Gas Stove and Gas Fireplace Maintenance Tips

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of maintenance does my new gas burning stove or gas fireplace need?

Keep your home and family safe with regular gas appliance maintenance. Every few months, clean off the glass door on your gas fireplace or stove. This will keep your unit from accumulating a sticky build up overtime. Make sure to only use a glass cleaner specifically intended for this purpose.

Annual inspections are also very important for gas appliances. While these units are typically low maintenance, it is still important to have a certified service technician check your system from time to time. These appliances can still accumulate build up that can lead to a chimney fire, and it is important to check for gas leaks or venting issues.  Schedule your yearly inspection with a certified chimney professional to make sure that all components are working correctly. An annual inspection is a small price to pay for the peace of mind and safety that it brings in return.

How do I turn on & off my gas appliance?

The operation of your gas appliance will depend on the make and model of your unit. There are options that enable you to operate your stove or fireplace with a simple wall switch, remote control or thermostat. The thermostat will help you maintain a steady temperature in the room, while the wall switch simply ignites or shuts off the flames.

How do I re-light my pilot?

First, make sure that the supply line of gas to your fireplace or stove is on. Then, find the gas control knob with the options of “on”, “off”, and “pilot”. This knob may be located behind a removable panel on the front of your unit. Push this knob in and turn it to “pilot”. This setting will begin to release a small amount of gas to enable the pilot to ignite as long as it is held down. Then, at the same time as you are pressing in the knob on the “pilot” setting, press down the red or black igniter button. Press this button a few times if it does not ignite immediately. Now, continue to hold down the control knob on the “pilot” setting for about 20-30 more seconds to ensure the pilot stays lit. After this, the pilot should remain lit, just turn the knob to the “on” setting on the control panel and leave it.

If the electricity is out, follow these same directions, but use a match to ignite the pilot instead of pushing the igniter button.

Should I leave my pilot light on year round?

Yes, it is best to leave the pilot light on year round. While this wastes a small amount of gas, the money spent keeping the pilot light on is much less than any repairs resulting from turning the pilot light off will cost. Leaving the pilot light on year round helps keep the system working and helps prevent bugs and animals from causing problems with the system.

Why won’t the pilot light stay lit?

Follow the pilot lighting directions carefully and continue to hold down the control knob on the ignite setting for up to one minute after the igniter lights the pilot. This will help ensure that the flame is lit and sustainable. If the pilot continues to go out after this, schedule an appointment with a certified chimney professionals to further assess the problem.

How do I child-proof my stove?

The heat from a gas-heating appliance can be very intense within a few feet of the fire. While most children will feel the heat from the flames and stay away, there are additional precautions you can take. There are many varieties of screen shields that can be placed in front of the fire to keep children a safe distance from the flames.

What’s the odor (smoke) coming from my new gas stove or fireplace?

When you first burn a fire in your new heating appliance there may be some initial smoke or smells produced. This scent comes from the paint and finish on the appliance. During the first fire, the paint is curing and some of the oil in the finish burns off. It is advisable to open a window during this time to send these odors outside, but this is a normal occurrence. If the strange odors and smoke continue for longer than 3-4 hours after the first burn, discontinue use and set up an appointment with a chimney technician to ensure the appliance is in good working order.

Will I need to clean the glass door or does it stay clean by itself?

The glass door with eventually begin to develop buildup after consistent use. The glass should be cleaned at least once a year to keep the glass clear. This can be done more often if you notice the buildup accumulating quicker than this.

Can I switch from LP Gas to Natural Gas?

Yes, gas fireplaces can usually be switched from propane to natural gas. Gas appliances are not compatible with different types of gas without the correct parts, but there are gas conversion kits to switch your appliance from liquid propane (LP) to natural gas. It is advisable to hire a chimney professional to make this switch to ensure the system is safely and correctly installed. So many things can go wrong with a gas conversion; letting a professional perform the installation is the best and safest option.

 
 
 

 
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