Your gas fireplace keeps the indoor areas warm and cozy during the coldest months of the year. However, since burning fuel can present certain health and safety hazards, it’s important that you know how to use the unit in a way that minimizes risks. Here are a handful of tips on how to operate your fireplace securely this winter. 

4 Safety Tips for Using Gas Fireplaces

1. Install CO Detectors

Gas fireplaces emit carbon monoxide as a byproduct of burning fuel. This colorless and odorless gas, though safe in small doses, is highly toxic when inhaled in large volumes, potentially causing poisoning and asphyxiation.

Install CO detectors throughout your home, especially in the sleeping areas, that will sound alarms to warn you if levels ever become unsafe. 

2. Don’t Get Too Close

Gas fireplaces produce gentle flames that have a welcoming look and make you want to curl up close to them.

However, always remain at least three to four feet away from the heating element. Keeping your distance will keep flames from jumping and igniting your clothing, which prevents personal injury and house fires. 

3. Avoid Using It for Drying

You might feel tempted to use heat from your fireplace to dry clothing you cannot put in the dryer, such as delicates, or speed up the drying time for your kids’ arts and crafts. In addition to creating fire hazards, the items you lay out to dry in front of your fireplace can become excessively hot, causing burn marks and damages. 

4. Schedule Professional Maintenance

Have your gas fireplace professionally inspected once annually. Your contractor will check the condition of the mechanical components, such as the firebox, liner, and crown.

They’ll identify structural problems and blockages, providing fireplace repairs and replacement parts as necessary. They’ll also perform chimney cleaning to remove creosote, thereby improving indoor air quality and reducing fire risks.

Keep your gas fireplace safely functional throughout the cold season with help from the team at Abbey Road Chimney Sweeps. This locally owned and family-operated company, servicing Dayton, OH, provides fireplace cleaning and chimney sweep services. Call (937) 833-0505 to book an appointment for gas fireplace or chimney inspections, and visit the website to learn more about how they can keep your indoor areas warm and comfortable.