Count On Chesapeake Chimney For Gas Log, Gas Fireplace, Gas Stove & Gas Insert Service, Maintenance & Repair
A gas hearth appliance can make cozy nights by the fireside easy and effortless. But while there’s virtually nothing you need to do to get the fire going other than flip a switch, you still need to have your gas appliance regularly maintained and serviced by an experienced professional.
Why?
Like any hearth appliance, gas appliances sometimes break or have issues that could threaten performance and safety levels. And with the dangers of carbon monoxide — a poisoning gas produced by these appliances — it’s important that everything be in great working order. If something isn’t right with your gas fireplace, insert, stove, or logs, you’ll want to know about it ASAP so you can schedule repairs before using your appliance again. Otherwise, you could be at risk of CO poisoning. This deadly gas is invisible, odorless, and tasteless, so you and your family could be at risk without even knowing it.
But your gas hearth appliance doesn’t have to be a threat. With regular maintenance, it can be easy to safely and comfortably relax in front of the fire, season after season. What type of maintenance do you need to schedule annually to ensure your gas fireplace, stove, insert, or log set stays in tip-top shape?
Typical maintenance should include the following:
- Annual inspections — Every hearth appliance, regardless of fuel type, should be inspected by a Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA-certified professional at least once a year. Annual inspections are encouraged by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), and we can’t stress their importance enough. Inspections allow us to check the appliance for any problems, blockages, or other issues that could reduce safety, efficiency, and performance, and can make a big difference in terms of both the longevity of your stove, insert, fireplace, or log set, and your enjoyment of it. From the pilot light and the gas line to the venting system, we’ll check everything out thoroughly.
- Gas Fireplace, Log, Insert & Stove Cleaning & Maintenance— Even though gas appliances don’t produce the levels of soot and buildup that wood appliances produce, dust, dirt, and other deposits can build up with use. When this happens, performance and safety can be compromised, which is why you’ll need to schedule cleanings from time to time. During a cleaning, we’ll remove the logs and other important components, sweep away any deposits or debris, and replace them. We’ll also clean the glass, test the electrical and wiring, test the blowers, adjust flame height, and test for CO leaks. If you have your appliance inspected every year, we’ll let you know when cleanings are needed.
Commonly Needed Gas Appliance Repairs
What about repairs? What types of repairs and replacements do gas appliances need from time to time? Some commonly repaired and replaced parts include:
- Valves
- Burners
- Pilot Lights
- Log Components
No matter what’s going on or what needs repaired or replaced, you can count on us to do the job right. We also replace embers.
Signs Of A Problem
So what signs should you lookout for that could indicate a problem with your gas fireplace, stove, insert, or log set?
- Smoke pouring into your home from the fireplace or stove
- Strong smells or odors
- Headaches, metallic tastes, lightheadedness, or feelings of nausea after being around the fire
If you experience any of the above, please turn off your fireplace, stove, insert, or log set, and call us immediately.
Vented VS Vent-Free — The Pros & Cons
Still doing some research on gas appliances? Here’s a brief breakdown of the pros and cons of vented vs vent-free gas appliances:
Vented
PROS:
- As long as your venting system is clean and free of blockages, you shouldn’t have to worry about CO poisoning, as this byproduct of fire will be vented up through the chimney or stove pipe.
- Vented fireplaces, inserts, stoves, and log sets are known for producing taller, more realistic looking fires.
- Direct vent appliances have a closed venting system that relies on one pipe for intake air and one pipe for venting byproducts. This virtually eliminates problems with losing heat up the chimney, so you can be confident that every last bit of heat the fire produces will be used to warm your home.
- Vented appliances are great sources of heat.
CONS:
- Vented appliances do require stove pipe or chimney venting systems, so if space is incredibly limited, this could pose a problem.
Vent-Free
PROS:
- Vent-free fireplaces, stoves, inserts, and log sets don’t require a working chimney or stove pipe, so you could save money, space, and installation costs.
- Because there’s no chimney attached to the appliance, no heat is lost up the chimney. All the heat produced by your gas stove, insert, fireplace, or log set will go directly into your home.
- Vent-free appliances typically use less gas than vented models and produce just a touch more heat.
CONS:
- If your appliance isn’t working as efficiently as it should, it could be putting dangerous levels of carbon monoxide into your home. You’ll need to have a CO monitor installed for safety reasons.
If you have any questions about how to get the best performance from your gas fireplace, insert, stove, or log set, or you’re ready to schedule a cleaning, inspection, repair, or other service, give us a call. We’re more than happy to help in any way we can! Call 410-535-0052 or request an appointment right here today.
We also clean, repair, and sell gas fire pits and gas grills. Protect your investment and get more enjoyment from your gas appliance with Chesapeake Chimney.
Ask some of satisfied customers what it is they like about us and then give us a call to join our growing family. Chesapeake Chimney & Co. will always work hard for every customer.