It’s freezing outside. The snow is falling, the wind is blowing, your house is not heated, and you are shivering. You decide this is the perfect moment to turn on your gas fireplace. You push the ignition button, sparking it up…
Do you feel that? That warm glow of gold heating your house, making you feel cozy and snug?
And the best part? You didn’t have to go through all the trouble of getting firewood, positioning them, and attempting to kindle it again and again. No! You had to push a button, and the job was done.
Gas fireplaces are all the new rage. Not only can you take advantage of lighting an easy fire, but you can also enjoy how it heats most of your house, its aesthetic and realistic look and feel, and not having to clean up afterwards.
While a gas fireplace does seem perfect, it comes with a handful of issues you would want to look out for. No need to worry, though! Follow our tips for how to safely maintain your gas fireplace, and your experience will be as close to perfect as it gets!
Here are seven gas fireplace safety tips to ensure that you can stay comfortable and secure:
Safety Tip #1: Install a fireplace safety glass
Installing a safety glass ensures that the fire’s flames stay within the fireplace while being visible for viewing. It’s easy to install and creates a clean look. Ensure that the glass you buy is thick and can withstand extreme heat temperatures.
Safety Tip #2: Install a fireplace safety screen
Pair your new safety glass with a new safety screen. The screen goes over it, protecting it in case of any possible contact with the hot glass, which could cause severe burns. It does not hinder the look of the fireplace and will allow you to stay warm but not too hot.
Safety Tip #3: Don’t burn yourself
Regardless of the safety screen’s extra protection, we recommend not going too close to the fireplace when it is on or still hot. Neither the glass nor the screen can completely protect you from intensely high temperatures, and you may burn yourself if you touch either. It would be best to wait for a while, until you are certain that it has cooled down, to go near it.
Safety Tip #4: Don’t burn anything else
After watching out for yourself, watch out for your belongings as well. Keep all your flammable items away from the fireplace to avoid a fire. Curtains, decorations, wooden furniture, and carpets are just some of your household items to look out for and distance from the heat. As we mentioned, the gas fireplace can rise to seriously high temperatures, which does not make it safe for items nearby if burnable.
Safety Tip #5: Beware of carbon monoxide!
Carbon monoxide formation occurs due to the incomplete combustion of fossil fuels. Gas fireplaces can release this toxin if not properly maintained, which is hazardous to your health. It is also tricky to avoid a leak since it is a colourless and odourless gas. A solution to making yourself aware of any leak could be to put up carbon monoxide detectors in and around your house. Setting them up on every level would be advisable if you live in a home with more than one floor. They usually function best if kept up high on a wall, not at risk of getting covered by anything, and away from windows.
Safety Tip #6: A decently sized fire
As much as a warm fire on a cold night sounds peaceful and essential, ensure the fire is not too strong for your house. Too big or too strong a fire runs the risk of creating a claustrophobic and extremely hot environment, which is neither safe nor comfortable. Keep the fire at a level that warms up the house without making it too stuffy.
Safety Tip #7: Keep up the checkups!
The maintenance of your fireplace is key to ensuring that everything looks how it should and should be done at least once a year. Check your protective glass to certify it is secure and clean. Maintenance also entails checking up on your fireplace’s carbon monoxide levels, so they don’t suddenly get too high and leak.
Install your safety glass and screen, don’t keep the temperature too high, try not to be too close or let any of your flammable items get close to the fireplace, install carbon monoxide detectors, and run regular maintenance. Stick to these seven tips, and your gas fireplace should be relatively hassle-free and worth every penny!
