Gas fireplaces are popular for lots of reasons – they’re really easy to use, they offer up lots of heat, they aren’t super messy…and they’re definitely more low maintenance than their wood-burning counterparts.
But don’t mistake low maintenance with no maintenance. Many assume gas fireplaces are maintenance-free appliances, but any fireplace – no matter the fuel type – needs to be serviced on an annual basis.
Need to get your next appointment on the books? We’re here to help – call or book online with our techs now.
Why Do Gas Fireplaces Need Servicing?
Gas fireplaces need regular servicing for three main reasons:
1. Safety Concerns
- Reducing carbon monoxide risks. Carbon monoxide is a dangerous – and potentially deadly – gas. Regular servicing significantly reduces the risk of leaks, keeping your loved ones safer.
- Minimizing the risk of gas leaks. Faulty connections, worn-out seals, or damaged components can lead to gas leaks. A professional inspection can detect and fix these issues before they cause serious illnesses.
- Helping you to avoid fire hazards. Gas systems burn a lot cleaner, but their flues can still accumulate debris, dust, or outside materials – all of which can increase the risk of a fire.
2. Efficiency & Performance
- Better overall performance. Regular servicing ensures that all parts of your appliance are working properly – enabling your fireplace to run efficiently and provide consistent warmth. This also means lowered energy costs.
- Less change of system breakdown. Over time, components like the burner or pilot light may degrade. The sooner you can get on top of these repairs, the less likely your system is to fully break down later on.
- Reduced repair costs. Regular maintenance helps identify and address minor issues before they turn into costly repairs.
3. System Longevity
- Longer lifespan. Just like any appliance, regular care and maintenance prolong the life of your gas fireplace. Addressing issues early and keeping the unit clean can prevent premature aging and the need for replacement.
- Less costly to maintain, over time. In addition to avoiding the cost of a full replacement, regular maintenance helps you avoid bigger repair costs. It’s more cost-effective to maintain your fireplace regularly than to deal with major repairs or replacements.
What Does Gas Fireplace Servicing Involve?
Our inspection services leave nothing to chance, ensuring every portion of your chimney is properly reviewed. Here’s what you can expect when we come to your home:
- We’ll do a full thorough inspection of your entire fireplace and chimney.
- If needed, we’ll sweep your flue to ensure full visibility.
- We remain compliant with any manufacturer product’s warranties.
- We complete a camera scan of the system interior.
- We do a full visual inspection of exterior components.
eHow Often Should You Service Your Gas Fireplace?
Your gas fireplace should be serviced annually to ensure it operates as safely and as efficiently as possible.
Should your system even be serviced more than once per year? There are some cases where this might be the case. For instance, if you use your system on a regular basis all year long (rather than just during the normal burn season), we’d recommend at least a couple of professional overviews per year. In addition, if your gas fireplace is on the older side, more servicing appointments may be needed.
And, of course, if you notice any unusual changes in performance or concerning issues (like odd smells, noises, etc.), don’t hesitate to call us in.
Do I need annual servicing even if I rarely use my fireplace?
So, let’s say you use your fireplace a handful of times per year. You shouldn’t need an annual inspection in this case, right? Wrong. Even if your fireplace appears to be functioning well and you rarely use it, an annual inspection by a professional is still essential for ongoing safety and peace of mind.
Why? Because your fireplace and chimney can accumulate dust, debris, and even pests during periods of inactivity. In fact, an unused chimney is the ideal spot for birds and woodland critters to settle down in. Additionally, weather-related wear and tear – think moisture infiltration, damage from high winds, etc. – can occur regardless of how often you use your fireplace.
And remember – in the case of gas fireplaces, gas leaks are always a potential risk, whether you use the system or not. Having a professional check your gas lines regularly will ensure everything is operating safely whenever you fire things up.
Annual servicing isn’t just about usage – it’s about maintaining a safe, efficient, and reliable fireplace system.
Signs Your Gas Fireplace Needs Immediate Attention
- Something smells funny. If you notice a strong odor of gas or a strange, persistent smell when your fireplace is in use, this could indicate a gas leak or improper combustion.
- You spot soot buildup. Excessive soot or black residue around the fireplace or on the glass doors can signal incomplete combustion, which may be a sign of a blockage or other issue that needs to be addressed.
- Your pilot light isn’t working right. If the pilot light frequently goes out or you have trouble igniting the fireplace, this could be a sign of an issue with the ignition system or gas supply. A healthy pilot light should burn blue, so if you notice a yellow or orange flame, it could indicate a problem.
- You hear unusual noises. Hearing popping, banging, or other strange noises when your fireplace is on could point to issues with the burner, blower, or other components – all of which require professional attention.
- You spot damage. Cracks, rust, or other visible signs of wear and tear on the fireplace or its components could indicate that repairs are needed to prevent further damage or potential hazards.
- There’s excessive moisture. If you notice condensation on the glass or around the fireplace, this might indicate a ventilation issue, which can lead to moisture buildup and damage.
- Your carbon monoxide detector is beeping. If your carbon monoxide detector goes off when using the fireplace, it’s a clear sign that something is wrong and needs immediate attention.
Call Smalling Masonry To Book Your Annual Inspection
Don’t wait until a small issue turns into a costly repair or a safety hazard. Ensure your fireplace and chimney are in top condition by scheduling your annual inspection with Smalling Masonry. Our experienced professionals are dedicated to keeping your home safe and your fireplace running efficiently – no matter how often you use it.
Call us today or reach out online to book your inspection.