Do Gas Fireplaces Need To Be Cleaned?

If you are wondering if your gas fireplace needs to be cleaned regularly, the answer is yes!

Regularly cleaning your gas unit will keep the fireplace safe and performing efficiently for years to come. Use the following steps when attempting to clean the fireplace on your own.

How To Clean A Gas Fireplace

Before cleaning your gas fireplace, make sure you have the following tools/supplies on hand:

• Fireplace glass cleaner
• Rags
• Warm water
• Hand broom or paintbrush (unused)
• Vacuum with hose attachment
• Nylon net

Now follow this guide for cleaning:

1. Turn Gas Off

This step is the most obvious, but it still deserves a mention. Turn off your gas before you do anything! The gas valve is usually located on the wall next to the actual fireplace. Turn this completely off. After turning it off, make sure the pilot light is off, then wait a few minutes. This extra time allows the gas to exit the piping safely. If you have used the unit recently, check to see if all the components are completely cooled off.

2. Disassemble Fireplace

The disassembling process will always depend on the actual design of your fireplace. Remove glass doors, mesh curtain or metal screen prior to cleaning. Now, disassemble the logs and remove the burner unit. Take the components outdoors for cleaning, if possible.

3. Brush And Inspect Area

Using a hand broom, carefully brush away dust or debris from logs and other components. Never spray cleaners of any kind on the components! Inspect each log while cleaning for cracks, holes or excessive burn markings. Inspect the vent hole for any clogs after brushing debris from the area.

4. Vacuum Dust/Debris

There will be plenty of dust in the area. Use a vacuum hose to remove dust from each and every side of the rocks. After cleaning the rocks, vacuum all corners of the fireplace. Use a cloth to wipe down the gas line components and pilot light.

5. Polish Glass

Do not use a window glass cleaner or any sort of oven cleaner to wipe down the fireplace. Pick up a fireplace gas cleaner at a local hardware store. Spray it on and give it a few minutes before wiping it away with a soft cloth.

6. Wipe Mantle And Hearth

Clean any and all soot or dust from both the mantle and hearth. Dust with a soft cloth lightly, depending on the surface type.

7. Reassemble Fireplace

Reassemble the logs, burner, stones and replace the screen(s). Check the exterior vents for any blockages. It is now safe to turn the gas valve back on at this point.

How Much Does It Cost To Install A Gas Fireplace?

The average cost to install a gas fireplace in the U.S. is about $4,500 in the year 2021. Prices will range from $2,300-$10,000, according to Homeadvisor.

Gas fireplaces are an enticing and energy-efficient way of heating up a room in your home. Gas fireplaces are installed easier than wood-burning alternatives and usually cost less to run, which makes them great retrofit for homeowners who desire a fireplace in a room that doesn’t have one existing. Installing a stone gas fireplace to a room that doesn’t already have one typically costs around $6,550 for a pre-built fireplace, its installation, and finish work.

Other Cost Factors

• Vented or ventless installations
• Gas logs cost
• Gas logs installation cost
• Gas fireplace inserts