Here, we’ll be discussing gas fireplace repair and service options. Are you looking for ways to fix your gas fireplace? Quite a lot of inquiries are also made about service options.
We’re confident you’ll find this article informative.
Gas fireplaces are known to be efficient in addition to being environmentally friendly.
They’re among the best when it comes to heating as they provide consistent heating with no need to frequently adjust the fire as is the case with firewood.
Repairing And Servicing Your Gas Fireplace
Ever since the advent of fireplaces which were initially fueled by wood, advanced designs have steadily emerged with cleaner combustion resulting.
Today, there are several types of fireplaces as well as inserts and stoves using a variety of fuels.
Common types include gas fireplaces, electric fireplaces, wood fireplaces, gas log fireplaces, and gas fireplace inserts among others. Each type serves a specific need and gives certain advantages.
However, our aim isn’t to discuss all of the above types. Rather, we intend to deviate a little bit by looking at one type; gas fireplaces.
Common Gas Fireplace Issues
Gas fireplace repair is a normal and natural response to an existing or developing problem. Fireplaces aren’t built to be problem-proof. As a matter of fact, nothing is.
Issues may develop from time to time that requires fixing.
Now the type of repair required largely depends on what’s spoilt. If you’ve owned or operated a gas fireplace for any length of time, you should find the following problems familiar.
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Problems With Gas Fireplaces
When it comes to problems usually encountered with gas fireplaces, there are several such. These range from dead batteries, smell of burning gas, burner failure, and release of carbon monoxide due to component failure.
Here is why your gas fireplace does not work.
Other common issues include strange sounds, soot buildup, and thermopile/thermocouple issues. These gas fireplace problems aren’t exhaustive in themselves.
In other words, there are lots of other possible issues that may come up. Whatever the case is, you’ll need to take appropriate action.
For some of these problems (such as dead batteries), replacement may be a sufficient fix. For others, the repair is necessary. Let’s take a brief look at each of these issues as follows;
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Dead Batteries
Are batteries installed in a gas fireplace?
You’ll need to take a look at your remote control as well as the receiver installed beside or behind the gas logs. With time, these batteries die and need to be replaced.
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The Smell of Burning Gas
The smell of burning gas is usually common with vent-free gas logs.
Asides from having a direct-vent fireplace installed, there’s little that can be done with a vent-free gas fireplace.
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Constant Firing of Carbon Monoxide Detectors
One of the problems you’re likely to encounter is a carbon monoxide detector that constantly goes off. This situation points to the release of toxic gas which could be caused by incomplete or inefficient combustion.
Evacuate the area immediately and have a reputable chimney service detect the problem.
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Gas Leaks
A gas leak is a problem that shouldn’t be taken lightly.
This requires immediately turning off the gas supply. A chimney service will prove very helpful in this regard. They’ll trace the leak and have it rectified to avoid further deterioration.
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Pilot Lights
Gas fireplaces have pilot lights that provide the necessary igniting spark for lighting fire. These lights are in the form of small blue flames located beneath the logs.
With strong wind presence or other fireplace issues, these lights may die out.
Ordinarily, these pilot lights dying out won’t be a problem for recent designs. Sensors are fitted within the gas delivery system which turns off gas flow once these fires are off.
However, for older designs, there’s no sensor to turn off the gas supply, thus leading to small gas leaks that could be significant when leakage continues for a long.
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Burner Failure
Consider the fact that gas fireplaces burn by taking in air from your surroundings. Accompanying such air are all sorts of particles including pet hair, debris, and dander.
Persons suffering from allergies are more vulnerable to burning hair among other things. This calls for frequent cleaning of your gas fireplace.
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Carbon Monoxide Release
Carbon monoxide release is very likely when a gas fireplace malfunctions.
This is mostly the case when there are issues with the gas log set. Such a problem may be due to blockages as well as how recent or not the fireplace has lasted.
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Strange Sounds
Certain strange sounds may be heard in your gas fireplace that points to a problem. Such may be early signs of a malfunction. You may notice your gas getting more dirty than necessary.
Have a technician inspect for possible repairs.
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Soot Buildup
Soot buildup in a gas fireplace more often than not has to do with chimney problems.
Knowing where the exact issue lies is best investigated by an experienced technician. Such a technician also addresses or fixes the problem found.
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Thermopile/Thermocouple Issues
As key gas fireplace ignition components, thermopile and thermocouple will need to be functional at all times.
However, the reality is that these develop faults over time and need to be fixed or repaired.
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No Ignition
Breaker boxes or gas valves can affect ignition in a gas fireplace. You’ll need to have a professional check the root causes for possible fixes.
Maintain an Annual Maintenance Schedule
When it comes to keeping a gas fireplace in great shape, scheduled maintenance is the key.
An annual maintenance schedule does a lot to resolve common gas fireplace issues that may arise.
As always, inspection procedures are best performed by an experienced technician.
Before You Conclude Your Gas Fireplace Needs Repair
Before concluding your gas fireplace needs some repair, you’ll need to first perform certain troubleshooting actions. These are meant to determine where the real issue lies.
Some of the basic troubleshooting actions to take include inspecting your breaker in addition to checking if the gas is flowing.
Other troubleshooting actions include checking the pilot lights to see if it’s burning. There are times when pilot lights might be burning but lighting the fireplace seems impossible.
In such situations, the thermopile may be having issues.
Ask Questions
Having called for gas fireplace repairs, it’s important to ask as many questions as necessary.
An experienced technician would be glad you’re taking interest in their line of work. You should ask as many relevant questions as possible regarding repairs and maintenance.
This is the best way to avoid issues that earlier led to your gas fireplace malfunctioning.
Remember, maintenance is key to maintaining a sound gas fireplace. A professional should help you with all the basic and useful tips to follow.
What Gas Fireplace Repairs and Servicing Entails
Quite a lot goes into the process of fixing a faulty gas fireplace.
Whenever you call a technician, they perform a series of actions which include inspecting overall installation, vacuuming accessible circulation chambers and fans, testing fire unit, and recording operational characteristics.
Repairs may also include replacement and fixing faulty components such as the thermopile etc. cleaning and conditioning both sides of the glass, taking out logs and other forms of media, and having them vacuumed.
Technicians also provide maintenance recommendations.
Can I Detect the Exact Problem Before a Technician Arrives?
Whenever you have issues with your gas fireplace, the first action is to troubleshoot for problems. You might be lucky to find that the problem is insignificant and can be fixed by you.
At other times, the skill of a technician is necessary.
While it’s possible to know what the exact problem is, some gas fireplace malfunctions are quite complex. You may have a hard time trying to figure out such problems. We recommend you seek expert help.
How To Repair A Gas Fireplace
Despite its efficient functioning, a gas fireplace will develop issues at some point. When it does, you’ll need to have it fixed. When it comes to fixing a faulty gas fireplace, quite a lot of questions arise.
Such questions border on how to fix a problem, who to call, the processes involved, etc.
We aim to provide repair-related information on gas fireplaces. We’re confident that whatever issues you face will be addressed right here.
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Gas Fireplace Repair and Service Options
Gas fireplace repair and service can be performed by you or a reputable technician. If you’re interested in taking a DIY approach, you’ll find the checklist provided below useful.
However, if you think this stressful route (DIY servicing) isn’t cut out for you, then calling a reputable chimney service will still be in order.
Checklist For Servicing A Gas Fireplace
There are about 10 steps to take when servicing your gas fireplace.
These include accessing glass assembly and firebox, cleaning the glass, cleaning the firebox interior, inspecting the firebox interior, cleaning the firebox exterior, and fireplace reassembly.
Other steps include checking the outside vent, checking the carbon monoxide detector, checking burner ignition, and scheduling an annual professional inspection.
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Accessing Glass Assembly and Firebox
It’s important to ensure the fireplace and glass are completely cool. Now turn off the gas valve followed by removing the decorative front from the fireplace.
This should be followed by careful removal or dismantling of the glass assembly using the user manual.
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Cleaning the Glass
With the glass completely off, you’ll need to inspect for scratch signs (Scratched glasses should be replaced). Using a soft cloth, clean or wipe both glass surfaces. Also, inspect all gasket fixtures on the glass.
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Cleaning the Firebox Interior
All forms of dirt, debris, or dust should be cleaned from the firebox interior. A soft paintbrush or soft cloth should serve this purpose.
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Inspecting Firebox Interior
You’ll need to inspect the firebox interior for signs of stress or rust. Some parts or the entire box may need to be replaced if found to be defective.
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Cleaning Firebox Exterior
The exterior of the firebox needs to be given a thorough clean too. Important tools for this job include a vacuum cleaner and a soft cloth.
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Fireplace Reassembly
With cleaning completed, all components of the gas fireplace will need to be reassembled. This shouldn’t be a problem if the manual is followed.
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Checking Outside Vent
Are there any blockages to the outside vent? This will need to be checked for bird nests and debris. At this point, you may have to call a chimney sweep for such jobs.
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Checking Carbon Monoxide Detector
The condition of your carbon monoxide detector is crucial to personal safety. As such, it must be inspected and weak batteries replaced.
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Checking Burner Ignition
Burner ignition should light smoothly. If it doesn’t, you might want to consult a chimney professional or your dealer.
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Scheduling Annual Professional Inspection
Annual inspections are a top priority for overall chimney maintenance. With such inspections, problems are prevented from occurring.
Conclusion
These are the gas fireplace and service options you should consider to perform frequently. Remember we said issues such as those mentioned above are likely to occur.
Nevertheless, proper maintenance should help with general performance.