Gas Fireplaces – Gas Inserts – Gas Logs

Gas Fireplaces


Does your gas fireplace have a “frosted” look to the glass or a black sooty build up?
The frosted look is white carbon buildup. White carbon is a byproduct of combustion and can be very detrimental to your fireplace in a few different ways. Carbon can be removed in most cases when being addressed in a timely manner. If carbon is not addressed it has the ability to etch itself into the glass. This leaves your glass permanently carbon stained and takes away from the aesthetic appeal from your fireplace when it could be beautiful.

Carbon buildup

The white carbon film starts as a powder. The powder begins to layer much like soot and creosote buildup accumulated in a wood or solid fuel combustion fireplace. This fine powder has been known to make its way into the pilot supply hood at the pilot assembly. Carbon buildup in the pilot hood will cause the pilot flame to burn yellow and lazy. This “candle-like flame” can cause problems with the burner functioning and also create more soot and carbon build up throughout the firebox coating the walls and the log assembly of the gas fireplace. When carbon staining becomes etched onto the glass and cannot be removed A new glass assembly must be installed to rid the fireplace of this ugly “frosted look”.
A lot of the times a good portion of the carbon can be cleaned or buffed from the glass with proper cleaning solution and elbow grease.

The carbon tends to be the #1 build up in dirty fireplaces, there are other types of build up that can cause potential issues over time. Dust is 2nd runner up to the carbon as far as debris accumulated in the fireplace. Dust can also cause clogged orifices, pilot hoods, burner ports and even sometimes the fireplace vent, if the fireplace has never been serviced.

Other foreign debris’s include miller moths. Miller moths love the standing pilot light on the fireplace and can easily enter the venting system from the outside vent termination. Miller moths will clog pilot assemblies and burner tube or clogs if enough make their way into the system.

What to expect from service

The gas fireplace is inspected initially with a visual inspection to determine the suitability of the system and proper function. Problems are discussed upon the initial inspection and all information is gathered at this point. A clear understanding of the homeowners goals and expectations with the fireplace are addressed and assessed.

The fireplace place is cleaned of build up in the firebox and is taking apart to allow access to existing debris present in the system. As the firebox is disassembled and reassembled it is inspected for defects and proper integrity. The fireplace vent in the vent termination or inspected for blockage example Birds nest. Unit is put back together and tested for proper operation and seals.

Log Placement

Log placement in a gas fireplace is very specific and is crucial to the proper operation of the fireplace. Placement varies from model to model and should be addressed by the technician during an in service and inspection.

Fireplace glass assemblies should be cleaned only by service technicians as the proper placement and mounting is crucial to the fireplace operation and safety. In proper installation of the glass assembly can result in undesired heat transfer, carbon monoxide and or natural gas leaks.

Think of the fireplace is the furnace located in your living room! Fireplace should be inspected annually and serviced accordingly.

A clean inspected fireplace will keep you warm and give you peace of mind.