How to Know if My Gas Fireplace Needs to be Repaired

Posted in Gas Fireplace Repair, on June 15, 2020

Summer is the perfect time to think about gas fireplace repair! Even though it doesn’t burn wood logs, your fireplace still requires regular maintenance and gas fireplace service to ensure that it burns safely and cleanly. While summer in Toronto isn’t a high-use season, regularly checking on your fireplace or seeing to its annual maintenance can help make sure it’s ready to fire up when the cooler temperatures return.

Signs Your Gas Fireplace May Need Maintenance

Just because your gas fireplace is off for the season doesn’t mean it should sit neglected. Just like a car or other appliance, it should be periodically turned on and off to ensure that nothing has broken or been damaged. The end of the season is one of the best times to have your annual maintenance check - not only will we be able to see you quickly, but any issues can be promptly dealt with and prevented from worsening over the summer months.

Some of the common signs that your gas fireplace needs repair or servicing are merely annoying, but others could have health and safety consequences for you or your family. The top four signs your gas fireplace needs repair are:

Pilot light problems

When your gas fireplace’s pilot light frequently goes out or refuses to stay lit, it’s often a sign that something is wrong with a part called the thermopile and it needs replacing. It could also indicate problems with your wiring - both of these are serious issues that need prompt repair.

Soot

In a wood-burning fireplace, soot is an inevitable part of use, but in a gas fireplace soot could be the sign of a serious problem. It can indicate issues with the logs, the interior of the fireplace, or with your venting. If you spot soot, your gas fireplace needs professional attention as soon as possible.

On/Off malfunctions

This is one of the most frustrating signs that there’s something wrong with your fireplace and can be indicative of a range of problems from carbon buildup to breezes to a worn out millivolt generator.

Rotten egg smell

When you smell rotten eggs in your home it means there is a gas leak somewhere - what you’re smelling is mercaptan, a harmless additive to the otherwise odourless natural gas. If you smell gas, stop what you’re doing and leave your home immediately, calling your natural gas provider as soon as you’re in the fresh air.

Work with the Fireplace Experts to Solve All Your Gas Fireplace Issues

If any of these common problems sound familiar, call the Fireplace Experts to book a gas fireplace maintenance and repair visit. Our friendly technicians will get the root of any issues you have with your gas fireplace to ensure safe and clean use. Booking your gas fireplace services during the summer months can save you a lot of time and ensure that your fireplace is ready to go on cool nights. For more information, please give us a call at 416-897-5643