The Most Common Issues With Gas Fireplaces
Posted in Gas Fireplace Repair, on May 18, 2020
Gas fireplaces are easy to run and maintain, require less energy, and, installed correctly, are better for the environment, making them a superb option when it comes to renovating your home’s old fireplace. But, like all fireplaces, gas fire maintenance is an important part of keeping your fireplace in tip-top shape.
5 Common Gas Fireplace Problems
Preventative maintenance will ensure that your fireplace isn’t compromising the safety of you and your family. Whether or not it’s in active use, your gas fireplace should have professional annual maintenance to make sure it’s clean and that no parts are damaged. Five of the most common gas fireplace service calls that Fireplace Experts receive are about:
Gas smell
Natural gas has a very distinctive ‘rotten eggs’ smell that is easily noticeable. If you smell natural gas by your fireplace or anywhere in your home, it’s important to have professional gas fire maintenance as soon as possible. While natural gas isn’t toxic in the same way as carbon monoxide, it IS highly flammable. Turn appliances with pilot lights off, don’t smoke or light matches and open the windows to vent your home before calling your natural gas provider.
Pilot lights
The pilot light provides your fireplace with the spark needed to light the gas - you might even be able to see it in your fireplace, it’s usually a small blue flame under the logs. Your pilot light may go out because of a draft or problems with your fireplace; when this happens, it’s very important to have it attended to promptly. Many old pilot lights require a continual flow of gas, which, if burnt out, can result in a small gas leak.
Strange sounds
Even though it doesn’t burn logs, your gas fireplace can still get dirty, which can cause a strange roaring, rumbling, or grinding sound. Having the burners or blower fan professionally cleaned usually solves this problem quickly!
Soot
When soot forms inside of a gas fireplace, this usually indicates a problem with the chimney. In this instance, it’s best to have the Fireplace Experts in for gas fire maintenance - we can help diagnose the problem and get things back in shape.
Thermopile/thermocouple issues
The thermopile and thermocouple are two parts that help to ignite your gas fireplace - the age and make of your fireplace determine which type of sensor is used. When this break, is damaged or has other problems, you’re going to have ignition issues.
Work with the Fireplace Experts to Burn Cleanly
Having a gas fireplace is an affordable luxury that greatly improves your home or cottage. Seeing your annual gas fireplace maintenance/service with Fireplace Experts is easy and stress-free, ensuring that you have a clean and safe fireplace all year round. If you’re a gas fireplace owner or thinking of adding one to your Toronto or GTA area home, get in touch! We’d love to help educate you on the many pleasures that having a gas fireplace at home can bring. We can be reached at 416-897-5643 or online at fireplaceexperts.ca.