Your gas fireplace is about to make your autumn and winter cozy, homey, and beautiful. You get all the benefits of having a fireplace, but none of the mess and hassle of burning wood. However, it’s critical to have maintenance performed on your fireplace every year, and now is the perfect time to do it. Fireplace safety inspection and routine maintenance will ensure that you and your family stay safe as well as warm this winter.
During maintenance and inspection, your gas fireplace technician will examine all the components of the system, make any adjustments or replacements that are necessary, and give everything a thorough cleaning. Thanks to annual fireplace safety inspections in Shelby County, AL, you and your loved ones can relax in warmth, comfort, and safety all winter long. Here’s how it all works.
The Gas Valve
This is where your fireplace connects to your home’s natural gas lines. The valve controls the flow of gas. It’s absolutely critical to have a qualified professional make sure that the gas flow is correct and that there is no risk of leakage.
The Pilot
Some gas fireplaces, especially ones that aren’t quite so new, have standing pilot lights. They need to burn blue, never any other color, and they should not flicker. Your technician will clean and inspect the pilot assembly so you can be sure the natural gas is combusting completely and not causing a carbon monoxide hazard.
The Electronic Spark Igniter
The gas fireplaces that don’t have pilots use an electronic system to ignite a spark when the fireplace is turned on. Like all electrical equipment, it needs to be securely connected and draw the right amount of power. Problems with this component could lead to electric shock or fire, or to a fireplace that simply won’t start up.
The Burner
This component spreads out the gas through the log assembly so the flames will be evenly distributed. Because the combustion occurs directly on this component, it accumulates carbon, which can interfere with gas flow if the burner doesn’t get disassembled and professionally cleaned.
The Thermocouple
This is a safety mechanism in gas fireplaces with pilot lights. If the pilot goes out, the thermocouple automatically shuts down the system, so there won’t be a gas leak. Again, like all electrical components, it must be tested so you can be sure it’s securely wired and functioning properly. Safety mechanisms can only keep you safe if they’re in good working condition!
The Ventilation System
Anything that burns fuel, whether it’s the natural gas in your fireplace or the gasoline in your car, creates exhaust. This exhaust must be safely vented so that carbon monoxide won’t accumulate in your home! It’s essential to have the ventilation system inspected by a meticulous, qualified professional every year so you can keep breathing clean, healthy air.
“Your experience is what matters most!” Contact Douglas Cooling & Heating today for help with all your gas fireplace needs.
