Never assume anything is good advice, and it is, therefore, smart to ask how much maintenance does a gas fireplace need? Have you heard the dangerous myth that gas fireplaces are virtually maintenance-free? Such rumors can understandably cause a person to approach gas fireplace maintenance casually. Nonchalance is never good in matters of safety, and safety is number one anytime you light a fire inside your home.
Besides the fire itself, combustion gases pose a potential threat. The gas itself, as a fuel, can be life-threatening when it leaks into the home. All these things considered, the answers to the question of how much maintenance does a gas fireplace need are important and they are below.

Annual Gas Fireplace Inspections

Fire safety experts recommend annual gas fireplace inspections, which involve specific steps to address potential problems. If you have ever wondered why clean-burning gas fireplaces require annual maintenance, you aren’t alone. This is a common question that homeowners ask chimney sweep experts. The answer is that the annual gas fireplace inspections help to ensure safety when using the appliance and to extend the lifespan of the unit. Important side note: Neglected gas fireplaces can explode or leak gas into the home when certain malfunctions occur. The following are examples of common gas fireplace problems.

Pilot Light Issues

If the pilot light isn’t lighting, the flow of gas that leads to it could be interrupted by moisture in the gas line. This requires draining and cleaning of the line by a certified technician.
The thermocouple is a component of a gas fireplace that ensures the gas flows to the pilot light. If the pilot light does not stay lit, it is often because the thermocouples are either incorrectly hooked up or not secured properly. In some cases, a new thermocouple is needed. This is also a job for a certified repair person.

Buildup

The burner ports of your gas fireplace may burn inefficiently, or they may not light at all. Dirt, dust, and dead insects that build up in the orifices and burner ports are the most common causes of this type of problem. Loose or dirty wiring connections can also create issues. If you have ceramic logs, they can deteriorate, resulting in buildup that clogs burner ports and vents. Soot is not normally produced by a gas fireplace. If you see any type of soot, gas fireplace repair is needed immediately.

Wear and Tear

Most mechanical equipment goes through wear and tear and eventually needs replacement. This is true of gas fireplace components. Gas fireplace maintenance is important so that a certified expert can determine whether or not gas connections, valves, and all other mechanical parts are in good working order.

Chimney Inspections for Gas Fireplaces

Chimney maintenance is less of a concern with a gas fireplace as compared to a wood-burning unit that produces flammable creosote. The bottom line, though, is that annual chimney inspections for gas fireplaces are also standard recommendations by chimney sweep and fire safety professionals. As regards masonry chimneys, potential hazards are partly associated with damage caused by the outdoor elements. Moisture, in particular, is the number one enemy to masonry materials. If a brick is infiltrated by moisture, it will eventually collapse completely. Leaning chimneys are almost always caused by moisture intrusion.

Contact Chimney Saver Solutions

The chimney sweep technicians at Chimney Saver Solutions, can help with gas fireplace maintenance, gas fireplace installation, annual gas fireplace inspections, chimney inspections, and much more. Visit us at 9306 Old Staples Mill Rd in Richmond VA for help choosing a new fireplace for your home or for more answers to questions such as how much maintenance does a gas fireplace need. Fill out our contact form or call us today at 804-440-5000.