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Annual maintenance for gas and wood-burning fireplaces
will help keep your home cozy and safe this winter
By
Susan Sullivan
For
the Builders Association of Greater Indianapolis Before we know it, the holiday season will be in full swing and
fireplaces across the nation will be glowing with warmth and light. Whether the
kids are expecting a visit from Santa-or Mom and Dad just want to spend some
cozy evenings snuggled near the crackling flames now is the time to be sure your
fireplace and chimney are safe
to operate.
Instead of traditional wood-burning fireplaces, many new homes
are equipped with increasingly popular gas versions that provide the look and
feel of a fire with less maintenance and no messy clean-up of ash and sooty
residue.
“According to the Hearth, Patio, and Barbecue Association (HPBA), more
than 70 percent of fireplace units sold in 2004 were gas fireplaces. This
percentage does not vented gas logs that were installed in wood burning
fireplaces,” reports Brian Adams, president of Godby Hearth & Home. HPBA
reports the number of gas fireplace units sold grew from 1,611,750 in 1998 to
2,094,341 in 2004.
Adams says much of the increase can be attributed to fireplace
manufacturers who have continued to improve the realism of their gas log design.
“New burner systems are continually in development to maximize flame
appearance while maintaining the BTUs required, ”Adams explains. “In
addition, they are focused on overall appearance of the fireplace and have
created decorative doors and mesh screens in contemporary styles and colors that
appeal to many consumers.”
And while these units may seem maintenance-free, Adams cautions, owners
of gas fireplaces aren’t entirely off the hook. “If you own a gas fireplace,
you should prepare for the winter season by making sure the burner and pilot
assembly are clean.”
When preparing to clean your gas fireplace, it’s vital to turn off the
pilot light before beginning your maintenance. Make sure the fireplace is
cool-do not attempt maintenance while it is hot. Access the burner and pilot
assembly by removing the log set, embers, and other similar materials, and
carefully use a vacuum attachment or soft bristle brush to sweep away any dust
and debris. After replacing the log set and other materials as outlined in your
operating manual, clean the front glass to remove any visible film.
Adams notes gas fireplaces are similar to other gas appliances, such as
furnaces, in that they require periodic cleaning and maintenance. “This basic
service can be performed by home owners themselves, but a professional
technician can provide an expert inspection and cleaning, including testing the
gas pressure for proper combustion, checking the door seal on direct-vent
fireplaces for leaks, and the pilot thermopile for proper temperature. Depending
on annual usage patterns, gas fireplaces should be cleaned and serviced every
two or three years to ensure optimum functionality and safety.”
A thorough chimney cleaning is also important. In order to vent safely,
chimney flues must be clean, unblocked, and intact. Flammable residue in the
flues can lead to fires in the chimney, and cracks or gaps in the flue can
decrease the draft required both for combustion and to carry toxic gases away
from your home.
“Gas fireplaces burn much cleaner than wood fireplaces, so they
typically do not necessitate cleaning of the flue system. With the exception of
vent-free gas fireplace
products,
the combustion of gas fireplaces does create black soot and dangerous fumes like
carbon monoxide. But proper drafting of gas fireplaces is as crucial as for wood
fireplaces,” Adams advises.
For home owners who have wood-burning fireplaces, a chimney cleaning
should include the removal of accumulated (and highly flammable) creosote, a
natural byproduct of burning wood and wood products. Eliminating soot buildup is
also paramount; in fact, as little as a quarter of an inch of soot can result in
a significant difference in your chimney’s performance. It’s also important
to clear the chimney of bird and animal nests, leaves, and other debris that
might block the flow of smoke and redirect it into your home. Small animals such
as raccoons and squirrels often consider your chimney a very inviting place to
build a home.
While it’s possible to clean your own chimney, be prepared for a messy
and time-consuming job. Professional chimney cleaners, known as chimney sweeps,
have the right tools to clean your chimney quickly and efficiently. They can
also detect needed repairs that a less experienced homeowner might miss.
When looking for someone to clean or repair your chimney, a quick
checklist can help you identify the best professional for the job.
- Does
he or she carry industry certification and belong to the
National Chimney Sweep Guild? Ask to see proof of certification and
check the expiration date.
- Does
the company carry valid business liability insurance to protect your home
and furnishings against accidents?
- How
long has the company been in business? Is a list of references available?
Don’t hesitate to call previous clients to determine how satisfied they
were with the service.
- Are
there any unresolved complaints about the company with the Better Business
Bureau or the city/state consumer protection agency?
After you’ve cleaned your chimney (or had it cleaned
professionally), you may want to install a chimney cap. Chimney caps not only
serve to keep out birds and small
animals
that try to nest in your chimney, but also help to prevent water penetration and
any resulting damage. Caps also prevent sparks from flying out onto your roof or
into surrounding greenery and potentially igniting a fire.
To keep your chimney as clean as possible throughout the season,
select well-seasoned firewood. Non-seasoned (or green) wood tends to smoke and
burn less efficiently, and can leave significantly more resin and soot in your
chimney than wood that has been left to dry for at
Also, make sure to check your chimney damper to ensure that it
seals tightly when it is closed. Otherwise, you may be allowing heated air from
your home to seep out through the chimney when it is not in use.
Annual
maintenance for gas and wood-burning fireplaces will help keep your home cozy
and safe this winter
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