Gas Fireplace Safety Tips Every Homeowner Should Know

Gas fireplaces are among the most popular features in modern homes for homeowners who want comfort, design, and convenience. Instead of traditional fireplaces, they provide immediate heat, a variety of spectacular design options, and practically no maintenance at all. Nevertheless, though they are very straightforward, gas fireplaces need proper handling and maintenance to work safely.  

At Fireside, we pride ourselves on helping people find and install the most suitable options for their rooms--and just as importantly, we advocate that education regarding safety is important. Whether you are watching a movie with family or friends around your gas log fire or you’re preparing your fireplace for next winter, these gas fireplace safety tips will be a great help to protect you and your family and to keep the fireplace in good condition every year.  

Keep the Area Around the Fireplace Clear  

It may sound like a minor thing, but keeping a safe distance around your fireplace is one of the most efficient ways to avert accidents. The gas fireplaces produce severe heat not only during operation but also in some time after being shut down.  

A three-foot distance should be maintained from the unit, at least, by avoiding placing:  

• Furniture  
• Curtains or drapes  
• Blankets  
• Holiday decorations  
• Toys  
• Paper or magazines  

Even materials that seem to be heat-resistant can become dangerously hot over time. Layout, your room design, think of the safety distance to help you avoid fire hazards and protect your furniture.  

Use a Safety Screen to Prevent Burns  

A large proportion of gas fireplaces are fitted with glass fronts to completely close the flame and heat inside. When you operate the gas fireplace, this glass, along with any metal wall-around it could be as hot as 400°F or more. The glass and surrounding metal can remain dangerously hot for an hour or more after the fireplace has been shut down.  

To reduce the risk of accidental contact, especially among children and pets:  

• Always use a certified safety screen or barrier.  
• Never remove the screen while the fireplace is in use.  
• Ensure the screen is securely fastened and undamaged.  

If your fireplace has no screen, or if yours is missing, Fireside can help. Contact us to order a replacement screen designed for your unit.  

Supervise Children and Pets Around the Fireplace  

One of the simple gas fireplace safety practices is: never leave the fire unattended, especially when there are kids or pets.  

Gas fires burn a clear glass surface, and many kids do not notice this and thus they might touch the glass surface or might not even see the fire at all.  

Keys for family safety include:  

• Let kids know that fire doesn't play & educate them about its dangers.  
• Put barriers or baby gates around the fireplace unit.  
• Keep pets from lounging too close to the fire.  
• Supervise kids or babies unfamiliar with gas log fires. 

The trendy gas fireplaces are definitely not a threat; looks sometimes can be misleading. Always think of it as a source of extreme heat and a potential danger. 

Install a Carbon Monoxide Detector Nearby  

Gas fireplaces are very much energy-efficient and burn clean. Yet, like other gas devices, they carry a low risk of carbon monoxide (CO) leaks due to incorrect installation, ventilation problems, or wear and tear over time. CO is an invisible, odorless gas that can be dangerous-or even deathly-in high concentrations.  

In order to keep your home safe:  

• Set up a carbon monoxide detector close to the gas fireplace and in sleeping areas.  
• Monthly check the detectors and change the batteries when necessary.  
• Arrange yearly professional checks to ensure your gas fireplace is venting properly.  

This additional layer of protection not only reduces your worries but also is an important aspect of fireplace safety.  

Schedule Annual Inspections and Professional Maintenance  

Although gas fireplaces are low-maintenance, they aren't maintenance-free. Every gas fireplace should receive an annual inspection from a certified professional. This aids in identifying potential concerns, such as:  

• Gas leaks  
• Obstructed vents or flues  
• Soot build-up  
• Component wear or corrosion  
• Ignition issues  

Fireside equips HVAC technicians who have extensive knowledge and are dedicated to keeping your unit running efficiently. With regular maintenance, your gas fireplace will be stunning and in the best operating order, especially at the start of the heating season.  

Turn Off When Not in Use  

Even if it is not seemly necessary, you should always turn off the gas fireplace when the room is left unattended, or the family goes to bed. Although we can’t observe fire flames, the gas fireplaces considerably heat and still bear a risk of catching fire. 

In case your device includes a remote control or a timer, operate it responsibly. Households that are always busy seek benefit from automatic shut-off devices.  

Be Aware of Warning Signs  

Look out for signs that suggest your gas fireplace may have a problem. These include:  

• Weird smells like smells of sulfur or rotten eggs (a sign of gas leak)  
• Soot accumulating on the glass or nearby walls  
• Pilot light failure or the ignition being inconsistent  
• Changes in the color of nearby surfaces or the flames  

Any of the signs should be a cause for concern and you should seek the advice of a professional. Always take seriously any odd behavior from your fireplace, whether it seems minor—your safety is a matter of good doing it early.  

Read and Follow Your Manufacturer’s Guidelines  

Every gas fireplace model is different, and they all come with different features, settings, and recommendations. Therefore, it is necessary for you to read the owner’s manual that usually comes with the gas fireplace and do what the manufacturer recommends for the care of the appliance and the safety of the user.  

If you are in trouble, the Fireside specialist can give answers or show you how to do things correctly during installation or service appointments. Using your fireplace as intended will help extend its lifespan and maintain safety standards.  

Trust Fireside for Safe Fireplace Selection and Installation  

The selection of gas fireplaces is a matter of safety and functionality; it is not only dependent on the home design. With Fireside, a team of professionals all with adequate experience is always available for your fireplace project. From choosing and designing to expert installation and continued maintenance, we are the workshop corner of your fireplace always making certain our fireplace offers maximum safety and performance.  

We trust the brands we work with; we offer full installation services and safety is our core value. Whether you are building a new house, remodeling, or upgrading your existing fireplace, Fireside is your source for warmth without worry.  

Enjoy the Warmth, Respect the Heat  

Gas fireplaces are an attractive addition to any space and are simple to use, but safety should never be underestimated. By observing these tips, you can enjoy all the features of the fireplace for years while keeping your home and loved ones safe.  

Are you interested in having a gas fireplace that is both attractive and safe to use?  

Contact Fireside today to view our lineup, request a consultation or arrange for a professional service. Allow us to assist you in making the right choice for warmth, ambiance, and safety.