Having a fire burning is a great way to enjoy a chilly winter day. Whether you’re enjoying a cup of hot chocolate, reading a book, or spending time with your loved ones, it feels like the quintessential winter experience. More recently, homeowners have been drawn to the convenience of a gas fireplace.
A crucial aspect of installing a gas fireplace in your home is recognizing when it requires professional repair. Failing to schedule gas fireplace repairs promptly can result in severe damage and costly maintenance fees. However, knowing the signs that your fireplace needs repair might not be so straightforward.
If you believe you need to schedule gas fireplace repairs, continue reading to learn more about the signs to look for that indicate it’s time to contact the professionals.
1. Unpleasant Odors
While you might love the smell of burning wood coming from a wood-burning fireplace, there is no smell associated with running a gas fireplace. Instead, you only get the warmth and beauty of a fire. If, after years of use, you begin noticing smells coming from your gas fireplace, this may be cause for significant concern.
When your gas fireplace begins to malfunction, you may notice a rotten egg smell or the smell of something burning coming from it. While you might be tempted to make repairs on your own, it is best to schedule gas fireplace repairs with a team of trained professionals. They can address the problem and make repairs without putting your health at risk.
2. Strange Sounds
Much like with odor, you shouldn’t hear anything coming from your gas fireplace. You may hear some minor clicking when the system first turns on, but it should otherwise run quietly in the background, allowing you to enjoy some additional warmth in your living space. However, when these systems begin to fail, there is a chance that they’ll start making noise.
If you hear popping, hissing, cracking, or whistling when it is running, this is a clear indication that you need to schedule gas fireplace repairs. In some cases, this may be a result of damage to the gas line or problems with the chimney. Choosing to put off repairs when you hear these noises can lead to further damage to your system.
3. Debris Buildup
Many homeowners prefer to transition from wood-burning to gas fireplaces because they generate far less debris. When you install a gas fireplace in your home, you never have to worry about ash and wood debris building up, making it more difficult to light a fire. However, when these systems malfunction, you may notice more debris accumulating in your home.
Most often, homeowners with malfunctioning gas fireplaces will notice soot building up around the system. If you notice soot in your home, it is essential that you schedule gas fireplace repairs as soon as possible. This soot buildup is often caused by dirty burners or a faulty air shutter and should be remedied by a trained professional.
4. Poor Burn
Another amazing benefit of installing a gas fireplace in your home is how easily it can be lit and kept burning throughout the day. These systems rely on a pilot light and a gas supply to run. When you want to light it, you can use a switch, remote, or key to turn it on and begin warming your space.
If you’re struggling to get the system to light or it isn’t burning well, this might be a sign that you need to schedule gas fireplace repairs. This problem is most often tied to the system’s pilot light. Fixing this on your own can be difficult, and it is always best to turn to a team of professionals for support.
5. Pilot Light Problems
If your gas fireplace pilot light keeps going out, won’t ignite, or flickers constantly, it’s time to call in a professional. The pilot light plays a critical role in safely starting and operating your fireplace. Frequent outages may indicate a worn-out thermocouple, clogged pilot orifice, faulty wiring, or gas flow problems. These aren’t just inconvenient; they could pose safety hazards.
A weak or inconsistent pilot flame can also lead to inefficient heating and higher energy bills. Even if the fireplace appears to work intermittently, this symptom should not be ignored. When you schedule gas fireplace repairs, trained technicians can accurately diagnose and resolve the issue, ensuring your fireplace runs safely, reliably, and efficiently throughout the heating season.
6. Orange or Yellow Flames
Your gas fireplace flame should burn a crisp, steady blue. If you see orange or yellow flames instead, it’s a warning sign that something isn’t right. These discolored flames typically indicate incomplete combustion, meaning your fireplace isn’t burning fuel as cleanly or efficiently as it should. Incomplete combustion can lead to the production of carbon monoxide , soot accumulation, and damage to fireplace components over time.
You may also notice an unusual smell, black marks around the fireplace, or poor heating performance. These issues not only compromise safety but also affect the fireplace’s efficiency and lifespan. A technician can inspect the burner, adjust airflow, clean clogged parts, and ensure proper ventilation. Don’t ignore this warning; schedule gas fireplace repairs to protect your home and provide safe, reliable operation.
Schedule Gas Fireplace Repairs Today
Knowing when to schedule gas fireplace repairs can help keep you safe from system damage and ensure your home remains warm throughout the winter. If you’re looking for a reliable team to help you restore your gas fireplace, don’t hesitate to turn to our Roy-based team at R&D Heating & Air.
With over 20 years of experience providing expert HVAC services to homeowners across the Wasatch Front, we’re confident that we’re the right team for you. Whether your gas fireplace isn’t functioning properly or you need to schedule maintenance for your furnace or air conditioner, we can help you restore comfort in your home.
If you want to schedule gas fireplace repairs with our team of experts, don’t hesitate to contact us today.
