As the weather in Utah flips from the hot summer into cooler fall temperatures and eventually even winter, homeowners or residents with fireplaces in their homes tend to be thinking about these products a bit more often this time of year. As fireplace usage will often increase as the temperatures cool down, one area that also increases in importance is some basic fall care for your fireplace.

At Uintah Fireplace and Design, we’re happy to provide a huge range of fireplace services for clients around Salt Lake City, Park City, Heber and nearby areas, from linear gas fireplaces to electric fireplaces, outdoor fire options and more. Using gas fireplaces as our basic example for the purposes of this blog, here are some basic ways you can assess and care for your fireplace this fall season – areas we’re happy to help with if you require assistance.

Assessing Any Off-Season Changes or Damage

If your home is like many, you’ll have barely used your fireplace during the hot summer – or maybe not even used it at all. This isn’t a problem, but it does mean you’ll want to assess the fireplace and its components before regularly using it again.

Check for any changes or damage that may have occurred during the off-season, such as debris buildup in the chimney or cracks in the firebox. You also may notice a buildup of dust or dirt on the logs, which can impact their appearance and function. If you notice any issues, contact our team for assistance in addressing them before regular fireplace use begins again.

Cleaning Out Debris

In many cases, you’ll find debris like leaves, twigs or other materials in your fireplace after it’s been unused for an extended period of time. These should be removed before starting any fires – you can use a brush and dustpan to sweep them out, or even simply use gloves to pick up the debris by hand.

Checking Pilot Light

If you have a gas fireplace, one area to check is the pilot light. This should be lit and produce a small flame at all times – if it’s extinguished, contact our team to relight it properly.

Furthermore, the pilot light will be important if you need to do any other basic maintenance on the fireplace. If you know how to turn off your pilot light for this purpose, do so before beginning any cleaning or maintenance tasks. If you don’t, contact our team for assistance.

Glass Cleaning

One key area to note for gas fireplaces in particular: The glass cleaning. This is a simple, quick task – just use a non-abrasive cleaner and a soft cloth to wipe away any dust or residue from the glass pane.

As you’re doing this, be sure not to put too much pressure on the glass. It can break or crack under intense pressure, so be gentle and use a light touch for best results. You also should not use any harsh chemical cleaners on the glass, as these can damage it.

Louvers and Air Cavities

Two components that may be featured in your gas fireplace are louvers and air cavities, which are responsible for directing heat safely away from the fireplace. Louvers refer to forms of additional ventilation that keeps the unit safe and functional, while air cavities are small spaces that help with heat dispersal.

Both of these should be kept clean to ensure proper function. Be sure to check them during your fall fireplace assessment, and contact our team if you notice any buildup or blockages.

General Wipe-Down and Paint Check

Another simple area to cover during your fall maintenance check: A general wipe-down and paint check for your fireplace. If you have a metal fireplace, use a damp cloth (not wet) to remove any dirt or dust that’s built up over time.

If there are areas where the paint has started flaking, contact our team about repainting options. This is generally a basic process, but it’s important to use the proper paints and materials to prevent any hazards. With a little bit of attention each fall, you can keep your fireplace functioning smoothly and safely for seasons to come.

Whether you’re in Salt Lake City, Park City or Heber, contact Uintah Fireplace and Design for all your fireplace maintenance needs this fall, or any of our other fireplace solutions. Keep warm!