birds can build nests in your ventilation system and deter its functionality. While these are issues that you wouldn't easily detect, inspection from a gas servicing company will unearth such malfunctions and have them fixed. Also, they will inspect your carbon monoxide detectors to ensure proper functioning.

Improve functionality

Various things can cause reduced functionality of your chimney of a gas fireplace. For example, if your chimney's exterior wall has a cracked crown, moisture can enter the chimney and cause flue tiles to chip and fall into the hearth. Such mishaps can meddle with the heat output of your fireplace or even increase energy costs in your home.

Leaks or malfunctions can cause explosions in gas fireplaces. An explosion can cause broken glass and injure any persons near the fireplace at the time. Also, the gas could be turned on together with the pilot but with no fire. Such malfunctions are risky and can be avoided or fixed through regular inspection, cleaning of the system, and repair of leaking pipes.

Safety is essential when enjoying a cozy fire in your home. With regular inspection and proper maintenance, you can be assured of warm nights during winters and cold nights with an efficient fireplace. Contact a fire servicing company for more information.