How to Operate Your Gas Logs
Gas fireplaces, whether they use propane or natural gas, are continuing to become more and more popular. With their low cost to operate, ease of use, and attractive styles, gas fireplaces can make the perfect addition to any home.
Whether you’ve had a gas log for a number of years or just had a unit installed, learning how to operate it properly is an important part of fireplace ownership. In addition to ensuring that your unit is operating with maximum efficiency, learning how to correctly operate your gas log can also make sure your family stays safe when the fireplace is in use.
Tips for operating your gas log
Below are some tips on how to operate your gas logs.
- Read the manual. This sounds simple, but it will give you the exact instructions you need for your particular unit. Because every gas log unit is different, it is important to learn about your specific set up. Oftentimes, the manual is the best – and most accessible – source of information. Reading the manual can help you better understand how to operate, clean, and maintain your gas log. If you do not have a manual, most manufacturers have them online or you can contact their customer service support.
- Master the remote control. Most gas log sets now come with remote controls. Much like a television remote, this allows homeowners to control their gas logs with the touch of a button from anywhere in the room. In addition to simply turning the fireplace on and off, many remotes offer more complex controls such as flame height, temperature, heating schedule, and blower speed. Lastly, if you have small children in the house, parental controls can be turned on to keep kids from turning the unit on without supervision.
- Regularly clean. Just like wood burning fireplaces, gas fireplaces still need to be regularly cleaned. After the fireplace has cooled completely, exterior glass and metal can be cleaned to remove dust, smudges, or fingerprints. Interior fireplace parts can be cleaned using a dry, soft cloth, clean soft-bristled paint brush, or vacuum.
- Don’t burn other materials. Gas log fireplaces are only designed to burn one thing – gas. Other materials – including paper, cardboard, and wood – should never be burned in a gas unit. Unlike a traditional wood burning fireplace, gas fireplace chimneys and venting systems are not designed to handle the soot and ash created by burning materials. Likewise, the debris created when burning these materials can clog or damage the gas log unit.
- Keep kids and pets away. The glass and metal on the exterior of a gas fireplace can become extremely hot when the fireplace is in use – and stay hot after the unit has been turned off. Because of this, small children and pets are at increased risk of being burned. While teaching fireplace safety is an important part of preventing burns, parents can also use additional safety measures such as protective barriers and baby gates to keep children and animals away.
- Call a chimney sweep. If your gas log seems to be burning less efficiently, is creating smoke, or is creating a lingering gas odor, it may be time to call a chimney sweep.
If you have questions about your gas logs or gas fireplace, contact us at the Clean Sweeps of Michigan and one of our experts can help you and are available for an evaluation of your gas logs if needed.