For the Best Low-Maintenance Fireplace, Go with Gas
Fireplaces are wonderful amenities in our homes, but each style requires some level of professional maintenance and homeowner upkeep. If you have a busy schedule and a hectic life and aren’t interested in putting a lot of work into your fireplace, Felgemacher of Buffalo, NY, has a tip for you: Go with a new gas fireplace or gas log set.
Maintaining a gas-fueled fireplace is a lot less time-consuming (and costly) than keeping a wood-burning appliance in good shape. For example, with a gas fireplace:
- No annual chimney sweeping to remove flammable creosote that starts chimney fires.
- No regular, meticulous inspections of the chimney liner to check for advanced creosote buildup, which can not only cause a fire but can also damage the liner with its high acid content.
- No cleaning up after the occasional downdraft that blows smoke and ash into your room.
- No dealing with soot stains in the firebox or upper exteriors of the chimney.
- No messing with the purchase, transport and storing of firewood.
Gas fireplace maintenance
With a manufactured gas fireplace, gas insert or gas log set, the most important part of maintenance is the annual inspection. This inspection will in some ways be less involved than a wood fireplace inspection, but it’s every bit as important.
Your inspector will be looking at a variety of areas within your fireplace system.
Fireplace structure
The technician will check that the fireplace or log set is properly installed and that the firebox shows no signs of damage.
Pilot light assembly
If your unit has a standing pilot light, inspection of the pilot light assembly is critical. The assembly may require less-frequent inspections if the pilot light engages only when the appliance is in use. Note that some gas fireplace units use electronic ignition instead of pilot lights.
Ignition system
It’s also important to make sure the gas ignition system is working as it should. Gas technicians will inspect and clean the valves and ports while testing for leaks.
Oxygen depletion sensor
If you’re running a ventless gas fireplace or log set, the oxygen depletion sensor should be checked and cleaned. This will keep it from becoming too sensitive and possibly stopping the gas supply.
Glass fireplace doors
Glass doors should show no signs of cracking, and a tight seal should be formed when the doors are closed. Your inspector will check for this.
Fireplace logs
Gas fireplace logs need to be inspected for deterioration and connection issues.
Flue pipe
Vented gas appliances draft through their own pipes, which over time can become obstructed with particulate matter and debris. Your inspector should check the cleanliness of the venting pipe and clean it if necessary.
Your part of gas fireplace maintenance
A gas fireplace inspector will do the lion’s share of the maintenance work, but there are two things you need to take care of on your end:
- Keep the logs and firebox interior clean and free of dust and debris.
- Pay attention to how the unit is operating and how it looks. If anything appears “odd,” call your fireplace service company immediately.
Shopping for a new gas fireplace, insert or log set?
You can see some top-line gas appliances by visiting the Felgemacher fireplace showroom at 2727 Broadway, Suite 5, in Cheektowaga, NY. Learn more about these low-maintenance, high-performing units by giving us a call or reaching out with our simple contact form.
