Steven L. Smith, Bellingham, WA Home Inspector (King of the House)

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Gas Fireplace Servicing and Maintenance (Bellingham Home Inspection) King of the House

Homeowners don't always do it, but most of them know that they should have their furnace cleaned and professionally checked-out and serviced about every year or two. On the other hand, it seems that these same people have no clue that the gas log fireplace also requires periodic cleaning and a professional safety evaluation.

The fireplace above, from the standpoint of a home inspector, needs to be professionally serviced. The general guideline is that these devices, if used heavily, should be serviced annually. If, on the other hand, they are only used primarily for aesthetics then go with service every two to three years. Those guidelines were given to me by a friend who is an HVAC professional.

Thanks for stopping by,

Steven L. Smith

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Comments

As a homeowner, I hadn't even thought of having my gas insert serviced or cleaned.  It makes sense though when you bring it up that that would be a wise investment.  Our insert doesn't get used that much and we do keep it clean, but it is comforting to know that it will work when we want to use it.

Posted by Charles Perkins (Charles G. Perkins, CPA) 9 months ago

My uncle Nutsy said I could learn a lot from you. I can't wait to get to inspector school to learn more...

Helping you live your American dream...

 

Posted by Michael Thornton - Nashville, TN area Home Inspector (Complete Home Inspections, Inc.) 9 months ago

What's nearby that to make it so dirty?

Posted by Jay Markanich (Jay Markanich Real Estate Inspections, LLC) 9 months ago

Jay,

Nothing. Probaby 20 years of crud.

Posted by Steven L. Smith, Bellingham, Wa. Home Inspector (King of the House Home Inspection, Inc) 9 months ago

Looks more like a dust bunny collector to me

Posted by Charles Buell, Seattle, WA, Home Inspector (Charles Buell Inspections.com) 9 months ago

Nothing a good vacuum cleaner couldn't fix. 

Posted by David Helm, Bellingham, Wa. Licensed Home Insp (Helm Home Inspections) 9 months ago

David,

Probably so but who knows? Since it would not run, or the pilot was off, obviously the inspector wants to get the HVAC pro in there to check it out since I do not wish to become HVAC certified after closing out of necessity.

Posted by Steven L. Smith, Bellingham, Wa. Home Inspector (King of the House Home Inspection, Inc) 9 months ago

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