At Uintah Fireplace and Design, we’re proud to offer conversion services that help clients turn their existing hearth into a gas fireplace using our gas logs. Gas fireplaces are a great alternative to wood-burning options, creating far less mess and also bringing several warming benefits.
Another benefit of gas logs and fireplaces is their relatively low maintenance – unlike wood fireplaces, you don’t regularly have to maintain and clean the area just for regular use. However, there are still a few important areas you should keep an eye on to ensure you get maximum value out of a gas fireplace. Here are some basic tips.
Manual Information
For starters, ensure you keep the owner’s manual that comes with your gas fireplace in a place you can remember. This document contains all the information you need to properly care for your gas fireplace and use it optimally.
Knowing basic operating requirements may not seem like a big deal, but it can save you huge sums of money over the years. For one, you’re likely to use less gas and keep your gas bill low. For another, proper use will limit strain on components and keep your fireplace functioning like new for years. If your fireplace did not come with a manual or you have misplaced yours, find the manufacturer online and download a copy.
Flammable Materials
At all times, whether or not the fireplace is in direct use, flammable or potentially flammable materials should be kept at least three feet away from the fireplace. If you have children or pets in the home who you’re worried might show a bit too much interest in the fireplace, there are a variety of safety screen or glass barrier options you can utilize to help prevent this. Setting and sticking to this kind of rule, even when the fireplace is off, ensures safety at all times.
Detector Upkeep
A related area of upkeep and maintenance for a home with any kind of fireplace is ensuring your detectors are working properly. The first is your smoke detectors, which should always be checked regularly to make sure they’re working properly and have the right batteries installed.
In addition, consider the carbon monoxide detector, which can be just as important. Carbon monoxide cannot be smelled or seen, and may cause carbon monoxide poisoning issues if it’s not picked up by your detector. If there are any issues here, contact a local gas contractor immediately.
Battery Concerns
Batteries are important for the detectors we discussed above, but also for your fireplace remote and receiver. These items can be used for remote activation, and perhaps more importantly for activating the fireplace manually during a power outage.
For more on maintenance areas for gas fireplaces, or to learn about any of our new fireplace or gas insert options, speak to the staff at Uintah Fireplace and Design today.
