One common question we get at Northco Fire is “how to service a fireplace.” It’s a great question. While there are many fireplace service action items you can complete as a homeowner, there are many items that should not be addressed without the help of a qualified fireplace service technician.
What you should know about gas fireplaces
Your gas fireplace is meant to provide ambient, supplemental heat, and is not to be used as a primary heat source. It should be cleaned at least once per year, more if it is located in a high-traffic area. If your house has pet hair and dander, dust, and debris you may also want to consider a more frequent maintenance plan. Regular cleaning and maintenance will keep your gas fireplace trouble-free and enjoyable for many years.
All gas fireplaces have a burn-off process that removes any oils or residue left over from manufacturing and cools the logs. To “break in” your new gas fireplace, it should be run on its highest setting for 6 straight hours. You may experience minor smells and smoke, so being home and deactivating your smoke detector for the first few hours as important. This is a normal part of the process.
If you have a ventless gas fireplace a, it is equipped with an oxygen depletion system and safety pilot that will shut off if the oxygen level drops below approximately 19%, well within safety limits for humans. You will still need a carbon monoxide alarm installed in your home.
You may notice the humidity in your home increase during the time when your ventless gas fireplace is burning. Moisture is a normal by-product of using your fireplace. Overuse may increase the moisture level considerably, adding to a possibly already existing problem with mildew and mold. It is rare that this will this create new problems.
To clean your ventless gas fireplace
- Shut off the fireplace and pilot flame, making sure all components have cooled, and the gas valve is fully in the off position
- Gather the equipment you will need:
- a vacuum with hose and brush attachment
- soft clean paint brush
- dish liquid
- window cleaner
- 4 soft cloths
- bucket of warm water
- Use the vacuum to remove any dust debris or spider webs you see. if you have lava rocks, some may be small enough to get sucked into the vacuum tube. Use a piece of nylon stocking or cheesecloth over the vacuum hose, secured with a rubber band, to clean your lava rocks. You may need to occasionally wipe off the larger bits of debris.
- Remove your gas logs gently, they are fragile, and take them outside. Use the clean paint brush to remove any dust and debris. Know any damage or corrosion to your logs. If you see any call for repair or replacement prior to using your fireplace again.
- Spray window cleaner on a cloth and then wipe the glass, outside first so you don’t smear soot on the outside of the fireplace. Do not spray the cleaner directly onto the interior glass, because any ammonia on the decorative or metal parts can corrode them.
- Use a clean, damp cloth to wipe the outside of the fireplace. If it doesn’t wipe clean with water, add a small amount of dish liquid and wipe again. Wipe with a soap-free damp cloth to rinse, and then rub with a clean, dry cloth to prevent streaking.
To clean your direct vent gas fireplace glass
- Turn off the fireplace and pilot flame, making sure the gas valve is in the off position.
- Leave the glass on and simply open at the hinges if it has them. If not, move the glass to a safe place, like a drop cloth on your carpet.
- Using a cream cleanser made specifically for cleaning gas fireplaces, pour directly on the glass.
- Spread the cleaner around using a soft cotton cloth, and let it sit until it’s completely dry – about 10 minutes.
- Once it’s dry, buff the glass using soft circular motions and a clean, dry cloth.
- Using the same method, clean the other side of the glass.
- Close the glass door, or replace the glass into the fireplace, and enjoy.
Your gas fireplace will provide many years of warmth comment if it is properly cleaned and maintained. Please remember to follow all instructions in the owner’s manual, and don’t hesitate to call in a professional before attempting any non-routine maintenance yourself.