Many homeowners are already aware of the fact that gas fireplaces are a safer home heating option than their wood-burning counterparts. While gas fireplaces do not produce smoke, sparks, or soot, there are still some basic precautions every homeowner should take to protect their family. As the most reliable provider of gas fireplace conversions and gas fireplace services in Davis County, we’ve created a short list of safety tips to help you stay safe and warm all winter long.
While gas fireplaces are definitely convenient to use, there are still some basic safety precautions every homeowner should take to protect their home and family.
Don’t Forget About Clearance Zones
Simply put, a clearance zone is an area around your gas fireplace in which it is unsafe to place flammable or easily damaged materials. When we install gas fireplaces, we remind all of our customers to avoid putting items such as wood, paper products, furniture, and window treatments too close to the firebox or directly against the glass safety barrier. Your fireplace clearance zone will vary depending on the make and model of your unit.
Check the Safety Screen Barrier
Typically, gas fireplaces feature a durable glass panel that is used to separate the firebox from your home. While this panel makes your fireplace more efficient and safer, the glass can get extremely hot. To help prevent people from burning themselves, most direct vent fireplaces made after 2015 feature a safety mesh screen. For your safety, we recommend that you check your safety screen to make sure that it is properly attached to your unit.
Test Smoke Detectors and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
If you haven’t done so, we recommend that every homeowner install both smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors on every level of your home. Smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors are two vital pieces of safety equipment that can help you avoid a tragedy. Just because your fireplace seems to be working correctly doesn’t mean something can’t go wrong without you knowing. To be on the safe side, you should routinely check your detectors to make sure that they are working properly.
Schedule a Yearly Inspection
Just like your smoke detectors need to be routinely checked, so does your gas fireplace. Yearly professional inspections and maintenance allow you to not only extend the life of your fireplace but also identify any safety issues that need to be corrected. It is recommended that homeowners have their gas fireplaces inspected at least once a year.
Keep Children and Pets Away from the Fireplace
When a gas fireplace is turned on, the glass and surrounding metal reach extreme temperatures, and they may remain hot for more than an hour after shutoff. Always supervise children and pets and teach them to keep a safe distance away. Consider establishing a “no-play zone” of at least one to two feet in front of the fireplace or put up a safety gate. It’s also smart to keep your gas fireplace remote hidden and out of reach.
Report Problems ASAP
If your gas fireplace doesn’t light or heat, or there is a change in the appearance in flames or odor, discontinue use and have it checked out by a professional ASAP. As the provider of the best gas fireplaces in Salt Lake City, UT, Croft Fireplace services all the brands we sell. Schedule an appointment for repairs or annual maintenance to make sure your gas fireplace offers the safest warmth and comfort all season long.
Let’s review some important safety tips!
If you have any questions about your gas fireplace, give Croft Fireplace a call. We offer the most reliable and convenient gas fireplace services in Salt Lake County. To book an appointment, contact us at 801-295-4141 (Bountiful) or 801-820-0919 (Salt Lake City).