One of the biggest benefits to heating your hearth with a gas log set? Gas logs are an extremely low-maintenance appliance. However, it is important to remember that low maintenance doesn’t mean no maintenance. There are a few things you should do each year to keep your gas fireplace logs burning efficiently and looking good.
Professional cleaning and inspection.
As with any combustion appliance, your gas logs should be cleaned and inspected annually by a fireplace professional. In addition, preferably by one who has experience with the brand and type of gas logs you use. Your chimney service technician will clean the logs and hearth. Also, they check all working components of the gas logs. This includes the pilot light, ignition, millivolt generator, gas connection, valves, and burner.
If your gas logs are vented, the chimney technician also should examine and clean any vents. This is to ensure that they are free from soot or other blockages that could compromise the safe or efficient burning of your gas log set. Finally, your chimney technician will alert you to any deficiencies in your fireplace system, Deficiencies such as a breakdown of your gas logs, chimney, or hearth. Everything from your logs to your firebox panels to your chimney vents are susceptible to break down over time. In addition, weaknesses in any of these components could pose a safety risk. Consequently, this will diminish the efficiency of your gas log set.
Cleaning your gas logs.
In between professional cleanings, you might want to clean your gas logs yourself. Particularly if you notice dust or soot building up on the logs. Fortunately, cleaning your gas logs is a relatively quick and easy task. Just be sure that you are careful when handling the logs, as they are fragile and can break.
To clean the firebox, fit your vacuum cleaner with the brush attachment and clear away any dust, cobwebs or other debris. For components that are small enough to be sucked up by the vacuum hose, such as lava rocks, place them in cheesecloth or a similar porous material before vacuuming.
Take the gas logs themselves outside to avoid getting any soot on your flooring or furniture. Use a soft paintbrush to sweep away any soot or dust particles. If there is some staining that won’t sweep away with a brush, you can use a gentle soap mixed with water to try to remove the stain. Rinse away any soap to avoid streaking.
As you clean your fireplace logs and firebox, be on the lookout for any signs of excessive wear or deterioration. If you notice that your logs or fireplace components are breaking down, you should call in a professional. They will examine your set to make sure it is still in good working order.
Replacing your gas logs.
When it does come time to replace your old gas log set, call the fireplace experts at FireSide Hearth & Home. We can help you select a new gas log set that will warm your hearth for years to come!
