Replacing a wood-burning fireplace with a gas alternative is an important step in protecting your household from a dangerous fire. However, there are still several important safety tips to keep in mind as you turn your gas fireplace on this fall. Here is a list of helpful safety considerations to remember following a gas fireplace installation in your home.

3 Safety Tips Following a Gas Fireplace Installation

1. Prioritize Carbon Monoxide Detection

Even if you have an oxygen-depletion sensor or your gas fireplace is vented, you should still keep your family safe by installing carbon monoxide detectors on each floor of the house. These should be routinely checked to ensure the batteries still work and the device is operating properly. Optimal operation of these sensors is critical for preventing deadly carbon monoxide levels in a home, which can go completely undetected by the human senses. 

2. Keep Flammable Items Away From the Fireplace

It’s also important to keep at least 3 feet of space between the fireplace and any personal items that ignite in the presence of flame. These include regular household items, such as rubbing alcohol, nail polish and remover, aerosol cans, and hand sanitizer. In a household with children, this can best be avoided by teaching them to stay a certain distance away from the gas fireplace at all times—regardless of whether it’s burning or not.

3. Schedule Routine Inspections & Cleanings

Routine inspection, cleaning, and maintenance of the gas fireplace are extremely important in avoiding an accidental house fire. As a best practice, homeowners should schedule an inspection with a commercial heating contractor annually to ensure their system is functioning correctly. They can also double-check that the fireplace vents are unobstructed, as well as restore your gas logs to a pristine condition, keeping your household safe and comfortable as the colder months near.

Are you looking for an expert in your area to handle your gas fireplace installation, inspection, or repairs? Muotka Mechanical in Anchorage, AK, has been the go-to source for reliable heating services for nearly two decades. Their expert technicians are trusted by both home and business owners and provide a satisfaction guarantee for the repair and installation of almost every system type. To request a free estimate, give the team a call today at (907) 344-8825, or visit them online to learn more about their gas fireplace installation services.