Should I get my gas fireplace checked?

Author: Kailey Gutmann  |  Last update: Monday, July 28, 2025

It is generally recommended that your gas fireplace be inspected by a professional once per year, preferably before the start of the heating season, and you can inspect it yourself in between to keep an eye out for potential issues.

Do gas fireplaces need an inspection?

The initial and foremost guideline of any gas fireplace system is to have it inspected every year. With professional chimney companies, you can usually have your annual chimney cleaning and gas inspection scheduled at the same time. Matter of fact, your whole system should be inspected annually, top to bottom.

How often should I get my gas fireplace checked?

Gas fireplaces are easy and convenient. So much so, that it's easy to forget that even a gas fireplace needs upkeep every once in a while. To keep your gas fireplace operating safely and in tip-top shape, it's recommended to perform annual maintenance.

Does a gas fireplace need to be checked?

Wood-burning and gas fireplaces need routine chimney inspections to ensure the area is clear, clean and safe for use.

How much does it cost for a gas fireplace inspection?

Most of the cleaning for a gas fireplace can be done on your own when the fireplace is cool and the pilot light is off. 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.

How to Inspect Your Fireplace 🔥

Do gas fireplaces need professional cleaning?

This buildup can affect the fireplace's performance, leading to inefficiency and potential safety hazards. Therefore, even though they don't have a chimney, vent-free gas fireplaces require regular professional cleaning and inspection.

Is there any maintenance required for a gas fireplace?

Regular annual inspections are essential for your gas fireplace's safe and efficient operation. Step By Step: The technician will inspect the gas combustion system, ventilation, pilot light, burners, and other gas fireplace components.

How do I know if my gas fireplace is safe to use?

How do I make sure my gas fireplace is safe?
  • Check for a safety screen barrier.
  • Keep children and pets at a distance.
  • Leave 3 feet between the gas fireplace and flammable objects.
  • Schedule a yearly inspection.
  • Hire an authorized dealer when installing your gas fireplace.
  • Install a carbon monoxide detector.

How often should you get your fireplace inspected?

The NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) handbook for chimneys & fireplaces is a government-adopted manual on fireplaces. It outlines that a wood-burning fireplace should be inspected once a year to see if it needs to be swept out and to check for any defects.

What is the lifespan of a gas fireplace?

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.

Do gas fireplaces increase insurance?

A gas fireplace may be less costly to insure than a wood-burning fireplace because they tend to have a lower risk of fire.

Is it OK to run gas fireplace all day?

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.

Who do you call to check your fireplace?

Call a chimney cleaning company, they will usually offer inspections as well.

Do I need a permit to replace a gas fireplace?

In California, most of the regulations about gas fireplaces revolve around the installation of these systems. For example, ventless natural gas fireplaces usually aren't allowed in California. A permit is needed to remove a gas fireplace to ensure that your home is still up to code after the project is done.

What is the most common problem with gas fireplace?

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.

Should I crack a window when using a 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.

Can I leave the pilot light on a gas fireplace overnight?

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.

Should I get my gas fireplace inspected?

It is generally recommended that your gas fireplace be inspected by a professional once per year, preferably before the start of the heating season, and you can inspect it yourself in between to keep an eye out for potential issues.

How much does a gas fireplace inspection cost?

But if it's a gas fireplace, you may need to have it inspected before you fire it up this year. $100 to $200, depending on things like the type of fireplace and location.

Do I need to get my gas fireplace serviced?

It is highly recommended that you contact a licensed gas service provider to conduct maintenance on your fireplace at least once per year. Maintenance on gas components should not be completed by the homeowner as damage to any of the gas components could be potentially dangerous.

Do home inspectors check gas fireplaces?

Whether it's right or wrong, home inspectors simply don't spend the time nor do they have the tools and experience to properly inspect a chimney and fireplace.

Can I use fireplace without inspection?

It is dangerous to use your fireplace without first getting a chimney inspection, especially for that first time in winter. Every year there are thousands of home fires that occur as a direct result of lighting a fire when there is an unseen blockage in the chimney.

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