Gas fireplace maintenance

While a gas fireplace is an efficient, low-maintenance way to heat your home in cold weather, it requires regular maintenance. Use the following tips to help you keep your gas fireplace running smoothly year-round.

Get an annual safety inspection

Have a technician perform an annual gas fireplace inspection. During their assessment, they ensure the following components are in good condition:

• Exterior is free of damage, with no chipped or cracked glass
• Logs and firebox are clean and dust-free
• Burners and combustion chamber are free of debris
• Gas ignition system lights smoothly and safely
• Valves and connections work as expected
• Ports and vents are clear of residue
• Chimney or outside vent is free of debris

After ensuring the unit and its components operate optimally, they should check for gas leaks. Some technicians may confirm your carbon monoxide detectors are operating as well.

Clean the fireplace regularly

Keeping your unit in tip-top condition throughout the year is vital to gas fireplace maintenance. While you don’t have ash, deteriorating logs and ceramic inserts could be hazardous. Vents and ports may collect hair and fur, making the unit work less than optimally if you don't clean the entire firebox regularly.

Keep the glass clean. The glass doors offer protection from fire and carbon monoxide while giving you a clear view of the flames.

Regularly cleaning these doors is a large part of gas fireplace maintenance and improves your unit's performance. Ensure you follow the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions and use their recommended products. While it may be tempting to save on standard cleaners, many cannot cleanse soot and residue. Lastly, never apply cleanser to hot glass because it may shatter.

Maintain your home insurance policy

Another essential gas fireplace maintenance tip is to protect yourself from unexpected events, such as a housefire. Ensuring your home insurance policy is up to date is an excellent way to accomplish that. Contact your American Family Insurance agent today for a policy review. They may even be able to save you money with our bundle discounts and savings programs.

This article is for informational purposes only and based on information that is widely available. We do not make any guarantees or promise any results based on this information.

*Customers who bundle home and auto insurance policies may save up to 23% on both policies together (as of December 2023). Discounts may vary by state, property, policy form and company underwriting the home and/or auto policy. Discounts may not apply to all coverages on a home or auto policy.