Steps To Maintain A Gas Fireplace
A faulty gas valve could be one of the reasons why your gas fireplace isn’t heating up properly. This valve controls the gas flow into the unit and keeps it from leaking into your home when it isn’t in use. Without a functioning gas valve, your fireplace will fail to heat up properly and give off no flame. Since many homeowners use their gas fireplace as a secondary heat source, it’s important to ensure the gas valve works correctly.
Clean Pilot Light
The first step in gas fireplace repair Denver is to clean the pilot light. This is an easy task. If the pilot light is obstructed, you can use compressed air to remove the soot. However, you should ensure you do not use abrasive materials, as this can damage the pilot light.
Before cleaning the pilot light, turn off the gas valve and line. Wait a few minutes so the gas can safely exit the piping. Next, remove the glass panel and any decorative logs. You may also need to remove the glass doors and the metal screen or mesh curtain. If you do not have the tools to remove everything, take a photo of the fireplace before cleaning it. This will help you remember where everything should go once it is cleaned.
If you notice a change in the color of the pilot light, there is a problem with the gas line. This can cause the fireplace to be dangerous and may cause a house fire. If the pilot light is not lit, you may need to clean it with a soft brush or handheld vacuum. You can also try using a soft toothbrush to clean the burner ports. Once the ports have been cleaned, you can turn the gas flow back on.
Clean The Chimney
When cleaning the chimney upon installing a gas fireplace, check the interior and exterior parts of the chimney. If there are cracks or holes, call a professional to have them checked. Also, check the ports and valves to ensure that they are clean. If you find any of these components dirty, you may need to replace them. Next, cleaning the chimney should include cleaning the gas ignition ports. To clean these, turn off the gas and rub them with steel wool or fine sandpaper.
Next, take out the logs and debris. You can use a vacuum cleaner or a hose to remove the debris. It would help if you never used cleaning solutions or moisture to clean the logs. Instead, dry them with a microfiber cloth. It would help if you also took out the logs one by one. Lastly, you should remove them if they are attached to a fireplace plate.
Check The Breaker
You should always check the breaker on your gas fireplace, as a tripped breaker may cause your fireplace to shut off or not light at all. If this happens, you should try resetting the circuit breaker. You should also ensure that the gas valve is in position and open. You can find this in the firebox; older models may have a nearby key.
In addition to checking the breaker, you should always try lighting the fireplace. To do so, you must hold down the gas control button and hold a lighter near the end of the pilot tube. It should take about 20 seconds for the thermocouple to heat up. If it does not work, you should replace the wiring.
Clean The Thermocouple
Thermocouples on a gas fireplace are often clogged with soot and dirt. Cleaning them is an easy process. Make sure that the gas fireplace is off before starting the process. Do not attempt to clean the thermocouple if you are inexperienced or if you have small children. To start cleaning the thermocouple, remove the front panel. Some models are fixed with screws on either side, while others hinge at the bottom.
Before cleaning the thermocouple, ensure that the gas is turned off and that no electrical appliances are plugged in. Once this is done, remove the glass covering the pilot assembly. You can take a photograph of the process for reference. Next, polish the thermocouple by using 320-grit sandpaper or emery cloth. Once the thermocouple is shiny and clean, you can reinstall it and turn on the gas. However, it would help to be careful because air can still get into the system. This is why it may take several attempts to light the pilot.
