Gas Fireplace Best Practices

6/2/2020 (Permalink)

In addition to being the centerpieces of ambiance in any home, a gas fireplace provides fire and heat. They also require specific safety precautions. Here are some gas fireplace best practices:

Safety Screens. All gas fireplaces should have a protective screen over the glass. Such screens help to reduce the risk of someone getting a serious burn by providing a barrier that will prevent skin from coming into direct contact with the hot glass. Keep in mind, however, that screens can also retain heat, so touching them is never a good idea. If there are children in your home you’ll want to keep that in mind.

Carbon Monoxide Detectors. Carbon monoxide is an odorless and poisonous gas that can be deadly. For safety reasons, every home should have at least one carbon monoxide detector located in rooms near gas appliances, including fireplaces. In addition, your home should also have smoke detectors. Be sure to check and replace the batteries on a regular basis to ensure that they are in good condition.

Annual Inspections. Schedule inspections with a licensed gas technician or hearth dealer to inspect your gas fireplace every year. They can check the gas lines, clean the unit’s burner and control compartment, and look to see if condensation is present. This is an important yearly appointment that shouldn’t be delayed.

Venting. When you are selecting your gas fireplace, try to choose a model that offers direct-venting. They have sealed combustion systems that protect indoor air quality by drawing air from outside the building while sending all the combustion exhaust and any by-products to the outside. A video explaining direct vent technology is available here.

Fire Damage. If you have an accident and your premises suffer from fire damage, you can call us here at SERVPRO of Belle Meade/West Nashville for clean up or repairs from a fire event. We also handle water damage, and we’re mold remediation experts, too. We are proud to serve our friends and neighbors here in Nashville, and we hope that you keep us in mind for all your future needs.