As we approach the warm days of summer, you know what that means! Summer cleaning! One item on that summer cleaning checklist that homeowners often forget is their gas fireplace. Today, we will share with you three gas fireplace summer maintenance concerns you should address each year.
Turn Off the Pilot Light
One of the most commonly asked questions about fireplaces as we head into summer is whether or not to turn off the pilot light. Different people will provide different answers, so we are simply going to share the pros and cons.
Pros of Turning the Pilot Light Off
When you turn the pilot light off, you have the following benefits:
- You can save between $50 to $150 in summer savings just by having it turned off.
- You eliminate excess heat coming from the fireplace that could be contributing to a “too hot house.”
- You reduce the use of your fireplace mechanisms; thus, increasing their lifespan.
- You will not need to wash the glass regularly during the summer.
Cons of Turning the Pilot Light Off
Unfortunately, when you turn the pilot light off, it comes with the following risks:
- Excess moisture can cause damage to your fireplace systems when your pilot light isn’t evaporating it; this is especially prevalent if your fireplace is exposed to high humidity when the pilot light is turned off.
- Insects may decide to make a home in your fireplace during the summer.
- Spiders love the smell of mercaptan (a component found in gas). If they spin webs inside your fireplace, you will need a professional to perform maintenance and repair before your fireplace can run again.
- You won’t have the ability to use your fireplace if it unexpectedly gets cold!
Fireplace Maintenance
Summertime is the perfect time for fireplace maintenance since you won’t be needing it for a while. When cleaning your fireplace, you should give a hearty scrubbing to the glass, logs, and mechanisms. Of course, make sure to turn off the pilot light before cleaning as a safety precaution. Additionally, you may want to add new embers to your gas fireplace after it has been cleaned.
Not a fan of getting sooty, or simply don’t have the time? You can hire a professional company to take care of your annual gas fireplace maintenance for you. By doing so, you will ensure that everything is squeaky clean and done so safely.
Fireplace Replacement
Lastly, are you unhappy with your fireplace and want to upgrade? Nobody wants to deal with the hassle of a fireplace replacement during the winter months when that fireplace is needed to keep your home warm. Instead, utilize the warm summer months and get it replaced ahead of time. That way, you can enjoy your brand new fireplace once that autumn chill sets in.
Freon Doctor
Whether you need maintenance, repair, replacement, or construction, we want to be your heating service provider. We can replace and service all makes and models of residential and commercial heating and cooling equipment. Give us a call today to book an appointment.