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If you have a gas fireplace, you know how important it is to stay on top of your maintenance routine. This will help you avoid costly repairs in the future and keep your hearth functioning at its best.
If you ever get burnt while lighting the fireplace, you need to opt for a treatment depending on how the burn occurred. For example, an airbag burn treatment may require a different treatment from fireplace burns. If you’ve suffered an airbag burn, there are a few key steps to follow. First, gently cleanse the area with mild, unscented soap and lukewarm water. Pat dry without rubbing. Apply a light, hypoallergenic moisturizer to prevent skin dryness.
Avoid direct sunlight and use a broad-spectrum sunscreen when outdoors. Over-the-counter pain relievers can help manage discomfort. If discomfort persists, seek immediate medical attention. Don’t pop any blisters, as this increases the risk of infection. Always remember an airbag burn is a serious injury, and a healthcare professional should always be consulted.
However, once you find yourself in a situation where your gas fireplace isn’t working, it’s best to call the professionals for evaluation. Luckily, some do-it-yourself fixes can help you determine whether it’s time to call in the pros for a repair.
Check The Pilot Light
If you have a gas fireplace and the pilot light doesn’t stay lit, something is likely wrong with your ignition system. This may be a spark igniter issue, a thermocouple problem, or an electrical wiring issue needing a gas fireplace repair Denver.
The pilot light is a small, blue flame that helps ignite the burners when you turn on the fireplace. It’s also a safety feature that prevents your gas valve from opening when the flame isn’t present.
If the pilot light isn’t lighting, you should use a multimeter to test the thermocouple and thermopile on your main gas control valve. Place one lead on the TH/TP and the other on the TP, then check for a reading of 300 millivolts or more.
Check The Gas Valve
The gas valve connects your main gas line and the fireplace. It can be found on the wall or floor near your fireplace.
These valves generally come with a quarter-turn ball handle that you turn to control the flow of gas to your fireplace.
Most newer gas fireplaces include a thermopile, which monitors the temperature of your fireplace to control the pilot light and gas valve. A broken thermopile is a dangerous condition that requires expert knowledge to fix.
Check The Burner
The burner is the main source of heat in your gas fireplace. It is important to check it periodically.
If you notice that the burner doesn’t fire up, it could be due to an issue with the thermopile or thermocouple. Both are little metal probes that control the gas flow to your fireplace unit.
Your fireplace technician should check these components at least once a year during their annual safety inspection.
This will allow them to catch minor problems early and avoid costly repairs. They’ll also check your carbon monoxide detectors and make any adjustments to ensure your home’s safety.
Check The Ignition System
A properly functioning gas fireplace is a safe and efficient way to heat your home. However, it does require a little bit of care and maintenance.
Let’s start with the ignition system or spark plug. The ignition system must be capable of doing two things at once: delivering a voltage high enough (20,000+) to arc across the gap of a spark plug and sending the electrical spark to the correct cylinder at the exact right time.
Ignition systems in most engines have a spark plug that generates the necessary voltage to ignite the air/fuel mixture for combustion. The ignition system in your gas fireplace is similar.
Check The Safety Controls
Gas fireplaces need to be properly vented from your home; otherwise, carbon monoxide can build up in your home. This can lead to poisoning.
A qualified service technician should be able to check your fireplace and chimney for these safety issues.
1. If the pilot light ignites but doesn’t stay lit, this could be a problem with the thermocouple or a gas valve.
2. If the burners do not ignite, this can be a problem with dirty burners, loose connections, or a thermocouple malfunction.
3. A cracked screen can harm your health as the glass may become hot enough to burn skin.
Whether your fireplace is wood or gas, a protective screen should always be used to prevent accidental burns from the glass. These screens reduce the risk of serious injury by preventing your skin from coming into contact with the glass and the dangerous chemicals produced by the fire.
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