The initial and foremost guideline of any gas fireplace system is to have it
inspected every year
. With professional chimney companies, you can usually have your annual chimney cleaning and gas inspection scheduled at the same time. Matter of fact, your whole system should be inspected annually, top to bottom.
How often should you have gas fireplace serviced?
Most manufactures require annual service and inspection of your gas fireplace. We recommend
every year for regular users and no more than 3 years for fireplaces that are rarely used
.
Do gas fireplaces need routine maintenance?
Yes, your gas fireplace needs to be cleaned regularly
.
Regular cleaning will help keep your fireplace performing efficiently and safely for years to come. Be sure to clean your fireplace annually for best results.
How often does a gas fireplace chimney need to be cleaned?
Inspections of a gas fireplace don’t take long to conduct and won’t break the bank. Your chimney should be cleaned
annually
, as well, to clear away any debris and nesting materials from animals.
What is the lifespan of a gas fireplace?
How Long Can a Gas Fireplace Last? Generally speaking, you can get a good
ten to fifteen years
of use before you need to replace your gas fireplace.
How do I clean my gas fireplace chimney?
- Ensure Gas Is Turned Off. Before you do anything, turn off the gas! …
- Disassemble the Fireplace. This step will vary depending on the design of your fireplace. …
- Brush and Inspect. …
- Vacuum Away Dust and Cobwebs. …
- Polish Glass or Metal. …
- Wipe Down the Mantle and Hearth. …
- Reassemble the Gas Fireplace. …
- Check Exterior Vents.
Do gas fireplaces use a lot of gas?
Based on the currently available models, gas log sets burn anywhere from 60,000 – 90,000 BTUs of gas per hour. On the other hand,
the more efficient gas fireplaces use 10,000 – 70,000 BTUs/hour
. In comparison, the average furnace requires around double the amount of gas.
Can you clean gas fireplace logs?
Cleaning Gas Logs
Use a damp rag or lint-free cloth to wipe off the soot, carbon, and dust from the logs, at least once per year
. Be careful to avoid scratching the logs, or they will no longer be useable. Liquid gas log cleaners are also available at your local fireplace dealer and may make it easier to clean.
When should I replace my gas fireplace?
- The fireplace is out of date.
- It needs significant or constant repair.
- You also want to replace or update the facing or surround material.
- You plan to sell your home.
- You want to use your fireplace more.
- You want the latest gas hearth features.
How can I tell if my gas fireplace is leaking?
- Make your house quiet by turning off all the electrical appliances and put your ear close to the fireplace to check for a hissing sound of a gas leak.
- Look into the fireplace base with a flashlight to see if you can spot the movement of debris or dust that might signal a gas line leaking.
Do chimneys with gas logs need to be cleaned?
Most homeowners think the fireplace and chimney doesn’t need maintenance or cleaning just because it is gas burning. Per the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA),
gas fireplaces require an annual chimney sweep & inspection
.
Do gas fireplaces give off carbon monoxide?
Yes, gas fireplaces are one potential cause of carbon monoxide poisoning
. While there are many potential sources of such exposure, including certain appliances and devices, motor vehicles and wood stoves, gas fireplaces are a common culprit.
Is running a gas fireplace expensive?
The average price of natural gas in the US in 2020 was around $11 per thousand cubic feet
1
, equating to about $1.06 per therm. That means that
a 38,000 BTU gas fireplace costs approximately $0.40 an hour to run
.
Does a gas fireplace require a chimney?
A gas fireplace does not need a chimney
. There are two main options to choose from, either a vented or ventless gas fireplace. Vented options are safer because they remove toxic fumes from the home and do not deplete the oxygen inside. For either option, you do not need a traditional chimney.
How do you update a gas fireplace?
- Replace the mantle and/or the hearth.
- For a realistic touch, consider placing a tool set, bellows or some clean birch logs in a log rack on the hearth.
- Reface the brick with a cultured stone product.
- Paint the brick around the fireplace.
How long can you run a vented gas fireplace?
In short, you really shouldn’t let a gas fireplace on for too long—specifically more than
three hours at a time
.
Are old gas fireplaces safe?
When the combustion gases from a gas log fireplace come back into the house, it’s not nearly as obvious; in fact, it could be very easy to miss.
These gases can contain high levels of carbon monoxide, making this a safety hazard
.
How can I tell if my chimney needs cleaning?
- Oily Spots on the Walls of Your Fireplace.
- Poorly Burning Fires.
- Odors Coming from the Fireplace.
- Animals are Inside Your Chimney.
- Smoke Doesn’t Rise Up the Chimney.
- Fires are Difficult to Get Started.
- Chimney Soot is Falling from the Chimney.
How often should a chimney be swept?
How Often Should You Sweep your Chimney. You should have your chimney swept
at least once a year as a bare minimum
. This ensures your chimney is kept as clean as possible and prevents buildup that will become harder to remove if you leave it.
What happens if you don’t clean your chimney?
When your chimney is not cleaned for a long time,
a substance called creosote keeps building up in the flue during the use of the fireplace
. This creosote is highly flammable and can lead to a dangerous chimney fire (an uncontrolled 2000 degree fire burning inside the chimney).
Do gas fireplaces really heat a room?
Gas fireplaces rely on consistent combustion to produce real flames and keep the fire burning for long periods of time. Overall,
gas fireplaces are highly efficient when it comes to heating a room
. Once a fire has been burning for some time, it’s likely to heat a room rather quickly.
Should I leave pilot light gas fireplace?
We recommend that you turn off your gas fireplace pilot light seasonally
. Turning off your gas fireplace’s pilot light can save a substantial amount of energy and money. It is important to remember that not all gas fireplaces have “standing” pilot light, or, a pilot light that is “always on”.
How much does it cost to run a gas fireplace per day?
| Daily Running Hours (Hours/Day) Small Gas Fireplace (10,000 BTU) Standard Gas Fireplace (20,000 BTU) | 1 hour $0.15/day $0.29/day | 2 hours $0.30/day $0.58/day | 4 hours $0.60/day $1.16/day | 8 hours $1.20/day $2.32/day |
|---|
Should gas fireplace logs turn black?
Soot on vented gas logs is nothing to worry about
. It is a natural occurrence when the yellowish flames of a gas log impinge on a rough surface. Some people like the look, some don’t. If you don’t, we suggest that you VERY CAREFULLY take the logs outside and brush the soot off with a whisk broom.
Why are my gas fireplace logs turning black?
Soot buildup is commonly caused by
clogged burner ports and improperly positioned fire-logs
. A fire-log that’s out of position can obstruct the flame path that ensures the clean-burning of gas. This contributes to soot formation on the fireplace. Another primary cause of soot is clogged gas burner ports.
Does a gas fireplace cause dust?
Yet from time to time,
a gas fireplace may produce excessive amounts of soot
. This soot not only mars the appearance of the fireplace, but it also signals a potential health risk since soot almost always occurs in conjunction with carbon monoxide.
