Wednesday, February 22, 2017

Tips to Clean and Maintain a Gas Fireplace

If you haven’t cleaned the fireplace for a long time it may prove to be dangerous for your health and safety. However, if you want to have a safe and healthy experience with the gas fireplace then you need to make sure that these are cleaned on a regular basis.  Most of the dirty work related to fireplace cleaning should be left to the professionals as they have the right tools and expertise to handle tasks like these. However, there are still certain things that you can do it by yourself.

tips-to-clean-and-maintain-a-gas-fireplace

Tips to Clean and Maintain a Gas Fireplace

Tips to Follow

  • Dirt build-up is a common phenomenon with fireplace. This is the reason you should check for dirt and debris from time to time. Be careful to check around the crevices. Cobwebs can be formed inside the gas fireplace particularly if you do not use it for a long period of time. Soot might accumulate on the logs and this should be cleared out.
  • To clean the dirt and the dust build-up, you can take the help of a vacuum cleaner. Use the hose to place it inside the gas fireplace. This will help you in cleaning the hard to reach areas. For removing the cobwebs, you can take soft-bristled brush for removing the dust gently from the surface. Make sure that you use a brush with soft bristles as the ceramic logs are fragile and these might crack under pressure.
  • If you clean the glass door of the gas fireplace, you will be able to maintain the quality of it.  You can simply wipe it with the help of damp cloth and spray. This will help you keep the glass from becoming cloudy and foggy. If you do not clean the glass doors on a regular basis then it can have a negative impact on the clarity. Keep the glass clean when it is not in use.
  • You should keep in mind that you have to clean the glass doors with a wet cloth only when it is completely cooled down. If you want to clean after using it then wait for about forty minutes. If you do not allow it to cool then the glass might crack. As a matter of fact, you might also get injured.
  • Also, check if every part of the glass door is in a place like the screws and the bolts. This helps in ensuring that carbon monoxide is not seeping out from the gas fireplace as this can lead to health risk.

Check External Vents for Vegetation and Clogs

The external vent of the gas fireplace should be placed away from clogged debris. Thus, you have to de-clog it prior to installing the fireplace. In fact, birds might also start inhabiting the vent. Make sure that you keep them away so that they do not get harmed by the heat or smoke. It is essential to clear the vent from any obstruction.

gas-fireplace

Gas Fireplace

Check for Unusual Fumes or Odors from The Fireplace

If you smell natural gas coming out of the fireplace, you need to get in touch with the professional in order to get it repaired and checked. This will help you in preventing accidents. A damaged glass door is what will allow the fumes of carbon monoxide to enter your home and this is what needs to be avoided. For additional safety, you can consider installing an alarm detector for carbon monoxide. If you take all these precautions, you will be able to prevent several unwanted events and get the best operating gas fireplace.

Do not forget to check the gasket of the gas fireplace. The gasket needs to always be in a proper working condition; if not, the carbon monoxide might start entering the house. The wires of the fireplace should be checked to ensure that they are working properly and there aren’t any damaged wires.