Typical Wear & Tear: It is common for gas logs to deteriorate over time. They can even fade or discolor. Even though there isn't a potential safety hazard involved with fading or discolored logs, it might be nice to upgrade the look and feel of your gas fireplace with new media.
But in general, an efficiently running modern gas fire kept clear of dust and debris should hit or exceed that 10 to 15-year mark before showing signs of wear. Older or cheaper models may start to struggle after 7–8 years. Regular servicing and maintenance will be essential to maximising lifespan potential.
One of the most common problems faced by homeowners with gas fireplaces is the pilot light going out or not staying lit. The pilot light is a small flame that ignites the gas burner, which produces the heat for your fireplace — if the pilot light goes out, your fireplace won't work.
You start smelling strange odors
This smell should go away after three to four hours of use. A dirty fireplace with excessive pet hair or dust can also produce an odor. If you smell rotten eggs, call for help immediately, as you likely have a gas leak.
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommends all fireplace owners with solid or liquid fuel appliances have annual safety & maintenance inspections. While gas fireplaces burn cleaner than wood, yearly safety and maintenance inspections are still essential to ensure they operate safely.
Gas Fireplace: $3,500-6,500 (New construction), or $4,000-8,000 (remodel) Installing a gas fireplace either involves starting from scratch (new construction, addition, etc.), or removing an already existing fireplace and putting a new fireplace in its place.
The combustion process in ventless gas fireplaces releases various byproducts, including carbon monoxide (CO) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2), directly into the indoor environment. These byproducts can have detrimental effects on indoor air quality and, consequently, on the health and well-being of occupants.
A clogged or faulty burner can cause performance issues resulting in a low gas flame. In addition, carbon build-up, gas residue, and debris can inhibit the burner's ability to function correctly, leading to premature failure. If cleaning the burner doesn't solve the problem, it may need to be replaced.
As California moves to become the first state to ban natural gas-powered space and water heaters by 2030, a growing debate about what the ban means for homeowners, and any potential expansion to other appliances, is kicking off.
If you have either a gas fireplace insert or a direct vent fireplace, you should be able to leave your fireplace on continuously throughout the day.
While electric fireplace may offer 100% efficiency, a properly installed and maintained gas powered unit can achieve high efficiency—even with regular use. Additionally, the energy costs associated with heating a home with electricity compared to gas are much higher.
How Often Do Gas Fireplaces Need To Be Cleaned? Answer: Gas fireplaces do not burn wood or make smoke; however, they still need to be cleaned monthly, even over the summer months when the fireplace may not be in use.
Generally speaking, you can get a good ten to fifteen years of use before you need to replace your gas fireplace.
Prevent carbon monoxide (CO) build-up.
An open window can help to vent the gas, and this is especially important in newer homes that were likely built with airtight construction techniques. This means that gases have no way to escape, including CO.
Yellow or Brown Stains. Appliances that run on combusting fuel should have unobstructed ventilation. If you notice brownish-yellow or soot-like stains around a heater or gas fireplace, there may be combustion issues. This can be a sign of a carbon monoxide risk.
Both wood and gas combustion release byproducts that, if not properly managed, can pose health risks. Carbon monoxide (CO), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and particulate matter are among the pollutants that can accumulate indoors, impacting respiratory health and overall well-being.
Keeping up with maintenance and cleaning will make it easier to reach this milepost, but we generally recommend getting a new gas fireplace if your current one is more than 15 years in service.
A well-maintained furnace will have an efficiency rating of approaching 95%, while a gas fireplace is likely to be below that (though some are in the 90% class) and will therefore cost more per therm.
Gas Fireplaces and Costs
However, because of the vent, you will need an annual inspection which costs around $75-$100. If you want a thorough cleaning at the same time the cost could be closer to $150-$175.
According to the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CISA), your chimney should be inspected every year “regardless of whether the chimney is used.” Consider calling a licensed chimney sweep for an inspection today to stay on top of wood-burning or gas fireplace maintenance.
A: Yes, it's generally safe to leave the pilot light on in your gas fireplace. This small flame is designed to stay lit all the time. Q: What are the benefits of leaving the pilot light on? A: Keeping the pilot light on can prevent the build-up of moisture in the fireplace, which can lead to corrosion over time.
New logs can take a few hours to stop emitting a gas or burning plastic odor. A newly installed gas fireplace may offgas for the first 8 hours of use. A gas smell may last for around 45 seconds after lighting the fireplace.