Gas Fireplace Safety Tips

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The fireplace in your home is more than just a decorative focal point. Since the weather is getting colder, it now has a job to keep your family warm and toasty during the winter. Compared to wood-burning ones, gas fireplaces are exceedingly popular among folks for being efficient and convenient. However, there are some basic precautions you must definitely take to minimize the dangers of house fires.

Here are a few safety tips that will not only help you get the most out of your gas fireplace but also reduce the risk of injuries or house fires. What are they? Read on to know!

Clearance Zone

Every fireplace, no matter how advanced or old, has a clearance zone. Make sure that you keep flammable objects out of that zone. This includes clothing, paper items, oils, perfumes, and such.

Proper Ventilation

The gas emitted from your fireplace can be very harmful to your health. You need to keep the room with the fireplace well ventilated. Check the flue and air circulation passages to ensure that they are clean. Also, make sure that all the vents are functioning efficiently.

Safety screen

Safety screens over the glass protect flames or burning materials from coming out. They also provide protection from serious burns by creating a barrier over the hot glass. Hence, it is important to keep a screen in top condition. Install only factory-provided safety screens.

Carbon Monoxide Detector

Since carbon monoxide is odorless, it cannot be detected easily. To ensure that the poisonous gas does not harm your family, install carbon monoxide detectors in your home. Place detectors near gas appliances, including fireplaces. Get the detectors inspected in every six months to ensure their efficiency.

Yearly Inspection

Get your fireplace checked and cleaned by professionals at least once a year. It will keep a fireplace working smoothly and reduce the possibility of fire hazards. The best time for a quick checkup is before the winter rolls in and you light the fire for the first time.

Direct-Vented Model

One of the best ways to ensure safety is by opting for direct-vented fireplace models. They have closed combustion systems which prevent harmful combustion gases from leaving the fireplace and filling your home. Direct-vented fireplaces release the combustion gases outside, providing a cleaner and safer environment.

No-Go Zone For Kids

No matter how durable the safety screen is, it is bound to get hot. To avoid any unexpected crisis, ask your children to stay away from the fireplace. You can even establish a ‘no-go’ zone two feet in front of the fireplace.

Unsupervised Fireplace

Even if it is a gas fireplace, make sure that you never leave your fireplace unattended. It only takes a single stray ember or spark to ignite nearby items. Always have someone keep a watch when the fireplace is lighted.

Things To Keep In Mind

Never turn the gas fireplace on if there is a crack in the glass or if any other part is damaged.
Never touch the fireplace when it is in operation.
Don’t start cleaning your fireplace until it has completely cooled down.
Before leaving your home, double check that you have turned off the fireplace.
Gas fireplaces come in different models. Make sure that you know everything about the usage of your fireplace.
Never use the fireplace during renovations.

If you have a gas fireplace that you need cleaning and repair services for, our experts at Able Appliance & HVAC Service can help you! Our team will not only repair the fireplace but will also help you with any other issues you may be facing.

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What Appliances Can Able Appliance & HVAC Service Repair?

If you have it, we can probably fix it. Based in Bristow, VA, we service many areas, including Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, and North Virginia.

Microwaves

Most people use microwaves daily to thaw frozen foods, reheat leftovers, and cook meals. Common problems your microwave can develop include:

  • The plate won’t turn.
  • The microwave doesn’t turn on or off.
  • The door won’t close or open.
  • The microwave doesn’t heat properly.
  • It makes strange or loud sounds.
  • The light stops working.
  • The touchpad won’t respond.

Call to schedule a repair today if you notice any of these warning signs.

Freezers

Whether you own a separate freezer or only the one on your refrigerator, you count on it to keep perishable items frozen for later use. If the freezer fails, you may lose hundreds of dollars worth of food. Some warning signs of freezer malfunction include:

  • Water leaks
  • Frost or ice buildup
  • Strange sounds
  • Temperature variations
  • Constantly running compressor

The freezer also might just stop working.

Ice Makers

Many people enjoy the convenience of built-in ice makers. Signs that yours isn’t working correctly:

  • Ice is fractured, frosted, or strangely shaped.
  • Ice won’t release from the mold.
  • The outside ejector doesn’t produce ice.

Common issues include clogged water lines, incorrectly set thermostats, unlevel mounting, and clogged water filters.

Dishwashers

Gone are the days when someone had to wash dishes by hand in the sink daily. Most people use their dishwashers every day to avoid that manual task. You may notice:

  • Your dishes aren’t clean after a wash cycle.
  • The dishwasher won’t run.
  • The machine won’t fill or drain properly.
  • Your dishwasher has a foul odor.
  • Operation makes more noise than usual.
  • Water leaks onto the floor.

Able Appliance & HVAC Service can diagnose and repair your issue.

Refrigerators

Every kitchen has a refrigerator. Some people have them in garages and offices too. We count on these essential appliances to keep our food fresh. It’s time to schedule a repair if:

  • The refrigerator operates constantly or won’t come on at all.
  • The temperature is too hot or too cold, not adjusting with the thermostat.
  • Water leaks onto the floor.
  • The water dispenser won’t release water.
  • The appliance makes loud noises.

Most of these issues are easily repaired.

Ovens, Stoves, and Ranges

Families that enjoy home-cooked meals and freshly baked desserts rely on their ovens and stoves. Owners can choose gas or electric appliances, and the repair issues can differ for each type. However, the problems you may notice remain similar.

Ovens

  • The oven won’t heat to the set temperature correctly or at all.
  • The interior light won’t come on or turn off.
  • The self-cleaning feature doesn’t work.
  • The door won’t open or close.
  • Your food cooks unevenly.
  • Your controls aren’t responsive.
  • The heating or broiling element won’t ignite or come on.

Stovetops and Ranges

  • Eyes won’t ignite or power on.
  • Temperatures don’t adjust to your settings.
  • The indicator lights don’t work.
  • Turning the eyes on produces sparks or strange smells.
  • Bubbles, cracks, or blisters appear on the cooktop or coils.

Able Appliance & HVAC Service technicians can repair all brands of electric and gas ovens, stoves, cooktops, and gas range tops.

Washers and Dryers

Everyone needs clean clothes, sheets, and towels. Our washers and dryers make that easy to accomplish unless they stop working properly. Each appliance typically gives you signs that repairs are necessary.

Washers

  • Water won’t fill or drain.
  • Water overfills or leaks.
  • The agitator won’t spin.
  • The washer vibrates excessively or makes loud noises.
  • Unpleasant odors persist.
  • The door doesn’t open.
  • The machine ruins your laundry.
  • The washer won’t turn on or stop

Dryers

  • The dryer doesn’t power on or only runs for a short time.
  • The dryer won’t heat or overheat.
  • The machine takes too long to dry laundry.
  • The drum won’t spin.
  • The dryer is too noisy or vibrates excessively.
  • The laundry has wrinkles or lint.

These appliances come in many makes and models, and Able Appliance & HVAC Service can repair them all.

AC and Heating

When your heating or air conditioning isn’t working properly, your home can quickly become uncomfortable. Common issues you’ll notice are:

  • The air isn’t heated or cooled to the correct temperature, the heat blows cold air, or the AC blows hot air.
  • The unit runs constantly or won’t turn on.
  • Fluid leaks from your inside or outside units.
  • Your system is too loud.

Schedule a repair appointment to avoid further damage if you experience any of these problems.

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