When temperatures begin to drop in Savannah and the Lowcountry, there’s nothing better than turning on the gas fireplace and settling in for a cozy evening at home.
But after sitting unused through the warmer months, your gas logs may need a little attention before fireplace season begins.
A professional gas log inspection can help identify potential problems with your fireplace before you need it most. At Henry Plumbing, our technicians inspect gas log systems to help homeowners make sure their fireplaces are operating properly and ready for cooler weather.
Why Should You Have Your Gas Logs Inspected?
Gas fireplaces are convenient, relatively low-maintenance and easy to use, but they are still gas appliances.
Over time, dust and debris can accumulate around burners and other components. Connections can loosen, batteries can die, and ignition components can experience normal wear.
If your gas logs haven’t been used since last winter, an inspection gives you an opportunity to find potential problems before the first chilly evening sends everyone reaching for the fireplace remote.
Having your gas logs inspected periodically is an important part of seasonal home maintenance and can help keep your system operating properly.
What Does Henry Plumbing Check During a Gas Log Inspection?
During a gas log inspection, a Henry Plumbing technician can examine the accessible components of your system and look for problems that could affect its operation.
Depending on your fireplace and gas log system, an inspection may include:
Gas Connections
We check accessible gas connections for signs of leaks or other concerns that may need attention.
Burners and Gas Logs
Burners and logs are inspected for damage, debris and proper positioning. Gas logs are designed to sit in specific positions, so improper placement can affect how the system burns.
Pilot Light and Ignition System
We’ll check the pilot light and ignition components to make sure the fireplace starts and operates correctly.
If you’ve ever pressed the fireplace remote repeatedly with absolutely nothing happening, you already know why this part matters.
Flame Appearance
The appearance of the flame can provide clues about how the gas fireplace is operating. Our technicians look for signs that may indicate improper combustion or another issue with the system.
Safety Components and Accessible Venting
Applicable safety controls and accessible portions of the fireplace’s venting system can also be inspected for potential concerns.
Remote Control and Batteries
Sometimes the problem isn’t complicated at all.
We’ll check the operation of the fireplace remote and batteries, including receiver batteries when applicable. Replacing those batteries before fireplace season can save you from an unnecessary cold-night scramble later.
Don’t Wait Until the First Cold Night
Your gas fireplace has probably been sitting quietly for months. The first genuinely cold evening of the season isn’t the ideal time to discover that the pilot won’t light, the remote isn’t communicating with the receiver or the burner isn’t working correctly.
Scheduling a gas log inspection before you need your fireplace gives you time to address potential issues and enjoy it when cooler temperatures arrive.
It’s preventative maintenance with a simple goal: turn on the fireplace and get warmth instead of a troubleshooting project.
When Should You Schedule a Gas Log Inspection?
Fall is an ideal time to have your gas fireplace checked, especially if:
- You haven’t used the fireplace since last winter.
- The fireplace is difficult to ignite.
- The pilot light won’t stay lit.
- The remote isn’t working consistently.
- The flames look different than they have in the past.
- You notice an unusual odor when using the fireplace.
- You’ve recently moved into a home with an existing gas fireplace.
- You’re simply not sure when the system was last inspected.
And if something about your gas fireplace doesn’t seem right, don’t ignore it. Have the system evaluated by a professional before continuing to use it.
Get Your Gas Fireplace Ready for the Season
A little preventative maintenance now can help you avoid discovering a fireplace problem just when temperatures finally drop.
Whether you’ve been using your gas logs for years or haven’t turned them on since last winter, Henry Plumbing can help you get your fireplace ready for the season.
Don’t wait for the first cold night to find out your gas logs aren’t working. Call Henry Plumbing today to schedule your gas log inspection.
