A gas fireplace can really make a house feel cozy and homey. It’s beautiful and creates a traditional, wholesome atmosphere without all the mess and fuss of a wood-burning fireplace. And as autumn creeps closer and closer to winter, it’s the perfect time to use your fireplace and settle in with a warm mug of something and enjoy the season.
That means you’ll be turning on your gas fireplace for the first time in quite a while, probably since last spring. Is it in good condition? Does it need any repair in order to burn safely and keep you properly cozy? Here are some signs to keep an eye out for. If you spot any of these, it’s time for gas fireplace repair.
Pilot Problems
Your gas fireplace’s pilot light should stay lit without any problems. If you notice that it goes out with some frequency, or if it’s hard to get it lit again when it does go out, it’s time for some professional assistance. A qualified technician can get this problem sorted out, which may involve replacing the thermopile or fixing the wiring.
Yellow Flame
A gas fireplace burns natural gas, which should always create a blue flame. Any other color of flame indicates that something is wrong. Perhaps a damaged gas line is allowing impurities in. Or perhaps the combustion is incomplete, and the burner or air shutter needs repair. This is a warning sign for carbon monoxide, so don’t ignore it! Get professional help right away.
Eggy Odor
Natural gas is, in its pure state, completely odorless. To help consumers detect leaks, an additive called mercaptan is used. This gives the gas a sulfur odor similar to what you might smell if you hard-boiled several dozen eggs. If you smell this, shut off the fireplace and leave the house! A gas leak is a true emergency, and you should report it to your gas company or emergency services.
Smoke or Soot
One of the best things about your gas fireplace is that natural gas burns so cleanly. If it’s creating smoke or soot, something is going wrong. Chances are, there’s some buildup burning off, and it requires professional attention.
Turning Off
If your gas fireplace shuts itself off, there are a wide variety of things that could be going wrong. It’s very frustrating for a homeowner to try to guess! It might just be carbon buildup around the pilot light. But it could be that an electrical component like the millivolt generator, thermocouple, or thermopile needs to be replaced.
Noises
While a wood-burning fireplace might make some noises like pops, hisses, and crackles, this is because of the impurities in the fuel: air pockets, moisture, even perhaps a bug! Your gas fireplace should not be making any of these sounds. If it does, it needs to be checked out promptly by a technician.
Visible Damage
Whether it’s cracks in a fireplace log, white residue on the masonry, or a problem with the glass doors, any visible damage should be addressed promptly. It’s much quicker and easier to fix when you don’t allow it to worsen over time.
If you need gas log repair in Nashville, TN or have any other questions about your gas fireplace, we’re happy to help.
Covenant Heating and Cooling is your trusted resource for reliable gas fireplace repair in Nashville, TN. We are “Dedicated to the Promise of Serving You!” Contact us today.