Gas Fireplace Maintenance

It’s recommended to have a professional inspection and cleaning done annually, especially before the fall and winter seasons when the fireplace will be in regular use.

While some tasks can be done on your own, it’s best to have a professional technician complete the maintenance, inspection, and cleaning. Professionals can identify potential issues that may require repair or replacement.

To ensure proper operation, you can:

1. Clean the glass as needed and check for any cracks or loose panes.
2. Vacuum the interior and gently dust the logs. If you notice any signs of animal activity in the chimney, contact your gas fireplace repair company or an urban wildlife specialist.
3. Replace the batteries in the remote control regularly.

Most gas fireplaces and inserts use a direct vent (DV) system. These fireplaces have a fixed glass front that seals off the gas burner and firebox from your home. All combustion air is drawn from outside through a coaxial pipe, which helps maintain indoor air quality. The vent can be run either horizontally through an exterior wall or vertically through the roof.

Note: Always remove your fireplace glass before lighting the pilot.

1. Locate the gas supply valve (usually behind the louvers, below the glass opening).
2. Open the valve by turning the handle parallel to the gas line.
3. Locate the pilot assembly with the spark igniter (typically at the bottom center behind the logs).
4. Push the igniter button to verify a spark at the pilot area.
5. Find the valve control knob marked “ON,” “OFF,” and “PILOT.” Push in and turn it counter-clockwise until “PILOT” is in the 6 o’clock position.
6. While pressing and holding the valve knob in the “PILOT” position, press the red piezo button repeatedly until the pilot ignites. If the pilot doesn’t light, wait 5 minutes and try again. Once lit, continue holding the valve knob for 30 seconds before releasing it slowly.
7. If the pilot light goes out, contact your dealer for service. If it remains lit, turn the valve knob to the “ON” position.
8. Turn the unit’s ON/OFF switch (or wall switch/remote control) to “ON” to start your fire. Remember to replace the glass front securely before using your fireplace.

If you don’t see a red or black spark igniter button, your fireplace may not have a manual ignition system. Simply turn the on/off wall switch or remote control button to ignite your burner if power is actively supplied to your fireplace.

Please refer to the installation manual or user’s guide for your specific fireplace model for instructions on removing the glass.

Yes, you can turn off the pilot when you are not using the fireplace for an extended period, but it’s not recommended in high-humidity climates.

Most fans are wired into the fireplace with a fan sensor switch that activates when the firebox reaches a certain temperature and turns off as the unit cools. This feature ensures you aren’t circulating cold air. The amount of time needed to heat up the fan sensor will differ depending on the model of your fireplace.

What you’ll need:

• Fireplace Glass Cleaner
• 2 Microfiber Cloths
• A soft, padded surface (to place the glass)
• Tools to remove the glass
  

Steps:

1. Remove the glass door from your fireplace, following manufacturer instructions.
2. Place the glass on a soft, padded surface.
3. Apply glass cleaner generously.
4. Rub the cleaner into the glass using one microfiber cloth.
5. Wipe and buff the glass with the second cloth.