Fireplace Maintenance – Keep Your Fireplace Running Smoothly

The Little Things You Can Do From the Moment You Install it

Installed expertly by professionals and working like a dream, a new fireplace is something guaranteed to make you feel happy with your decision to install one. Of course, time and age can impact the performance of these home appliances. To make sure you can enjoy your fireplace for many years to come and to cut down on maintenance costs in the future, make sure you follow these simple tips to keep your wood fireplace or gas fireplace in tip top shape.

Gas Fireplace Maintenance

Gas fireplaces are notoriously low maintenance and should require no major intervention unless a problem is detected. In terms of keeping it working on a day-to day-basis, entrust a qualified service technician for all major repairs. In the warmer months when the fireplace is not being used, or if you are going away for an extended period of time, it’s a good idea to remove the batteries from the remote to prevent battery leakage. Should you require help troubleshooting, information can be found on our website or by contacting us.

Wood Fireplace Maintenance

Wood burning fireplaces are slightly more high maintenance than gas ones, requiring ash removal and regular inspections of the fireplace and chimney areas. With a Jetmaster open wood fireplace, the log pan should not be emptied.  The resulting bed of ash and coals from previous fires will soon become a heat bank, and the bed of ash also insulates the log pan. This is why an ash bed must be maintained at all times. When the level of the ash bed becomes too high, the top layer can be removed. Depending on the frequency of use and quality of wood, this skimming procedure should not be required more than once or twice a season! To allow the chimney to draw properly, the chimney/flue should be swept at least once a season, subject to the quality of timber used in the fire and frequency of burn. Only ever burning the recommended types of wood – never using unseasoned green wood and soft woods – also helps ensure your fire will burn better for longer.

Following these tips will go a long way towards keeping your wood or gas fireplace operating merrily for longer than expected, saving you time, money and hassle.