The use of fireplace inserts has skyrocketed in popularity in recent years, allowing for a new fireplace setup to be installed simply and easily in a pre-existing area of the home. Those who are considering such an installation will also want to be thinking about basic maintenance needs – and while these are typically easier than a brand new fireplace, there are still a few important areas to be sure you’re clear on.
At Uintah Fireplace and Design, we’re happy to offer a wide range of electric and gas fireplace options to clients around Salt Lake City, Park City, Heber and nearby areas, including inserts for any need you may have. Using gas inserts as our example for the purposes of this blog, here are some of the simplest but most important care areas that you should be thinking about if you’re considering the installation of fireplace inserts in your home.
Basic Interior Cleaning
As you may have already assumed, one of the top priorities for regular care is to keep the interior of your gas fireplace insert clean. This should be done on a periodic basis, as dust and debris can accumulate over time and create both aesthetic and safety issues.
You will want to use a soft cloth or brush with either warm water or a mild detergent and wipe down the interior walls. If you’re using a detergent, be sure to use one specifically formulated for fireplaces and grills – not your general dish soap. This should be done at least twice per year, depending on the amount of use that you get from your insert.
Glass Cleaning
Another important cleaning recommendation that can help keep your insert running smoothly and looking great is to clean the glass window if you have one. This should be done on a more frequent basis, depending on how often you’re using the fireplace.
We recommend using a soft cloth and warm water, although there are special glass cleaning products made specifically for fireplaces that can also be used. Be sure to never use any cleaning products that contain ammonia, as this can have a negative effect on the glass and the overall performance of your gas fireplace insert.
Log Cleaning
How you go about cleaning the logs in your gas fireplace insert will actually depend on whether the logs are vented or vent-free in nature. If the logs are vented, you will be able to remove them and clean them directly. You can use a wire brush or mild detergent to wipe down both the interior and exterior of the log set.
For vent-free logs however, you will not be able to remove them for cleaning purposes since they’re set permanently in place. You will need to use a vacuum cleaner with a soft brush attachment to clean the logs in this case – or in some cases, you may be advised to leave cleaning of vent-free logs only to professionals.
Ensuring Proper Venting
Down related lines, your gas fireplace insert will need proper venting to run correctly and safely – and it’s important to be sure that the vent is always clear of any obstruction. This can include leaves, dirt, debris or other items that may have built up over time.
You should also be aware of any drafts in the home which could influence how your gas fireplace insert runs, including drafts from the chimney, doors or windows. If you suspect that your insert is being affected by a draft in the home, it’s important to contact a professional for a full assessment and potential fixes.
Battery Checks and Replacements
Like any other item that utilizes an them, you will also want to check the batteries in your gas fireplace insert remote to ensure that they have enough life for the remote to operate correctly. Most gas inserts with remotes will use AAA batteries, so it’s a good idea to keep an extra set of replacements on hand at all times, in case you find that your current set has gone dead.
Regular Inspection
Finally, it’s important to have your gas fireplace insert checked by a professional on an annual basis, in order to ensure that the unit is running correctly and up to code. This will give you peace of mind that everything is working as it should be – and provide any fixes needed ahead of time, before they become major problems.
By following these basic care guidelines, you can be sure that your gas fireplace insert will serve you and your home well for many years to come. For more information on the installation of fireplace inserts in your SLC, Park City or Heber home, please don’t hesitate to contact Uintah Fireplace and Design today! We are here to help with any additional questions or concerns you may have.
