Safety Tips for Your Gas Fireplace
If you’re like many homeowners, you’ve opted for a gas fireplace to increase home value, improve convenience, and gain the ambiance of a comfortable crackling fire all in one swoop. Maybe you decided to install a new gas fireplace to avoid a major chimney and firebox restoration or you just needed to stop chopping or purchasing firewood. No matter what the reason, your gas fireplace is installed, it’s beautiful and works great. There are still a few safety tips to keep in mind to make your experience this fall and winter safe and happy.
Professional Installation and Service Only
The best way to ensure safety year after year is to have your gas fireplace installed by a certified professional. Your fireplace may even require professional installation and service in order to maintain your warranty. If you haven’t used a gas appliance before, you will need the gas company to hook up the supply to your new fireplace, and a professional will have to make all connections properly in order for the appliance to work properly and safely.
Watch for Clearance and Hazards
Going into fall and winter, it’s important to remember safe clearance around your fireplace opening. Many homeowners change décor when seasons change, and it’s important that none of these flammable decorations put your family and home at risk. Gas fireplaces are extremely safe when operated properly, but it’s still important to remember that the gas fire is still a fire. It can turn dangerous at any time. Nothing should be burned in your gas fireplace—no paper, clothing, trash, or any other material.
Double Check Doors, Screens, and Damper
All components of your gas fireplace should be checked on a regular basis. To remember, you can check over your fireplace the same time you check your smoke detector. Clean the glass doors, check hinges and handles, connectors, and open and close the damper if your gas fire is vented. It’s also important to clean the fireplace. Any parts that are removable should be removed, cleaned, and replaced. Dust the logs and the floor of the fireplace.
Teach Fireplace Safety
Your family and your guests should be taught proper fireplace safety so that everyone can stay safe and warm this winter. Only those who have permission and who have the proper training should light the gas fireplace. Whether by remote or by pilot light and a match, only adults should light the fireplace, and it should never be left unattended or burning when residents are out of the home or asleep.
Proper Ventilation
Most of the problems that come from gas fireplaces have to do with improper ventilation. If you notice condensation or wet patches on your walls or furniture, you may have a problem with your fireplace. If the gas fireplace isn’t venting properly, you may have serious hazards that put your health at risk. Call a professional to have your system checked out right away.
If you are a homeowner in and around Westhampton Beach and have a gas fireplace, we can help keep your family warm and safe this winter. Call 631-998-0780 or stop by our office at 381-8 Old Riverhead Road today.