Gas Fireplace Service in Independence, MO
A gas fireplace needs servicing once a year even though it burns cleanly. Jake And Son Chimney Sweep cleans and checks gas fireplaces and gas logs in Independence, MO and 20 nearby towns.
What a gas fireplace service includes
A gas fireplace service is a clean and a safety check of every part between the gas valve and the vent termination.
- Burner and ports. Cleaned so the flame is even.
- Pilot assembly. Cleaned and checked, including the thermocouple or thermopile.
- Logs and embers. Cleaned and put back in the positions the manufacturer specifies.
- Glass and gasket. The white film is cleaned off and the seal is checked.
- Vent. Checked for nests, corrosion and a sound termination cap.
- Safety controls. The unit is run and checked for correct operation.
Signs a gas fireplace needs attention
The common signs are soot on the logs or glass, a pilot that will not stay lit, a delayed or noisy ignition, a flame that is mostly yellow and lazy when it used to be steady, and a white haze on the glass that will not wipe off.
Smell gas? Leave the house and call your gas utility or 911 from outside. Do not operate the fireplace, light switches or anything that can spark. Call us once the gas company has made it safe.
Vented, direct-vent and vent-free
There are three kinds of gas fireplace, and they are serviced differently.
| Type | How it vents | What to watch |
|---|---|---|
| Vented gas logs | Up the existing chimney, with the damper fixed open | The flue needs the same yearly inspection as a wood fireplace |
| Direct-vent fireplace | Sealed unit with its own pipe to an outside wall or roof | Glass gasket and the outside termination |
| Vent-free | Into the room | Oxygen sensor, room size limits, and local code |
Gas fireplace not lighting properly?
Call (816) 239-8989What gas fireplace service costs
Gas fireplace service starts at $159 for one fireplace. Replacement parts and a flue sweep on the same visit add to that. See all starting prices on the pricing page.
Related services
For wood-burning fireplaces see fireplace cleaning and service. If you are thinking of converting, read our guide to alternatives to an open wood-burning fireplace.
Common questions
Why will my gas fireplace pilot light not stay lit?
The most common causes are a dirty pilot assembly, a worn thermocouple or thermopile that no longer senses the flame, or a draft blowing the pilot out. Spider webs in the pilot tube are a frequent cause after summer. Cleaning or replacing the part usually fixes it.
Why is there white film on my gas fireplace glass?
The white haze is a mineral deposit left by the combustion gases condensing on the cool glass each time the fireplace starts. It should be cleaned off yearly with a cleaner made for fireplace glass. Left for several seasons, it can etch the glass permanently.
Is soot on gas logs normal?
A little soot on vented gas logs is normal, because they burn with a yellow flame. Heavy soot, or any soot on a direct-vent or vent-free unit, means the logs are out of position or the burner ports are blocked. Both should be corrected, as sooting flames also produce carbon monoxide.
Can I clean a gas fireplace myself?
You can clean the glass with the proper cleaner and vacuum dust from the firebox with the gas off and the unit cold. The burner, pilot, log placement and vent should be left to someone trained, because incorrect log placement and disturbed gas fittings are safety problems.
Do I need a carbon monoxide alarm with a gas fireplace?
Yes. Any home with a fuel-burning appliance should have carbon monoxide alarms on each level and near sleeping areas. A gas fireplace with a blocked vent, a poor seal or misplaced logs can produce carbon monoxide without any visible smoke or smell.