What an annual inspection includes
- Clean the glass and unit to the manufacturer's guidelines
- Check the entire vent system and termination for condition and operation
- Inspect explosion relief flappers and glass door gaskets for a proper seal
- Inspect the burner, venturi and air openings
- Inspect the gas valve, gas components and pilot system, and confirm correct log placement
- Verify all optional equipment works — fans, thermostats, remotes and safeties
- Clean the burners and pilot assembly
- Inspect the flue for loose connections, leaks and obstructions such as nests and leaves, and clean out soot
- Make sure the area around the fireplace is clear of combustibles
We also recommend a carbon monoxide detector alongside your smoke detectors, with fresh batteries at each annual inspection. Routine maintenance keeps your fireplace cozy and safe for years.
Why an annual fireplace service matters
A gas fireplace looks simple, but a lot happens behind the glass. Spiders and insects like to nest in burner tubes and pilot assemblies over the summer, and birds and leaves can block vent terminations outside. Dust and lint build up around the burner and fan. Any of these can change how the fireplace burns, and a fireplace that isn't burning cleanly can produce soot and carbon monoxide.
A yearly service also keeps the fireplace looking good. The white or grey film that builds up on the glass can etch in permanently if it isn't cleaned with the right product, and logs that have shifted out of place cause soot that stains the firebox.
Signs your fireplace needs attention now
- Lazy, tall yellow flames
- Black soot on the glass or logs
- White film that won't wipe off
- Pilot keeps going out
- A smell that doesn't fade
- Fan is loud or doesn't run
When to book
The best time to service your fireplace is late summer or early fall, before you start using it every evening. If you also have a gas furnace, book it alongside a furnace tune-up and get both done in one visit. If you're moving into a home with a gas fireplace and don't know when it was last serviced, book an inspection before you use it. If something's already wrong, see common fireplace repairs.
