A fireplace can provide great comfort to your home with heat and a place to curl up and read a book. It is also quite beautiful. A gas fireplace is easy to use, too. You simply turn it on when you want it. With a gas fireplace, you won't have ashes and soot going into your chimney! But do you need to clean it? The short answer is yes! Let's go over the aspects of gas fireplace cleaning.
Benefits of a Gas Fireplace over a Wood Fireplace
There are typically two types of fireplaces: wood fireplaces and gas fireplaces. Why would someone choose a gas fireplace over wood? Here are some of the benefits of a gas fireplace.
Controlled heat
A wood fireplace can be inconsistent. One of the best parts of a gas fireplace is that you get to control the amount of heat you get from it.
Safety
A wood fireplace can send embers flying in your home. If not watched carefully, that could eventually lead to a fire. Gas fireplaces don’t have that problem.
Environmentally friendly
Wooden fireplaces send fumes into the air, contributing to pollution. It can also cause health concerns for the people in your family if they breathe it.
No carrying firewood
You won’t have to buy firewood or cut down firewood for your gas fireplace.
Easy to use
You won’t have to struggle to start your fireplace with gas. You simply push a button, and it works right away!
Keep in mind that you will have to buy fuel. You also won’t have the same rustic smell as a wooden fireplace.
Gas Fireplace Maintenance
You will not have to perform as much regular maintenance as you would with a wood fireplace, but there is still some work on your part. You will have to clean the glass of the fireplace and the area around the fireplace regularly. You will also have to clean the actual fireplace. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions very carefully. The amount you need to clean it will depend on how often you use your fireplace.
You will need to get a safety inspection and cleaning annually. The tech will ensure that everything is working properly and that your gas fireplace is safe. They will also clean the air passages and fan. The whole inspection will generally only take about 20 – 30 minutes.
Make sure that your carbon monoxide detectors are always working just in case of a leak from the fireplace.
Why Get Your Chimney Cleaned
Just because you have a gas fireplace, that doesn’t mean that you don’t need to avoid cleaning your chimney. Your chimney still gets use, especially in the winter. In fact, your furnace can produce about 1.5 gallons of water into your chimney every hour. The water generally also has acidic properties. Not only is water getting into your chimney, but sulfuric acid could be getting into your chimney, too! Not cleaning your chimney will allow this sulfuric acid to eat at your chimney.
The ceramic logs used in the fireplace will eventually burn and clog up your chimney, too. This residue won’t build up as quickly as it will with a wood fireplace, but it definitely adds up.
A professional cleaning will be required every couple of years. This will prevent any damage from the condensation or any unwanted critters.
Signs that You Need to Clean Your Chimney
Chimney deterioration
If you start to notice that your chimney is breaking down, that could be a sign that you need a cleaning.
Moisture on your walls
Do you notice that your walls seem wet? If this continues, this can ruin your wallpaper or paint.
Stains on the ceiling
Look up at the ceiling around your chimney to see if you notice any stains.
Fixing the Problem
Always call a professional when it comes to your chimney. They have the know-how and experience to take care of your problem quickly. Always ensure that the company is properly certified. After you call your local chimney cleaning company, they will come to solve your problem for you. You may simply need a new insulated liner. Another possible solution includes fixing the connections. If the problem is really starting to take a toll on your chimney, you may need a new chimney all together.
Your fireplace adds value to your home, and it also provides heat in the winter. If something happens to the electricity, most fireplaces even have a generator to keep your family warm. Now that you know what you need to do, you can use your gas fireplace with confidence. As long as you perform regular maintenance and have an annual cleaning and inspection, your fireplace will be a great place for you and your family to relax in the winter or whenever you want to use it.
Stay Clean and Safe With Vertical Chimney Care
Worried about keeping your fireplace clean? Get a chimney inspection and cleaning done by Vertical Chimney Care. Contact us today!
