With the weather already becoming colder, it is important to ensure that your gas fireplace will keep your household warm as well as safe this winter season. Gas fireplaces are incredibly popular due to their heating efficiency, low energy costs, and environmentally friendly properties. Keeping in mind their low maintenance qualities, these easy tips will ensure that your gas fireplace is ready to be used safely and efficiently.
1. Schedule Annual Inspections
A yearly appointment is a good rule of thumb when it comes to having your fireplace looked at, but you should have a licensed professional inspect your fireplace after any prolonged period of disuse. Do not put off scheduling your annual inspection with a licensed gas or fireplace technician, as this should be the first thing you do to prepare to use your fireplace this upcoming cold winter season.
Having your gas fireplace cleaned out of any old soot or flammable debris annually will prolong the lifespan of your unit and alert you to any potentially hazardous holes or cracks that will need repair.
2. Safety Screen and Glass Cover Maintenance
All fireplaces should have an additional safety barrier or screen in addition to a glass cover. Keeping this screen clean and intact helps ensure no wondering toes or hands can come in direct contact with the hot glass cover. Make sure your glass cover is free of any debris before lighting a new fire. Maintaining excellent condition of your fireplace cover and safety barrier will prevent any unwanted items from entering or exiting your fireplace.
3. Know The Boundaries
A natural gas burning fireplace gives you the flexibility of never having to worry about leaving the fire unattended, so make sure everyone present knows how close they can safely sit next to it. Remember to keep a watchful eye on any little ones who may have wandering hands, and talk to any house guests who might not yet know about fireplace safety.
All furniture and other home decor should remain at least three feet from the fireplace, depending on how big you keep your fire. Be mindful when you decorate and never hang any cloth materials directly over the fireplace to ensure they are not exposed to too much heat.
4. Keep the Burn Natural
Do not be tempted to try and dispose of any unwanted paper trash or other flammable items in your gas fireplace. Your gas fireplace is designed to burn only natural gas and is not cut out to properly ventilate any additional smoke or soot that will result from burning wood, paper or other flammable materials.
Opening and closing the glass cover or protective barrier while the fireplace is in use is always advised against, as this increases the risk of potential bodily burns, or embers of flames flying out of safety zones.
5. Check Your Carbon Monoxide Detectors and Smoke Alarms
Every home should have at least carbon monoxide detector and if you have a gas fireplace it should be located in the same room. Carbon Monoxide is odorless, and if too much of this gas builds up in your home, it could have deadly consequences. So before lighting your first fire this season, go around and test all the alarms in your home, and replace any batteries that are running low.
We’re Here to Help
Have a question about gas fireplaces or in need of seasonal fireplace service? The Fallon’s team is here to help keep you and your family warm and safe throughout the winter season. Stop in, give us a call or visit us online. We look forward to serving you.