Propane Gas Company in Mechanicsville

Propane Fireplaces Are Growing In Popularity!

It’s getting to be that time of year again! No not the grilling season -although we can’t wait to share what we have in store for you next year, it’s time to cozy up with your loved ones close and enjoy the coziness of having a gas fireplace. Such a picturesque scene, but without proper care and preparation for the winter can become a holiday disaster.

The Importance of Gas Fireplace Maintenance

• Safety First and Always
  As always we want to encourage the safest possible methods of use, especially for something that will operate with an open flame. That being said one of the most important rules to follow this winter season with your gas fireplace is to watch kids closely! The glass can get up and exceed temperatures of 400 degrees. That can cause some serious damage. We also invite you to check and replace the batteries in your carbon monoxide detectors. If you don’t have them we highly recommend you put one on every floor. And of course when the fireplace is not in use make sure the gas is completely shut off.  Lastly, when compared to traditional wood-burning fireplaces, the safety benefits are enormous!
• What Goes On In Your Gas Fireplace?
  We are glad you asked! A lot goes on inside the fireplace that isn’t always at the forefront of our minds. According to the Chimney Institute of America, an annual inspection by a licensed chimney sweep company could be the difference between a home for the holidays and someone’s home for the holidays. The CSIA breaks it down pretty basically, talking about some of the dangers of letting the grime from the previous year sit. For example; the dirt coating the inside of the chimney could prevent complete combustion which in turn leads to carbon monoxide being pressed out and into your family area. They also warn about condensation, yes condensation, within the chimney causing debris backup which can cause structural damage to your chimney and in turn your home.
• Annual Chimney Checkups
  There are other reasons to keep up with annual checkups and not just for your health. The functionality of your fireplace relies on this concept alone. The inspection isn’t just to make sure it’s nice and clean and useable but to make sure all of the internal pieces are stable too, the tubings that hold the gas could get cracks and start leaking and that could cause combustion. Combustion is never a good thing, especially when you’re hosting Thanksgiving dinner. It’s best to have the inspection done before you use your fireplace for the first time and if there are any questions on how to update the fuel you can always contact East Coast Propane Gas Company with all your questions.
• Looks Like Spring Cleaning!
  Alright, not quite, but the concept is the same. Once the inspection is passed it’s important to keep up with some kind of cleaning schedule. That way you’re on top of maintenance and if anything changes throughout the season of use for your fireplace you can detect it early on! All you really need is a vacuum with extensions, a soft bristle brush (an old paintbrush is perfect), dish soap, and glass cleaner. From there you make sure your gas is off and that the entire area is cool, vacuum up loose soot and dirt, brush off your logs and clean the glass from outside to inside. All the while keeping an eye out for any discrepancies you may find.

We’re Dedicated To Your Comfort!

The winter in general can be a worrisome time, especially when the predicted snowfall is said to be above average. However, it’s our goal to make sure you can rest easy at night in the comfort of your home in front of the scenic fireplace.