4 Warning Signs Your Gas Fireplace Is Faulty
Approximately 99% of homes in the United States have a minimum of one major heating device. The use of custom gas fireplaces as the main home heating equipment has gone up. Gas fireplaces are easy to install and they are customizable to add a touch of class to your home.
With advice from a professional fireplace company, you will choose the best custom gas fireplace for your home. Whether you choose a gas fireplace with a vent or a vent-free installation, maintenance for both is necessary. Read on to get some insight on when you should seek gas fireplace repairs.
Recurrent Soot Build-Up
Whether using a custom gas fireplace with a vent or a vent-free one, excessive soot build up should be avoided. When cleaning your fireplace, it is normal to wipe off some soot from the glass door of your unit and other parts. When you notice you have to constantly wipe off too much soot from your fireplace, there is an underlying problem.
Too much soot over a short period means there is an imbalance in the flow of gas and oxygen. Try minimizing the level of gas switched on, and if there is no reduction in the amount of soot, call your gas fireplace company.
Smell of Gas or Burning Wires
Replace any glass fasteners that become faulty on your unit to avoid gas leaks. Check that all clips are intact and make it a part of your routine maintenance to ensure they are in place before and after using your gas fireplace.
While strange odors from your custom gas fireplace may not indicate a critical problem, the smell of gas or burning wires should be a cause for alarm. Switch off your fireplace, open windows or door to allow fresh air in. Look for a certified fireplace company to identify and solve the gas leak and wiring problems.
If you suspect there may be a gas leak, make sure everyone is evacuated from the house immediately and leave windows and doors open. Call the local fire department, your utility company’s emergency number, or 911 once you have exited the house.
Malfunction of the Pilot Light
Sometimes the pilot light is the first indicator of a problem with your gas fireplace. Any inconsistency in the working of a pilot light shows there is a potential problem with wiring, a blockage in the gas valves, or issues with the thermostat.
Most custom gas fireplaces have an operational manual provided during the initial installation stage. Check for common solutions to minor pilot light malfunctions from your manual, and if the solutions provided do not help, give your fireplace technician a call.
Switching On and Off
Inconsistent working of your custom gas fireplace by switching on and suddenly going off is a critical warning. There are many possible causes of such a scenario so it is best to seek the services of a reliable custom gas fireplace technician. Switch the unit off and wait for the technician to avoid further damage.
Your custom gas fireplace needs routine maintenance for it to serve its purpose effectively. You do not have to wait for the warning signs. Ensure you clean it regularly and have a professional inspect it to avoid serious problems that may arise. Contact us today if you are looking to install a custom gas fireplace.