Despite the ongoing heat of the summer, it’s time to start prepping your home and gas fireplaces for the cooler months. Before you know it, you will want to curl up next to the fire with a hot drink! In this article, we’ll talk about how to prep and maintain your gas fireplaces before you’re ready to use them, to keep your home safe and the fireplace working properly.
Ready for a Change
Your gas fireplace is controlled by a remote and a receiver, and the batteries in both are never completely dormant during the off-season. This means they could have potentially drained over the off season. Old batteries that have been unused for months can also be prone to leakage, potentially damaging your device. Replacing them with fresh batteries will help protect your fireplace and ensure it’s ready to use when you need it. This way, you can avoid any hassle or disappointment from a malfunctioning remote due to dead batteries.
Protect Your Home
When it comes to battery replacement, the number one item you can’t neglect is your carbon monoxide detectors. Carbon monoxide detectors are required in all residences in Ontario. These detectors measure the concentration of carbon monoxide in your home. Detectors are especially important if you have a fireplace, as they do produce more carbon monoxide. They are a crucial part of safety in your home and should be checked regularly to ensure they are functioning properly. If you have a battery operated Carbon Monoxide detector, ensure you are changing the battery regularly. If you have a plug-in detector, make sure it is plugged into an outlet within 10 feet of bedroom doors and near any attached garages. For those with hard-wired detectors, consult your user manual and follow the steps to test your detector.
Keep it Clear and Keep it Clean
While in the warmer months, you may have resorted to using your hearth or mantle to store items, neglected to dust the area, and soft items like blankets may have migrated closer. Combustible materials (furniture, pillows, curtains, etc.) should be kept at least 3 feet away from the front of your fireplace and at least 1.5 feet away from the sides. Keeping the area clear of these materials will ensure that while you stay warm and cozy next to the fire, you and your belongings stay clear of fire hazards.
Decluttering this space and giving it a good clean ahead of fireplace season will ensure you reduce the risk of fire hazards. Regularly cleaning the glass surround in your gas fireplace will also help you get the best experience when next to the fire, but make sure you do this while the fireplace is turned off and prior to use so the unit is not hot.
Get it Inspected
Fireplace Inspections are a critical part of fireplace maintenance and protecting your home from fire hazards. Regular maintenance and inspections will help keep your fireplaces functioning properly for longer and working efficiently for longer. Even more critically, inspections will ensure that your fireplace is operating optimally, which reduces the risk of fireplace or gas related incidents. If your fireplace is under warranty, these inspections may be a requirement to keep the warranty valid. Not only are inspections beneficial to you, but the Ontario Fire Code requires fireplaces to be inspected every 12 months. By booking your inspection today you will beat the Autumn busy season so you’re ready for the cooler months!
It’s Almost Time
By preparing your gas fireplace now, you can ensure that when the temperatures drop, you’re ready for cozy nights by the fire. Keeping your gas fireplace well maintained and running smoothly ensures that you get long term use out of your investment, and can enjoy it for seasons to come. Looking to revamp your space with a new insert? Make sure you check out our Must Have Checklist! Not sure where to start with a new fireplace or how to properly maintain yours? Contact Classic Fireplace or visit one of our showrooms in Ajax, Scarborough, Toronto, or Whitby.
