Since their invention several years after the introduction of cast-iron fireplaces, gas fireplaces have served homes wholesomely. They have been listed as the safest alternative for wood-burning and other fireplaces. However, the amazing invention can be hazardous to the users if not operated appropriately.
Gas fireplaces can enhance your home’s value, making it more welcoming to guests and even easier to sell when needed. By adhering to the best tips, you can be sure that your gas fireplace functions smoothly and safely for everyone around the house.
Here are nine safety tips for gas fireplaces to help homeowners stay warm and safe throughout all seasons.
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1- Perform Regular Inspection
Like any other home appliance, a gas fireplace requires regular inspection and maintenance to keep its functionality at its best levels and ensure maximum homeowner safety. The good thing with gas fireplace inspection is that it doesn’t have to be done monthly.
Experts have approved that a thorough inspection at least once or twice a year is relatively fine for these appliances. You should hire a qualified and experienced gas fireplace operator to perform the inspection rather than doing it yourself for greater results.
2- Keep Gas Fireplaces for Children and Pet Free
The little innocent minds might not be well versed about the risk of mishandling gas fireplaces. That’s why you should keep the gas fireplace remote away, hidden from children or install the child-lock system on the device for greater safety.
When you have older children, teaching them about operating a gas fireplace safely while supervising them would be advisable. To avoid accidental operations, pets should be kept away from gas fireplaces, whether burning or turned off. The ‘no step zone’ between the fireplace and the opposite furniture should be at least one to two feet away.
3- Install and Test Carbon Monoxide and Smoke Detectors
Another key safety tip for enjoying gas fireplaces is installing carbon monoxide and smoke detectors in the appropriate areas of your home. A smoke detector is a device that detects and provides warnings about the presence of smoke in a room through an automated mechanism.
In contrast, carbon monoxide detectors reveal the presence of the gas in a room to inhibit poisoning and related misfortunes. It is advisable to have both detectors in a home with a gas fireplace installed on all levels.
For greater results, you should have the detectors tested regularly to ensure they work well in case of a tragedy. Carbon monoxide and smoke detectors with dual sensor alarms offer the ultimate protection to homeowners.
4- Address Any Problems Immediately
Many procrastinate on an issue until it worsens or hopes it might end miraculously. Guilty as charged, right? Well, the habit is highly discouraged with gas fireplaces due to the risks associated with the appliance.
When you detect any issue with your gas fireplace, you dig it further immediately and address it appropriately. Some gas fireplace place issues are relatively manageable with the general fireplace skills and knowledge, while others might require you to seek a professional’s help.
5- Adhere to the Manufacturer’s User Guideline
Nearly all home appliances come with a well-described guideline that almost every user can understand and put into practice. As a user, you should adhere to all the guidelines your manufacturer provides for maximum safety.
When you don’t understand the written guidelines, asking your supplier for further explanation and illustration is crucial to ensure you do everything right.
6- Do Not Leave Gas Fireplaces Unattended
After enjoying a heart-warming session for your gas fireplace, ensure not to leave an ongoing flame unattended. Always turn off the gas even when going for the shortest duties. You should extinguish the flames completely before leaving for longer duties or when going to bed.
Supervising a burning gas fireplace lets you watch children and pets who could otherwise operate the appliance when you’re away.
7- Keep Flammable Liquids Away from Gas Fireplaces
Nearly 1000 fire accidents at homes are initiated by flammable liquids such as gasoline, kerosene, diesel, methanol, acetone, and ethanol. Such liquids should not be used close to a gas fireplace, whether burning or not. They should also not be kept around the appliances.
For greater safety, flammable liquids should be stored in their primary containers and away from reach by children, pets, and other unauthorized users.
8- Always Keep a Fire Extinguisher Close
Accidents are always unforeseeable. Thus, everyone should stay prepared to counter such misfortunes. For gas fireplaces, every homeowner should always have a fire extinguisher on sight in case of a fire emergency.
Ensure you have an extinguisher that matches your gas fireplace for more effective results. Powder fire extinguishers are best known for fighting class A, B, and C fires caused by gases.
9- Go for Direct-Vented Gas Fireplaces
Gas fireplaces come with a strong glass panel that separates the firebox from the other household items, making the appliance safer to use. Since 2016, experts have made a direct-vented gas fireplace with a mesh screen attached to the glass panel for heat regulation.
The direct-vented gas fireplace is the best and less harmful to homeowners when purchasing a new one. It also promotes cleaner burning as it releases combustion gases outside instead of around the home.
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