There’s no doubt that gas fireplaces are the ideal pick for someone with a busy lifestyle. They are extremely easy to use, they produce a lot of heat, and they don’t require much cleanup. All you do is flip a switch, and you’ve got yourself a cozy place to relax at the end of the day!
Many assume that because gas fireplaces burn cleaner and require less upkeep, they don’t need as much professional attention as their wood-burning counterparts. This is not the case! Gas fireplaces need regular check-ups, too. They also need to be cleaned and swept from time to time, too.
Learn more about why these steps are so important in keeping your household safer, warmer, and more comfortable year after year by reading below. Then, call on us for advice, answers, and unbeatable customer service! At Lords Chimney, we’ve got your back!
Benefits Of Professional Care
By investing in regular professional care, you guarantee the best results from your gas fireplace. For one thing, you’ll avoid excess build-up. Just because you aren’t burning wood, doesn’t mean debris doesn’t accumulate, and it needs to be cleaned out on a regular basis to ensure things run smoothly. Putting this maintenance off will result in clogs and deterioration, both of which trigger poor air flow and gas leaks.
When you get an expert’s eye on the job, they can also spot any necessary repairs. If cracks and holes are present, you’re much more likely to come into contact with some toxic fumes, such as carbon monoxide. This gas is nearly impossible to detect, and it can be fatal if not treated right away. Lower your risk of exposure by having a professional inspect your system on a regular basis, and be sure to install carbon monoxide detectors throughout your home, too!
With the help of a pro, you can ensure safer and more efficient functioning with every passing season. It’s an investment you’ll be glad you made and, trust us when we say, that it’s the right move for saving money down the line. It’s always better to pay for affordable fixes sooner, rather than intricate and expensive ones later. You’ll save time, money, and a whole lot of stress! Call us in right away.
Schedule An Inspection
So, what’s one way of ensuring things run smoothly year after year? Schedule an annual inspection! Most homeowners use their fireplace a lot more near the end of the year, when the holiday season is in full swing, so schedule an inspection sometime before your burning period begins each year to guarantee optimal efficiency.
At Lords Chimney, our CSIA certified team has everything necessary to get the job done right! Count on us to for all your chimney and fireplace care. Our team won’t let you down!
Direct vent gas fireplaces have grown in popularity in recent years. With more realistic looking flames, a multitude of style options, and incredible ease of use, gas fireplaces allow families to enjoy the ambiance and warmth of a fire without the hassle and work associated with wood.
While gas fireplaces are more convenient and easy to use, they still have safety risks associated with them. A primary concern with gas fireplaces – especially in families with young children or pets – is the risk of burns associated with the hot glass fronts of the fireplace units.
New fireplace safety standards
Beginning on January 1, 2015, all newly manufactured gas fireplaces and stoves with glass fronts will be required to include an installed protective barrier. This will apply to all appliances that have a glass surface temperature of 172 degrees or higher when in use.
“While gas fireplaces, stoves and inserts are a great asset to any home, the glass can become very hot during operation and stay hot long afterwards, creating a potential burn hazard,” said Hearth, Patio, and Barbeque Association president Jack Goldman. “In the past several years, there have been reports of burns involving young children and others who may not been aware of the potential risk of touching the hot glass on gas fireplaces, inserts and stoves. While we believe these incidents are few, even one is too many. We believe the new safety standard will provide greater protection to young children and others with special needs.”
This new standard was originally approved in 2012 by the American National Standards Institute. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission worked with the fireplace and hearth industry to implement the standard in an effort to protect families from accidental burns. The standard will apply to all units manufactured after January 1, 2015. Retailers may continue to sell units manufactured before this date that do not meet the new safety standards.
Safety tips for families
If you have an existing gas appliance, there are a number of things you can do to protect yourself and your family from accidental burns. These common sense safety tips can help keep everyone in your home safe.
- Don’t leave children or pets unattended in front of a fireplace that is in use or has been turned off
- Teach children about fireplace safety and to never touch the glass of the fireplace
- Keep the remote control of the fireplace out of reach to prevent it from being accidentally turned on
- Install a switch lock to prevent children from turning on any gas appliances
Additional safety products
There are a number of safety products available to homeowners who already own gas appliances. Protective barriers or screens are the easiest and most common safety precaution. Safety screens come in a variety of styles and can be attached directly to the front of the fireplace or left as freestanding screens. Likewise, baby gates or barriers can be used to keep children and pets away from the fireplace when it is in use.
When installing aftermarket screens directly to the front of your hearth, please be aware that they may change the functionality of your fireplace. Check with a fireplace professional before installing something directly to the fireplace.
If you have questions about making your gas appliance safer, contact Lord’s Chimney today. Our expert staff is highly trained and ready to make sure you can enjoy your gas fireplace while keeping your family safe.
