Without quality wood, it is impossible to build a good fire. Nothing can replace a wood-burning fireplace for a traditionalist, but they do need ongoing care. Additionally, they may be untidy and a fire hazard. Furthermore, unless you live somewhere where you can easily chop some wood, keeping a supply of dry firewood is not always practical.
Gas logs have a lot of benefits. They are easy to install, maintenance-free, and available in various styles. In addition, they produce twice as much heat as wood and present fewer fire hazards. That sounds nice on a night with a 20-degree temperature.
There are some simple ways to take into account when using a gas fireplace for storing them, just like with any other heat-producing appliance in your house. These guidelines for gas fireplaces will help you protect your house and family while still getting the most use out of your fireplace and gas logs.
Supervision Is Important
If you only use the fireplace in the room, you will get the most use and enjoyment. However, glass-covering gas fireplaces can still become hot to the touch. In order to prevent burns to children or animals, you or another adult must help keep them away from the fireplace. Additionally, make sure nothing flammable, such as blankets, books, or toys, is placed too close to the fireplace.
Is it safe to have the gas fireplace in a bedroom, or if you occasionally use your living room as a guest room? In general, whether you will be sleeping in the same room as the fireplace or not, it is best to turn pilot off before going to bed. By doing this, the likelihood that a fireplace issue will go unnoticed will be reduced.
Always Check Your Safety Screens Twice
If the glass temperature rises above 172 degrees F, gas fireplaces with glass fronts must have a safety barrier. The requirement was set in response to reports of people getting burned after touching a fireplace's glass front, particularly kids. To lessen the chance of burns, the safety screens act as a barrier between the heat and the person or animal.
Older gas fireplaces might not have the protective barrier installed, even though those made after January 1st, 2015, are required. If that applies to the fireplace in your house, you can retrofit it with one. If your fireplace has a safety screen, it is crucial to ensure that it is set up correctly and safely. A qualified and trained technician from SMO Energy can verify that the safety screen is firmly fixed or can reattach it if necessary during an annual inspection.
Even with the safety barriers properly installed, it still pays to use common sense when using your fireplace. For example, avoid touching the screens and glass fronts while burning the fire.
Keep Kids Away
Teaching your kids about fireplace safety is never too early. Tell your kids about the dangers of fires early on and emphasize the value of keeping them away from the fireplace. Consult your family's pediatrician for advice if you're unsure how to explain burns and other injuries a fire could cause to your child. They can offer advice on explaining to your young children the gravity of the situation without overwhelming them with fear or trauma.
Make it a rule at home that kids aren't allowed in a room with a fire burning unless an adult is also present. Make it clear to your older kids and teenagers that the rule also applies to them.
If your gas fireplace has a remote control, keep it safely out of children's reach. Even better, keep the remote in a locked cabinet or drawer accessible only to the adults in the home and that only they know the code to open. Try getting the button or switch installed at a height that is out of reach for small children to lessen the likelihood that they will push the ignite button or flip the switch to turn the fireplace on. Purchase a switch plate cover to keep little hands away if the fireplace is already set up and the switch or button is at a child's height.
Finally, keep an eye out for your kids as you enjoy the fireplace as a family. Place the chairs in the room far enough from the fire to be safe. You might also think about drawing a line on the floor with tape that kids can't cross once the fire is lit. But, again, put the line a good distance from the fireplace.
Keep Your Distance
Even though you might want to huddle up by the fireplace in the evening as it burns, keep your distance. When you and your family are relaxing by the fireplace, keep at least 3 feet away from the front of the fire.
Always keep objects at least 3 feet away from the flames and keep people and animals safe from them. This is especially true for flammable items like furniture, textiles, and paper products. For example, make sure throw rugs are at least 3 feet away from the front of the fireplace if there are any in the room where it is located.
The heat from the fire can harm electronic devices like televisions and stereos, even though they are unlikely to catch fire if they are too close to the flames. Keep them far enough away to be safe. It is always a better idea to choose a wall not directly above your fireplace if you plan to mount a television on it.
Is there anything you can keep directly in front of the fireplace or right next to it? In contrast to wood-burning fireplaces, gas fireplaces do not require the same tools, such as pokers or shovels. While you are welcome to keep those close on your own, they are not required for the fireplace to function.
Plan an Annual Inspection
Your gas fireplace will continue to operate safely if it receives a yearly tune-up and inspection. Long-term savings are also possible because the inspection can find any minor problems that need pricey repairs before they become major ones. The certified technician will inspect the fan operation, safety system, and fireplace ignition during the inspection. Additionally, they will inspect the vent and chimney and clean the fireplace, including the glass front.
Speak to a Professional with Any Concerns
Working with a qualified fireplace technician is not required only once a year. Contact a professional and ask them to inspect and look at things if anything about your gas fireplace seems strange or out of the ordinary. Here are some indicators that your fireplace needs maintenance:
If the Glass is foggy or dirty, it won't be easy to see the flames when the gas fireplace is lit. Therefore, gas fireplace glass needs to be kept clean. Although you might be able to clean the Glass using a regular window cleaner, hiring a professional is typically advised for the best results.
You detect an odd odor: Several factors can cause the gas fireplace in your home to emit an odd smell. Perhaps some dust or other debris entered the fireplace and is currently consumed by the flames. However, some smells are more unsettling than others. For instance, if you smell burning cables while your fireplace is on, turn it off immediately and call for service. Extinguish the fireplace, leave your house, and call 911 if you smell rotten eggs. The smell of rotten eggs may be a sign of a gas leak.
The fireplace is making noise: Your fireplace should be relatively quiet when it is turned on if everything is working properly. However, it may indicate a problem with the blower if you hear loud noises like shrieks or rumbling. Even though there is no immediate danger, it is a good idea to turn off the fireplace and make an appointment for a technician to examine it.
When's The Right Time?
Considering that you probably didn't use your fireplace during the summer, you might want to keep these tips in mind for storing logs and the fireplace's safety.
The time is now to freshen up your gas fireplace. The Glass may be cloudy or need a good polish, but since you're not likely to use it, it will remain sparkling in your room for much longer than it would in the winter.
Get started on your next chimney cleaning or other chimney related, Contact us today!
