You’ve enjoyed your gas fireplace through the cold months, but now it’s time to shut it down for the summer. But beyond not using it, what do you need to do to make sure it’s ready for your next heating season in the fall? Here’s a quick look at what you can do to ensure that the gas fireplace in your Rochester home is in good condition when it’s not in use.
Care and Maintenance of Gas Fireplaces at Season’s End
- Check the fireplace: Are there gaps, cracks, or missing bits in the fireplace surrounding the gas log? Is it still mounted properly, or has something come loose from a mounting?
- Clean and check the glass: If you have glass doors, clean them using vinegar, fireplace glass cleaner, or another cleaning product that doesn’t contain ammonia and check for cracks.
- Inspect gaskets: Often, fireplace doors are gasketed to create an airtight seal for proper operation. If they’re not in good shape, repair or replace them.
- Look at the logs: Is the color fading or does it have cracks, damage, or other issues that need to be addressed? They can often be replaced without changing the whole system.
- Test the ignition: Make sure that your ignition system is working properly. If it isn’t, have a professional clean and test the system.
- Vacuum the fireplace area: This allows you to remove dust, dead insects, lint, and other debris that can build up.
- Test your carbon monoxide detectors: Though it’s usual to test them in October, heating season in western New York can start earlier than that, so check them now.
- Inspect the chimney: Are there water leaks, failing masonry, or similar issues that need to be addressed? Handle them now instead of during the busy fall season.
By taking care of your gas fireplace as you stop using it for the summer, you can ensure that it’ll be much closer to ready to go when you need it again in western New York’s brisk fall evenings and cold winter weather. If you need help with shutting down your gas fireplace for the summer, or have concerns about it, the professionals at Four Winds’ Chimney in Rochester offer gas fireplace maintenance and inspections, and are happy to help. Please feel free to contact us today with any questions or concerns.
