A gas fireplace is important for keeping you warm during the cold months. A gas fireplace is safe, energy-efficient, and easy to maintain. If you open your gas fireplace and smell a bad odor, that means it has dust and dirt that comes from burning logs. You need to maintain your fireplace by cleaning it and consistently checking it to ensure there is no damage. Central Air Heating & Cooling will always offer you reliable and satisfactory cleaning services of your gas fireplace in Clackamas and its surrounding area. However, if you prefer to do some cleaning yourself, here are some steps to follow.
1. Confirm You Have the Materials for Cleaning
There are several materials that you need for successfully cleaning your gas fireplace. Confirm whether you have everything you need before you start cleaning.
Materials required include a:
- Large bucket
- Screwdriver
- Vacuum cleaner
- Glass cleaner
- Soft cloth
2. Turn Off the Gas
Before you start cleaning the fireplace, ensure you completely turn off the gas valve and confirm if the pilot light has turned off. Wait for a few minutes before you start to work. This is to give time for the remaining gas in the pipe to leave. If you have used your gas fireplace recently, give it more time for all the components to cool off before you start to clean it.
3. Disassemble the Fireplace
Following the user manual for your fireplace, remove the logs and the burner unit carefully. You can take them outside for cleaning to avoid spreading dust in your house. Please note your fireplace arrangement because you will have to return the components to the exact spots you found them.
4. Clean the Parts
Carefully brush off dust and dirt from the logs using a soft paintbrush or a hand broom. Also, brush off debris from the burner unit, and be sure to clean inside the vent holes to avoid clogging that might prevent gas flow. Check the burner igniter and clean it in case it has any carbon buildup. While cleaning, you might want to inspect your fireplace as well.
Areas to inspect:
- Cracks and damages
- Holes
- Excessive burn marks
- Buildup of dust in vent holes
Use a vacuum cleaner to remove dust and cobwebs that might have accumulated around the rocks. Check the corners for any dust, insects, or cobwebs. If there is any, then clean the fireplace with a vacuum. Also, wipe the pilot light with a piece of cloth to remove any dust.
If your fireplace has a glass door, it may become cloudy from dust particles. Do not clean it using glass or oven cleaner, as these products may cause the glass to break. Instead, clean the glass door using a fireplace glass cleaner, which you can get from your local hardware store. Spray the solution on the glass, then using a cloth, wipe it away. This will remove debris and dust film, leaving the glass door clean and clear.
If your cover is a mesh screen or curtain, you can use a vacuum brush to remove any dirt or specks of dust. Using a damp cloth, wipe the edges of the screen to remove dust. When the screen or glass door is clean, proceed to clean the mantle and hearth. Using a soft cloth, gently wipe the mantle and hearth to avoid scratching your walls.
5. Reassemble the Gas Fireplace
You need to reassemble the gas fireplace to exactly how it was. Return the logs one by one, install the burner cover, put the rocks back around the logs, replace the outer glass or screen, and then put the clips back. After you have properly reassembled everything, it is now safe to turn on the gas valve. You can then proceed to check the exterior of the gas fireplace.
What to check on the exterior of your fireplace:
- Condition of the air vents
- Any blockages in the vent pipe
- Cracks
- Obstruction of air from leaves and branches
Gas Fireplace Cleaning
It is vital to clean your gas fireplace monthly, even when it is not in constant use. During the cleaning process, you will be able to note if there are any problems. You can repair these issues ahead of time to avoid any problems when the fireplace is in use.
When cleaning your gas fireplace, always follow the user manual. In case you need any assistance with the cleaning process, contact Central Air Heating & Cooling in Clackamas today. We also offer heating and cooling installation services as well as 24/7 emergency repairs.