Gas fireplaces require so little effort that it is easy to forget that they need maintenance, too. Ignite the flames with a switch and enjoy it for years to come. But behind the user-friendliness of a gas fireplace lies a system that contains a gas-burning appliance, a vent system, a pilot assembly, and safety controls. All of these can weaken over time. If you use a gas fireplace in Salt Lake City to heat your home during the winter, it is recommended that you get a tune-up each year. This will keep your fireplace working for decades and prevent it from breaking in the middle of January, as other fireplaces do.
What a Professional Tune-Up Actually Covers
A tune-up service is much more than a look-over and a wipe-down. When a trained professional provides service to a Salt Lake City gas fireplace, it includes the following:
- Vent Inspection: Deteriorated or blocked vents can trap dangerous gases in your home. Technicians check for obstructions, animal nests, or cracks in vents.
- Burner and Gas Log Inspection: Gas logs are checked for soot cracks and deterioration. The burner is checked for the correct flame pattern and for proper ignition.
- Gas Valve: Any deterioration in gas fittings or connections can also cause a gas leak. Technicians check connections and fittings for gas leaks and assess safety and control connections.
- Glass Door Cleaning and Seal Check: Cloudy glass or cracks in the glass are a safety hazard and an eyesore. We check seals to ensure heating and cooling stay where they should.
- Safety Components: Testing is performed to ensure the thermocouple and safety shutoff valve respond appropriately. These components are essential as they are the safety systems that stop the gas flow when a problem arises.
- Combustion Chamber Check: Soot buildup in the combustion chamber reduces heat and adversely affects efficiency. This is especially important for Salt Lake because of the elevation of about 4,226 feet, which creates a thinner combustion gas.
Why There Is a Real Risk of Skipping a Year
The most dangerous thing that can happen with any gas appliance is carbon monoxide buildup. It is a colorless, odorless gas. If the system malfunctions or develops a venting issue, the gas will begin to build up. For gas fireplace users in Salt Lake City, this is a very real concern.
There is more than just safety to be concerned with. There are also efficiency issues that come with neglecting maintenance. The soot buildup makes the fireplace inefficient and causes it to burn more gas. Over a season, that’s likely to add a high cost to heating your home. Small issues like stiff valves or cracks in the logs are easy to spot during maintenance. Igniters also become worn and stiff from neglect. Regular maintenance helps prevent the complete failure of the parts.
Best Times to Schedule Your Service in Salt Lake City
The best times to schedule your service in Salt Lake City are late summer and early fall. The demand for fireplace service increases once the first cold front of the year hits. Scheduling service for your fireplace in the late summer or early fall allows you to avoid the rush and ensures your fireplace service is done when you need it.
If you have a gas fireplace in Salt Lake City and it’s been a year or more since it was last serviced, don’t wait for your appointment. If you have noticed other issues, such as delayed ignition, strange or discolored flames, or a subtle gas smell, be sure to call a technician sooner rather than later.
Keep Your Fireplace Ready for Winter
It is a good idea to have your gas fireplace in Salt Lake City serviced annually to maintain a safe home, save on gas bills, and prolong its life. This simple task protects your investment while insulating your home from winter.