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Coopertown Fireplace and Wildlife Services
901-358-7777

For Gas Fireplace Maintenance in Memphis & More, Hire Coopertown Chimney Experts

Are you due to have your gas fireplace serviced, repaired, or upgraded? Then it’s time you find a company you can call on for any and all of your gas fireplace needs in Memphis and beyond – that’s us.

The team at Coopertown is trained, certified, and experienced, and we’d love to help ensure your fireplace (no matter the type of fuel you use or model you’ve invested in) runs efficiently and safely with every season.

Give us a call today to get your next appointment on the books. You can also reach out online. We’d be glad to help you out soon!

How Often Should I Have My Gas Fireplace Serviced?

You should have your gas fireplace serviced annually by a professional fireplace technician.

Why every year? 

This gives us the opportunity to ensure all components – such as the burner, pilot light, ignition system, gas lines, and more – are in proper working order. These checks minimize the risk of experiencing hazardous issues, like gas leaks, fire risks, and more when your system is in use.

Regular servicing also gives us the chance to spot damages and issues before they can escalate and potentially get worse. If we catch a problem early, we may be able to administer a quick, simple, and inexpensive repair. That said, the longer issues go without maintenance, the worse they’re likely to get…and the more complicated and costly they’ll be to eventually address.

Service technician working on a gas fireplace

What Does a Typical Gas Fireplace Maintenance Service Include?

A typical gas fireplace service job should include a thorough inspection and cleaning to ensure the fireplace operates safely and efficiently.

Here are some specifics:

  • Visual inspection. Our techs will check for any visible damage or wear and tear throughout the fireplace and its components. This includes inspecting the glass for cracks or other damage, as well as examining the exterior for signs of rust, corrosion, etc.
  • Thorough cleaning. We’ll clean the glass doors to remove soot, film, and dirt for better visibility and efficiency, as well as vacuum and clean the firebox (including the burner and logs).
  • Ignition system check. Testing the ignition system is important to ensure it lights correctly and safely. We can inspect and clean the pilot light, thermocouple, and thermopile, as well as adjust the pilot light if necessary.
  • Inspection of gas lines and connections. Gas leaks are extremely dangerous, so rest assured we’ll check all gas lines and connections for leaks – and resolve them.
  • Vent inspection. Without proper ventilation, you won’t experience efficiency. We’ll inspect the venting system for blockages, obstructions, and signs of wear or damage, and ensure that the venting system is correctly aligned and sealed.
  • Safety component check. We’ll test and inspect all safety components, such as the flame sensor, pressure switches, and limit switches. We can also ensure that the safety shutoff valve is functioning correctly.
  • Log position check. Our overview includes seeing if the ceramic logs are correctly positioned to promote proper airflow and flame appearance. We’ll also inspect the logs for any damage or excessive wear.

Rest assured, by the end of our evaluation, we’ll have thorough notes on the overall performance of the fireplace, as well as recommendations for any repairs or replacement parts. Our goal is to ensure it heats efficiently, evenly, and safely.

Ready to schedule? Dial our number or book online now.

What Are Signs My Gas Fireplace Needs Repair?

Although damage to the chimney that’s venting your gas appliance can be visually inconspicuous, there are signs that may help you identify a problem, including:

  • Blistering paint or peeling wallpaper around the chimney
  • Damp spots on walls (inside or outside) around the chimney
  • Ceiling stains start showing up
  • White “efflorescence” stains on the exterior of your masonry chimney
  • Damaged bricks or mortar joints
  • Pilot light won’t stay lit or won’t light at all
  • Unusual sounds (banging, clicking, whistling, etc.) keep occurring
  • Soot buildup on the glass or around the fireplace
  • Yellow or uneven flames patterns
  • Strange, gas-like odors or burning smells
  • Insufficient heat or poor performance
  • Damage to the glass barrier
  • Rust or corrosion on any part of the fireplace
  • Faulty remote control or on/off switch

If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to have your gas fireplace inspected and repaired by a qualified technician as soon as possible to ensure it operates safely and efficiently.

Service technician working on a gas fireplace
Natural Gas Fireplace

Gas Appliance Relining Services: Trust Our Experts for the Job

Many homeowners (with the intent of being energy-efficient, eco-conscious, and just plain smart with their money) opt to replace their older, inefficient, gas-burning furnaces and water heaters with newer, more efficient units. But, all too often, Coopertown Services technicians see new appliances installed to vent through existing chimneys – without any consideration given to flue size and appliance compatibility.

In order to work properly and allow for adequate draft (to allow the gases resulting from combustion to flow up and out of the chimney), any type of combustion-based heating appliance must vent through a flue that is appropriately sized.

High-efficiency appliances are great when it comes to reducing heat waste, but the flue needs a certain amount of heat in order to create the proper draft. That’s why newer appliances tend to require smaller flues — the smaller space allows enough heat to instigate the proper draft.

Inefficiency is one thing, but an improperly sized flue can also lead to system damage and dangerous conditions. A flue that doesn’t account for the heat needed for proper draft leads to increased condensation; increased condensation leads to a deteriorating flue; a deteriorating flue can allow dangerous byproducts like carbon monoxide to access your home.

Coopertown Services technicians can inspect your furnace or water heater’s venting system and tell you whether or not it’s safe and sized correctly. If your appliance isn’t working with the correctly sized flue, we can reline it so that the appliance and its venting system are compatible.

If your liner has degraded, we can replace it with a durable new liner that’s sized as it should be, and installed correctly.

Can I Clean My Gas Fireplace Myself?

There are parts of your gas fireplace that you can clean yourself, but for a full and exhaustive cleaning and inspection, always hire a professional technician. If you’re going to do any cleaning on your own, take the following precautions:

  • Ensure the gas supply to the fireplace is completely turned off.
  • Allow the fireplace to cool down completely before you start cleaning.
  • If your fireplace has an electric ignition, make sure to disconnect the power.

Here are the DIY gas fireplace cleaning tasks we recommend for homeowners:

  • Clean the Glass Doors: Remove the glass doors according to the manufacturer’s instructions, then use fireplace glass cleaner or a mixture of vinegar and water to clean the glass. Avoid using ammonia-based cleaners as they can damage the glass, and wipe the glass with a soft cloth or paper towel to avoid scratches.
  • Vacuum the Firebox: Use a vacuum with a hose attachment to clean debris and dust out of the firebox. Be careful not to displace the gas logs or burner.
  • Clean the Logs: Check the ceramic logs for any signs of damage or wear. Use a soft brush or cloth to gently remove dust from the logs. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for log placement when replacing them.
  • Clean the Burner: Check the burner for any obstructions (spider webs are a common culprit) or built-up soot. Use a soft brush to clean the burner. Do not use water or liquid cleaners.

Anything involving damaged components, venting issues, gas line damage, or gas leaks should be checked over by a professional.

Why Is the Pilot Light on My Gas Fireplace Not Staying Lit?

If the pilot light on your gas fireplace won’t stay lit, there are several things that could be causing this:

  • The thermocouple, a safety device that senses the pilot light’s heat and keeps the gas valve open, might be faulty or dirty.
  • The pilot orifice could be clogged with dirt or debris, preventing the pilot flame from staying lit.
  • There might be an issue with the gas supply, such as a partially closed gas valve or a problem with the gas line.
  • Drafts or poor ventilation might be blowing out the pilot light.
  • The gas regulator, which controls the flow of gas to the pilot light, might be malfunctioning.
  • The pilot light assembly could be worn out or damaged.
  • The control valve, which is part of the gas control system, might be defective.

Whatever issue you’re dealing with, don’t stress… We have solutions that will work for you. Call or book online if you’re seeking quality care.

What Should I Do if I Smell Gas Near My Fireplace?

If you smell gas near your fireplace, it’s essential to act quickly and safely. The longer gas can enter your home, the higher your chances of experiencing some serious and dangerous hazards, so take the following steps right away.

  • Ventilate the Area: Open windows and doors to allow fresh air to circulate and help disperse the gas.
  • Shut Off the Gas Supply: If you know how to turn off the gas supply to your fireplace or home, do so carefully. The main gas shut-off valve is usually located near your gas meter – turn the valve a quarter turn until it is perpendicular to the pipe.
  • Evacuate the Area: Leave the house immediately, making sure everyone currently in the home, including pets, evacuates.
  • Call for Help: Once you are at a safe distance from your home, call your gas company’s emergency number or 911 to report the gas leak. Do not re-enter the home until the gas company or emergency responders have declared it safe.
  • Wait for Professional Inspection & Repair: Do not attempt to fix the gas leak yourself – and don’t put your fireplace to use! A professional technician should inspect and repair the gas leak to ensure it is safe.

Some other important tips to keep in mind as you take action:

  • Do not light matches or use lighters.
  • Avoid turning on or off any electrical switches, appliances, or lights, as these can create sparks.
  • Don’t use phones or electronics – these devices can also create sparks. (Use your phone outside the house if you need to make a call for help.)

Stay Ahead of the Game – Count On Us

The best way to keep abreast of problems with the flue or chimney (related to your gas appliance) is to schedule an inspection by a CSIA-certified Coopertown Services technician.

If you’re unsure of the condition or compatibility of your gas appliance venting system, call Coopertown Services at 901-358-7777 or schedule an appointment online. Our CSIA-certified technicians would love to help!

 

Gas logs are a great way to start enjoying a gas appliance without a major mess or installation process. Check with our gas services technicians today.