A gas fireplace serves as one of the safest and most reliable appliances in the home, providing both heat and ambiance at a moment’s notice. Gas fireplaces are clean burning, require little maintenance, and can be an important source of heat in an emergency situation such as a power outage.
Because efficiency and safety are important issues, HPBAC recommends that a gas fireplace be professionally serviced at least once a year to ensure top performance and aesthetic appearance. A qualified professional inspects the burner, fan, venting, pilot light and thermostat, and even cleans the glass. Further, a carbon monoxide detector should be present in the home.
Here is a full list of recommendations to ensure you are getting the safest and most enjoyable experience out of your gas fireplace:
Safe setup
- Keep a fire extinguisher on hand and place smoke detectors throughout the house. Test the smoke detectors and batteries regularly. See that the extinguisher is in good working order and that all family members know how to operate it.
- Obtain a building permit prior to installing or replacing your hearth appliance, as required by the laws in your area.
- Advise your insurance company about the installation or replacement of your hearth appliance.
- Have your hearth appliance installed out of the way of foot traffic and away from furniture and draperies.
- To fully understand the necessary steps involved in proper operation, read the manufacturer’s instruction manual for your specific hearth product.
- If your hearth appliance is being installed in a home during construction or renovations, do not operate it until the area is thoroughly cleaned; drywall dust and other contaminants may harm the fan motors and burners.
Using your hearth appliance
- Do not store combustible materials, gasoline or other flammable liquids near your hearth appliance.
- Never leave a child alone in a room with a hearth appliance. If your child is not in a playpen, an adjustable gate system that fits most hearth appliance areas can be installed which allows adult access to the hearth appliance but keeps kids outside in the safety zone. Alternatively the same kind of safety gate system can be used to cordon off the entire room to prevent your child wandering into the room alone.
Regular maintenance
- Clean the glass regularly (but never when it is hot). It is recommended to use a glass cleaning product specifically intended for fireplace glass, available through most hearth retailers or hardware stores. Never use abrasive products or ammonia-based cleaners which may scratch the glass surface.
- Maintain your hearth appliance regularly in accordance with the manufacturers specifications, and industry best practices.
To discuss any of these matters, feel free to contact:
Adam De Caire
Director, Public Affairs
HPBA Canada
(647) 998-4235
adam@hpbacanada.org
