Gas fireplaces have grown in popularity over recent years and are valued for their low-maintenance and convenience. This is often interpreted as no-maintenance, which is not the case! Your gas fireplace or gas log set may need maintenance over time. The gas fireplace makes very little ashes, very little soot, and no creosote, but it still needs routine maintenance that can help it work properly and may prevent serious injury, damage, and death.

Common Gas Fireplace Repairs
Common issues that may arise with your gas fireplace include, faulty valves, burners, pilot lights, and log components. We may find an issue that you didn’t realize was present during a routine inspection. Faulty valves, pilot lights, and burners can actually cause health emergencies including gas leaks and CO poisoning. If you experience smoke pouring into the home, strong odors, headaches, metallic tastes, lightheadedness, and nausea while a fire is burning, you likely have a problem! If you suspect a problem, turn off your fireplace, stove, insert, or log set immediately, and call a professional for diagnostics and repair. Do not light a fire in an unsafe fireplace. It may put your family and home at risk.

Inspections and Sweepsperson sitting in a chair by a cozy fire with a hot beverage
Despite the high efficiency of gas fireplaces, they still need routine maintenance including sweeps and inspections. According to the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) the systems that are inspected and swept regularly are the ones that are the safest and most efficient.
Cleaning/Sweep – During a standard cleaning or sweep we’ll remove all deposits from the flue system, remove the logs and other components, sweep away all debris, and replace the logs. We’ll also clean the glass, test the electrical and wiring, test the blowers, adjust flame height, and test for CO leaks. You may not need a cleaning as often as you think you do. If you schedule inspections annually, you may not needs sweeps annually.
Inspections – When your gas fireplace is inspected, it is checked out from top to bottom. We’ll inspect the flue and valves for blockages and any issues which reduce safety and efficiency.

Types of Gas Fireplaces
Your gas fireplace may be one of two types: vented or vent-free. A vented gas fireplace needs a vent system to work properly and safely. It will produce hazardous gases which need to be vented outdoors. A vent-free gas fireplace doesn’t need to be vented out of doors, but must be maintained properly in order for it to operate safely indoors. These products should only be installed by a professional in order to prevent damage and danger. A homeowner who buys a product online or from a retailer may install the wrong type of gas fireplace inside the home, putting the family at risk and operating an unsafe appliance.

For the best results, most beautiful installations, and guaranteed maintenance and repair, call Chesapeake Chimney & Co. Reach a fireplace expert at 410-535-0052 or schedule online.