Gas Log Safety And Maintenance Tips
Wood burning and gas fireplaces are designed to safely provide years of comfort, warmth and relaxation. To ensure they can do their job, fireplaces require maintenance and proper operation. Before lighting the first fire of the season, there are a few important fireplace safety tips to remember.
PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE
· Have the chimney inspected annually, and cleaned as necessary, by a professional chimney sweep to ensure it’s clear of obstructions and creosote.
· Have a cap installed at the top of the chimney to avoid the possibility that debris or animals can block the chimney.
· Install both a smoke and carbon monoxide detector. (Make sure the batteries work.)
· Keep a fire extinguisher on hand.
· Make sure the area around the fireplace is clear of furniture, books, newspapers and other potentially flammable materials. (Two feet away is a good rule.)
GAS FIREPLACE SAFETY MAINTENANCE TIPS
Gas fireplaces also require routine maintenance and service to ensure their proper working order. The best person to perform the service is a trained professional in the maintenance of gas fireplaces.
· Clean and adjust the glowing embers and logs for best appearance.
· Clean the glass doors (if you have them).
· Check the batteries in the carbon monoxide detector.
· Ensure the vents are unobstructed and able to do their job.
GAS FIREPLACE SAFETY MAINTENANCE TIPS
Professional installation by a qualified technician is essential to the proper performance and safety of a hearth product and its venting system. Unlike a malfunctioning refrigerator, a hearth product that doesn’t do its job properly can have serious consequences. To verify if an installer is certified, contact the National Fireplace Institute (NFI) at www.nficertified.org, or to verify factory training, use the hearth product manufacturer directory at www.hpba.org for contact information.
