32
Maintaining and Servicing Your Fireplace
Fireplace Maintenance
Although the frequency of your fireplace servicing and main-
tenance will depend on use and the type of installation, you
should have a qualified service technician perform an appli-
ance check-up at the beginning of each heating season.
See the table below for specific guidelines regarding each
fireplace maintenance task.
IMPORTANT: TURN OFF THE GAS BEFORE SERVICING
YOUR FIREPLACE.
Replacing old ember material
Frequency:
Once annually, during the checkup.
By:
Qualified service technician.
Task:
Brush away loose ember material near the burner.
Replace old ember material with new dime-size and shape
pieces. Save the remaining ember material and repeat this
procedure at your next servicing. For more information, see
Placing Ember Material
.
Cleaning Burner and Controls
Frequency:
Once annually.
By:
Qualified service technician.
Task:
Brush or vacuum the control compartment, fireplace
logs and burner areas surrounding the logs.
Checking Flame Patterns, Flame Height
Frequency:
Periodically.
By:
Qualified service technician/Home owner.
Task:
Make a visual check of your fireplace’s flame patterns.
Make sure the flames are steady - not lifting or floating.
The thermopile/thermocouple (standing pilot) tips should
be covered with flame. See Figure 36.
Checking Vent System
Frequency:
Before initial use and at least annually
thereafter, more frequently if possible.
By:
Qualified service technician/Home owner.
Task:
Inspect the external vent cap on a regular basis to
ensure that no debris is interfering with the flow of air. Inspect
entire vent system for proper function.
Cleaning Glass Door
Frequency:
After the first 3 to 4 hours of use. As neces-
sary after initial cleaning.
By:
Home owner.
Task:
Remove and clean glass after the first 3 to 4 hours of
use. After the initial cleaning, clean as necessary, particu-
larly after adding new ember (flame colorant) material. Film
deposits on the inside of the glass door should be cleaned
off using a household glass cleaner.
NOTE: DO NOT handle
or attempt to clean the door when it is hot and DO
NOT use abrasive cleaners.