Vented, direct-vent or vent-free: the type of gas fireplace changes what is checked.
A gas smell, soot on the glass or a flame that looks different from usual should be reported. If you smell gas, leave the house and call your gas utility.
The venting, logs, burner area and glass are inspected.
Dust and debris are cleaned from the accessible parts and the glass is cleaned.
You get findings, including anything that needs a licensed gas professional.
Yes. The U.S. Fire Administration recommends having heating equipment inspected each year.
Soot can come from misplaced logs or an air or gas mixture problem. It should be checked rather than ignored.
Do not use the fireplace. Leave the house and call your gas utility from outside.
Yes. Any home with fuel-burning appliances should have working carbon monoxide alarms.
