A gas fireplace turns a chilly Okanagan night into instant comfort, but only if it is operating safely and efficiently. After 4 decades of servicing fireplaces across the valley, we have gathered the must-do safety tips and maintenance steps that protect your family, lower energy bills, and keep that flame picture-perfect.
Monthly DIY Fireplace Care
Staying on top of routine maintenance is the first step in maintaining an effective and safe fireplace. Here are a few of the top maintenance items you can do yourself.
Task | Why It Matters | How To Do It |
Clean the glass | Stops white haze and hot spots | Use fireplace-safe glass cleaner only when the unit is cool. |
Check the pilot flame | Weak yellow flame = dirt or low gas pressure | Pilot should be steady and blue. |
Replace remote batteries | Dead batteries can lock out the gas valve | Swap alkaline cells every season. |
In-Use Fireplace Safety for the Whole Family
Maintaining a safe fireplace is just the first step though! These are some crucial steps to ensure your loved ones are safe around a fireplace.
- Keep a safe distance: The glass on a gas fireplace can get extremely hot. Keep children and pets at a safe distance and consider installing a safety screen or barrier.
- Never leave it unattended: Don’t leave a fire burning if you’re leaving the room or going to bed.
- Know your emergency plan: Everyone in the house should know where the carbon-monoxide detectors are, and what to do if the alarm goes off. This plan should include a rallying point, and contact, in case of a household emergency.
- Keep it clear: Ensure the area around your fireplace is free of flammable objects like curtains, furniture, and decorations.
Carbon-Monoxide and Venting Safety
- Install CO detectors on each floor within five metres of bedrooms.
- Keep exterior vent caps clear of snow, leaves, bird nests, and other debris.
- If you smell gas or notice soot on the glass, shut the unit off and call your gas provide, or a licensed technician like Vision.
More details: Gas Fireplace Service Guide
Off-Season Fireplace Shutdown Checklist
- Turn the pilot off in spring to save money (typically $5-30/month) in standby gas.
- Vacuum dust from the firebox and log or stone set.
- Close the fireplace glass to keep dust and insects out.
- Check your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are working properly (replace batteries if needed).
Turning off the pilot also reduces carbon deposits on the thermocouple and burner ports.
How to Turn Off Your Gas-Fireplace Pilot Light
For the most accurate information, always refer to the manufacturer’s instructions for your specific model. Typical steps to turn off most pilot lights include:
- Locate the control panel
Most gas fireplaces have a drop-down panel at the base or a lift-off screen. Inside you’ll see the gas-control knob labelled ON • PILOT • OFF. - Turn the knob to “OFF”
Push the knob in slightly, then rotate it counter-clockwise until it lines up with OFF. You should hear a soft click, and the pilot flame will go out. - Shut the inline gas shut-off (optional)
If your unit has a separate shut-off valve on the supply line, turn the handle so it is perpendicular to the pipe. This adds an extra layer of safety during long absences. - Close the glass front
Keep dust and insects out of the firebox while the unit is dormant.
Relighting Fireplace Pilot Light in the Fall
Rotate the knob to PILOT, press and hold while clicking the igniter until the pilot lights. Continue holding for 30 seconds, then turn the knob to ON and switch the thermostat or remote to “Heat.”
Need a refresher? Our technicians can walk you through the process during your annual service visit, just ask!
Importance of Annual Professional Fireplace Services
Skipping your yearly tune-up can lead to incomplete combustion, glass sooting, and higher carbon-monoxide risk. Our number one gas fireplace safety tip is to not skip regular maintenance. A full Vision Plumbing Heating Cooling service visit includes:
- Inspection and cleaning of the burner assembly
- Testing of the thermocouple and thermopile output
- Checking gas pressure and leak-testing every joint
- Vacuuming and lubricating the blower motor (if equipped)
- Verifying flame pattern and measuring glass temperature
Need expert help? Book a gas-fireplace tune-up before the first frost. If larger issues are discovered, we’ll help you determine the best repair or replacement option.
Plus, FortisBC is offering up to $150 off when we service your gas appliances!
Troubleshooting Common Fireplace Problems
Symptom | Likely Cause | What We Do |
Glass soots up quickly | Misaligned logs or dirty burner | Realign logs and clean burner ports |
Fireplace clicks but will not light | Faulty igniter or thermocouple | Replace part and verify voltage |
Burner shuts off after a few minutes | Dirty or blocked blower | Clean blower fins and clear air channels |
Still having trouble? Schedule same-day fireplace repair and we will diagnose the issue.
Frequently Asked Questions About Fireplace Safety & Maintenance Tips
Once per year. Rentals or heavy-use homes may need two visits annually.
Yes, but turning it off in warm months saves fuel and reduces carbon buildup.
No. Ammonia can damage ceramic fireplace glass. Use a cleaner rated for gas fireplaces.
Yes. They still produce combustion by-products that require inspection and cleaning.
It’s not recommended. Even though gas fireplaces are generally safe, leaving them on while you sleep or when you’re away increases the risk of carbon monoxide buildup or other hazards.
Yes. Even though gas fireplaces are generally safe, a carbon monoxide detector adds an important layer of protection.
You should never smell raw gas. If you do, turn off the fireplace immediately, ventilate the area, and contact your gas supplier or a professional gas fitter.
Ready for a Cozy, Worry-Free Fireplace Season?
Vision Plumbing Heating Cooling services gas fireplaces throughout Kelowna, West Kelowna, Peachland, and Summerland. Call 250-470-9552 or request service online to keep your fireplace glowing safely all season long.
Have a wood-burning or traditional fireplace? Visit our gas-fireplace service page to explore full inspection and conversion options so you can start running on gas.
