Propane Fireplace Maintenance

There is no better feeling during winter than cozying up next to a fireplace and relaxing. Ensuring your propane powered fireplace is working properly will not only keep you warm all season long, but prevent safety issues from arising. Just like with any propane powered appliance, you must regularly inspect and clean your fireplace to make sure it is functioning properly and safely. Your fireplace will also let you know when it needs some attention, so look for the signs and get it taken care of right away.

Signs Your Fireplace Needs Maintenance

Your fireplace is giving off a rotten egg smell.

This indicates that there is a gas leak somewhere, and can be very dangerous. You will need to shut off your fireplace immediately and follow the safety procedures to take care of the leak before continuing use.

The pilot light isn’t working properly.

If your pilot light isn’t staying lit, it is a sure sign there is an issue and your fireplace requires some maintenance. This could be caused by a broken thermopile, or due to faulty wiring which will require professional help as it can be potentially dangerous.

There are high soot emissions.

Soot buildup is normal in a wood burning fireplace, but is a sign of a greater issue when dealing with a propane fireplace. There could be a blockage in the chimney, or another issue with the ventilation system, causing improper airflow. This will require you to either clear out your chimney or hire a professional to take care of the issue.

Strange noises are coming from the fireplace.

Some noises coming from your fireplaces are normal, but if you hear anything out of the ordinary coming from the fireplace, you may need to consider hiring an HVAC technician to come out and service your system.

Your fireplace isn’t staying on.

This is one of the more common signs of a greater issue with your fireplace. There are many reasons this could be happening, and the best way to take care of it would be to call a professional for help instead of trying to fix it yourself.

How to Service Your Fireplace

Larger issues with your fireplace will require professional assistance, but there are some DIY ways to keep up on your fireplace maintenance. The frequency in which you service your fireplace will depend on how often you use it, but a good rule of thumb would be to perform various checks at least once a year. Below are some steps you can take to keep your fireplace working throughout the year.

Keep your fireplace clean.

Cleaning your fireplace regularly will prevent harmful buildup on the internal surfaces as well as the glass cover. Over time, this buildup could cause or even hide greater issues happening within your system. By keeping these surfaces clean, you will also be able to more easily notice any cracks in the gas or gaps in the mounting that will need to be taken care of immediately.

Inspect for cracks or other damages.

Cracks and other damages to your fireplace could be potentially hazardous, especially if you allow them to get worse over time. Checking for these damages regularly and keeping up with repairs will help you prevent dangerous situations that could arise.

Check carbon monoxide detectors.

Part of your routine inspection of your fireplace should include checking your carbon monoxide detector to make sure it is functioning. If you do not already have a carbon monoxide detector near your fireplace, one should be installed. This will alert you to any gas leaks that could be a danger to your family.

Inspect and clean the chimney.

A lot of issues with your fireplace can arise simply because your chimney is blocked or needs a good cleaning. Keeping your chimney clean and clear of any debris will keep air flowing properly and allow for good ventilation.

If you suspect any issues with your propane system and how it is functioning with your fireplace, contact your Premier team for a safety inspection, or follow emergency procedures.