The top 10 things you should know about your gas fireplace

Gas fireplaces are convenient and can be found in almost every home. However, practising the correct safety measures cannot be overstated.

It’s good to know what your options are and other related information regarding your gas fireplace. Myfireplace lists the 10 top things you should know about your gas fireplace.

1. Gas appliances should be checked yearly.

It is important to have gas appliances checked yearly to make sure it is still safe to be used in your home. Some companies offer free annual gas safety checks.

2. Make sure the technician involved is gas certified.

It is against the law for just anyone to do work on gas appliances in Canada. Make sure the individual working on your gas appliances, such as a gas fireplace for example, is a licenced gas fitter.

Registered gas fitters should have a Gas Safe ID card.

3. Natural gas or propane?

Gas fireplaces can burn on natural gas and propane. The choice is yours, natural gas costs less and can produce about 5% more heat.

4. What is Btu’s and why is this important?

The heat output of a gas fireplace is measured in Btu’s and should be calculated according to the room size, climate, and your house’s insulation level.

5. A wall thermostat can control the flame size which will maintain a specific temperature setting in the room. Good to know if you have a gas fireplace.

6. Know the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning.

This is always a concern with gas appliances and it is therefore worth knowing the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning:

• Headaches.
• Dizziness.
• Nausea.
• Breathlessness.
• Collapse or loss of consciousness.
• Other people and/or animals experiencing the same symptoms.

7. What should you do if you suspect carbon monoxide poisoning?

• Get fresh air and create ventilation in your home.
• Immediately turn off all gas appliances as well as the gas meter.
• Extinguish any naked flames.
• Seek medical attention.

8. Where is your gas fireplace situated?

If a gas fireplace is placed in the most optimal part of your home, it can actually save you money on your energy and heating bills.

9. Purchase an audible carbon monoxide alarm for your gas fireplaces.

Carbon monoxide alarms look like a smoke alarm and are easy to install and should cost less than 40 dollars.

10. The flame on your gas fireplace should be blue and crisp. If the flame goes yellow/orange, it means you might want to have you burner checked.

Contact our experts today at Myfireplace in London for information on wood fireplaces, gas fireplaces and more.