Gas fireplaces are awesome. They’re convenient, clean, and safe. But don’t get complacent about safety. These tips will make sure your home and family are always safe and your gas fireplace functions perfectly.

Hire the Pros to Install the Fireplace

Safety-wise, there’s a lot that goes into gas fireplace installation including gas line and electrical connections, venting, clearances, and adherence to building codes. Improper installation is dangerous and poses a fire hazard. 

Also, lack of professional installation will void the manufacturer’s warranty. 

Check the Safety Screen

All modern gas fireplaces come standard with a protective safety screen. This fine mesh screen is installed into the frame to prevent users from accidentally touching the glass viewing area - which gets very hot - and to stop any small embers or sparks from escaping the fireplace.  

Periodically check the screen for holes or any areas where it may have come loose from the frame. If the screen needs to be replaced, our technicians will install the correct size of screen designed for your specific gas fireplace model.  

Keep Combustibles at a Distance

Gas fireplaces can get extremely hot. Keep curtains, furniture, pillows, blankets, or other flammable items at least three feet away. 

The same goes for a wood mantel. The National Fire Code states that a wood mantel must be at least six inches from the opening of the firebox. Add to that one inch for every ⅛ inch the mantel protrudes from the wall: a 6” deep mantel needs to be at least 6-¾” (say 7”) above the top of the fireplace. Deeper mantels will need additional clearance because they trap more heat. Your professional installer will make sure that everything is up to code! 

If you’re installing a gas fireplace insert into an existing fireplace and don’t want to or cannot move the mantel, your installer will add a metal heat shield on the bottom of the mantel to help dissipate the heat.

Watch the Littles and Furries 

Pets and children are naturally drawn to fire. Pets are usually pretty savvy about heat but may not pay attention when they’re playing. Young children are not instinctively afraid of fire so always supervise kids around an open hearth. A safety gate around the hearth is a temporary “better safe than sorry” measure to safeguard the littles and the furries.

Always keep pet beds and kids’ play areas a safe distance from the fireplace. Discourage play, including running, close to the hearth. Never throw - or allow throwing - toys in the direction of the fireplace.

Don’t Rearrange the Logs

Did you know that log placement in a gas fireplace is crucial for its operation? The logs aren’t there just to look good and hide the burners - they’re there to ensure airflow and direct the flames to the desired shape, volume, and height. 

A log that has been accidentally knocked over or is out of place can cause uneven flames or no flames at all in part of the fireplace. If you hate the arrangement of the logs, have our service techs arrange the logs in a more aesthetically pleasing and functional way during their annual service call.

Read the Manual

We know, we know… who has time to read the owner’s manual? If you read nothing else, familiarize yourself with the control system, safety features, and operations of your fireplace.

Know the Safety Features

Some gas fireplaces have pilot lights that automatically shut off if the fireplace hasn’t been used for several months. Some feature turndown features that turn the fireplace to pilot if the remote hasn’t been used in several hours and the flame height hasn’t changed during that time. 

In other words, these fireplaces automatically turn off when they’re not in use. Your fireplace service technicians will show you its safety features during their service call.

Install a CO Detector 

Some, but not all, gas fireplaces come with a carbon monoxide detector. Install one or several throughout your home, if you have any gas appliances. Don’t install them above the gas appliance (including the fireplace) since carbon monoxide is heavier than air. Install CO detectors near the appliance no higher than 5 feet from the floor, and outside bedrooms on all levels of the home.

Give It Some Love

Nothing is more frustrating than a gas fireplace that won’t light on that first frosty day of the year. In fact, “my gas fireplace won’t light” is the most common reason for an emergency service call!

Gas fireplaces require annual maintenance by a qualified professional who will perform an inspection, thoroughly clean the fireplace, replace worn out ember media, check for gas leaks, check all electrical connections and batteries, and make sure everything is operating as it should so you’re ready on the first day all the way through the last day of heating season. They will also instruct you on how to restart your gas fireplace if it has a pilot with an automatic shut-off.

We know you love convenience, and so do we - that’s why we schedule annual service calls well in advance, just like the dentist, so you’re never left scrambling for a service spot at the beginning of “cozy season.”

Call us today to start your gas fireplace project or to schedule a service call!