A gas fireplace is a beautiful and efficient way to add warmth and ambiance to your home. Although you should hire a professional to service your gas fireplace at least once a year, you can clean the unit yourself in between inspections. Here’s a five-step guide on how to give your fireplace a good spring cleaning.
1. Turn off the gas.
Turn off the gas valve and ensure the pilot light is completely out before cleaning your fireplace. If you recently used the fireplace, wait until the unit has completely cooled down before starting. This can take about an hour.
2. Disassemble the fireplace.
Consult your owner’s manual for instructions on disassembling your gas fireplace. If the glass panel isn’t attached to hinges, carefully remove it to access the inside. Then, place the glass on a soft surface, such as a towel or sheet.
If possible, remove the decorative logs and set them aside. You may need to use a screwdriver to do this. It’s a good idea to take a picture of the logs before you remove them, so you can return them to the correct position.
3. Clean inside the fireplace.
Vacuum up any dust and dirt inside your fireplace. If you have lava stones that are small enough to get sucked up by the vacuum, remove them or attach a piece of cheesecloth to the end of the vacuum nozzle with a rubber band. Then, dust off the decorative logs and return them to the unit.
4. Clean the glass.
Over time, the glass on your gas fireplace can develop a foggy-looking film from chemical residue. Use a glass cleaner designed explicitly for gas fireplaces to get rid of this.
Follow the instructions on the cleaner and use a soft, lint-free cloth to remove any dirt and debris. Avoid using ammonia-based products like oven cleaner or Windex, and don’t use paper towels as they can scratch or damage the glass.
5. Visually inspect the fireplace.
While cleaning, inspect the chimney and exhaust vent for loose bricks or blockages within the ductwork. Moreover, keep an eye out for signs of excess moisture, rust spots, cracks, stains or any other damage around your fireplace.
If something’s amiss, immediately call Aire One Heating & Cooling in Kitchener-Waterloo.
Designer Gas Fireplaces in Ontario
The experienced technicians at Aire One Heating & Cooling specialize in gas fireplace installation, repair, and maintenance. When you sign up for one of our protection plans, a technician will periodically visit your home to thoroughly clean your fireplace, check for gas leaks and identify any potential safety issues. We proudly carry Napoleon fireplaces and serve customers throughout Southern Ontario, including Cambridge, Stratford, Woodstock and Guelph. Contact us today to learn more about our products and services.