3 Secrets To Keep Your Gas Fireplace Running Forever

What is gas fireplace conversion? This simply means changing the type of fuel that runs your fire place. Most homes still use wood as fuel for their fireplace but gas can also be used as a substitute. Once you do make the switch from wood to gas, how do you keep it like new? Here are some examples of how you can keep the gas fireplace running forever:

• Regular maintenance inspections inside and out
• How to check and change batteries in gas fireplace components
• When and why you need a chimney inspection

Secret #1 annual maintenance

The fact that the gas fireplace uses gas rather than the traditional wood makes residents ignorant on the importance of annual servicing and maintenance of the system. Annual maintenance will include the following:

• External Inspection: The technician will take a look at the glass to ensure that it is not broken or that it does not exhibit any cracks or stress points. They will also check for bends and dirt on the glass. A gas fireplace conversion can also be recommended.
• Interior Inspection: The protective glass will be removed so that the technician can check the logs to check for wear and also to affirm that the gas is burning effortlessly and nothing is obstructing the gas inlets. The residue will then be cleaned off. Finally, they will check whether your carbon monoxide detectors are working perfectly.

Secret #2 How to Change Remote Batteries for Gas Fireplaces

Changing these batteries can prove challenging especially if you do not know how to:

• You need to find the receiver in the fireplace. Just like an ordinary remote, the receiver has batteries in it.
• Remove the batteries in the receiver first but be careful NOT to put in the new batteries yet.
• Next proceed by removing the batteries on your remote.
• Now, put the new batteries on the receiver FIRST then the remote. It should now work.
• Read our article here if your remote is still not working

Secret #3 Annual Chimney Inspection

Just like ordinary wood chimneys, gas fireplace chimneys also require annual inspection, especially if you are planning a gas fireplace conversion. Here’s why:

• Partial combustion: The vent sucks up the by-products up into the chimney. If the chimney is unable to provide enough draft to light up the gases due to obstructions such as bird nests or accumulated soot, there is incomplete combustion, producing carbon monoxide. The carbon monoxide will not be expelled due to the weak draft in the chimney.
• Corrosion: Acidic gases and water expelled combine to form acidic water that corrodes the chimney walls making it weak and worn out. This could result in the chimney crumbling down.

The most important step is having a certified chimney inspector to come and check your chimney thoroughly. If a problem is identified, the Chimney inspector will advise on the best solution like gas fireplace conversion. Installing an insulated liner solves the corrosion problem while unblocking the chimney will solve the partial combustion problem. Here are some pointers to make the most of your gas fireplace:

• Clean glass and logs yearly
• Check batteries in receiver, not just the remote
• Don’t forget your chimney inspections

Prevention is better than cure, in this case. It is safer to do annual maintenance of the fireplace system to protect you and your family.  Do you think maintaining a gas fireplace is easier than taking care of your old wood buring fireplace? Let us know in the comments below.