Gas Fire Maintenance

Because modern high-quality gas fires burn so cleanly and efficiently, it’s easy to assume that they don’t need much looking after. And it’s true that gas fires need much less maintenance than, say, a wood-burning fire or stove. But that doesn’t mean they don’t need regular care and attention.

Keeping it clean

Your gas fire works hard to heat your home, so it’s not surprising that it can get a little dirty and worn over time.

To keep things working at peak efficiency, your fire should be cleaned every year. Inspect the air vents, the flue and inside the chimney (if you have one) for residue and debris left by burning. And if your fire has a decorative fuel bed feature, it’s worth checking the ceramic logs/stones haven’t begun to degrade and fragment.

Make sure the cleaning products you use are suitable and approved by your fire’s manufacturer.

Don’t let things get dusty

Some folk choose to completely turn off their gas fires during the summer. While this might seem like a way to reduce the need for maintenance, the opposite is true. That’s because extinguishing the pilot light allows more airborne dust and dirt to collect inside the fire.

Dust is a common cause of problems with gas fires. If it accumulates around the gas intake and pilot light, the fire may burn less efficiently. You may even find ignition may be temperamental the next time you try to switch it on.

Talk to the professionals

Arrange an annual inspection of your gas fire by a certified technician. This will give the appliance a full going over, inside and out.

The inspection will include checking the fire’s bodywork and glass to make sure everything is fully sealed and intact. Dents and scratches can impair function. The ignition mechanism will be tested, along with the burners. Your technician will give the fire and vents a full clean and, if necessary, may open the unit up to examine the valves and flows inside.

Setting up a regular service contract to have your fire checked at the same time each year strikes one task off your to-do list, and it can be cheaper too if there should be a problem. Talk to your local dealer.

One of the joys of a gas fire is its efficiency and reliability. To keep it that way, make sure you take the time to clean and maintain your fire. That way, you know you’ll always have warmth and comfort at the press of a button, any time you choose.