Are you ready for the cooler months ahead? If you have a gas fireplace, then you’ll want to make sure it’s ready for the chill in the air. With the help of Bespoke Fireplace Designs, you can ensure your gas fireplace is prepped and ready for the autumn season. In this article, we’ll provide a checklist of what to look for when prepping your fireplace, so you can keep your home warm all season long.
1. Check the Manufacturer’s Instructions
Before you begin prepping your contemporary gas fireplace for autumn, it’s worth taking another look at the manufacturer’s instructions. (If you haven’t kept a copy, visit the manufacturer’s website and you’ll find them online!).
While there are some general steps you can take to prepare your fireplace for the cooler months, which we’ll cover in this blog post, you should always refer to the manufacturer’s guidelines for specific instructions when it comes to cleaning and maintaining your fireplace.
2. Clear Surrounding Clutter
An artisan fireplace design enhances any space, even when it’s not in use. If you don’t use your fireplace often in the summer, however, it’s easy for clutter to accumulate around it. As a result, there may be potential fire hazards lurking nearby.
To ensure you can use luxury gas fires safely when the weather turns cooler, remove any clutter from around the fireplace and ensure that no flammable items are nearby. If you’ve recently enhanced your décor with new rugs or furnishings, for example, check that they won’t be too close to the fireplace when it’s in use.
3. Sweep the Chimney
You don’t necessarily need a chimney with ultra modern gas fires but, if you do have a chimney or flue, then it’s a good idea to have it swept or cleaned on a regular basis. While you can attempt to do this yourself, it’s generally much easier to call in the professionals!
As well as cleaning the chimney, a professional sweep will be able to spot signs of degradation, such as cracks in the chimney liner, loose mortar or water damage. With regular inspections, however, you can address these issues before they become worse and before they pose a safety risk to your family and your property.
4. Clean Glass for Seamless Visibility
Whether you have a front glass panel, a corner fireplace or a 3 sided gas fireplace, you’ll want to ensure you have a seamless view of the interior and the flames when your fireplace is in use. To get your fireplace ready for autumn, be sure to clean the glass before you begin using it.
If you’re unsure what to use to clean the glass surround of your fireplace, stick to a water solution with a small amount of neutral cleaner. Alternatively, try a specialist fireplace glass cleaner, if the manufacturer of your fireplace recommends it.
PRO TIP: Don’t use standard glass cleaner on fireplace glass as it may contain chemicals that are unsuitable for use close to heat or flames.
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to remove or open the glass panels, so that you can clean both the interior and exterior. By wearing rubber gloves and using a gentle non-abrasive cloth, you can achieve a great finish and avoid leaving smears or fingerprints on the glass.
5. Clean the Interior and Log Set
Before working on the interior of designer fireplaces, be sure to close the gas valve. Once you’ve done this, you can access the interior of your gas fireplace and clean the log set. Similarly, if you have a stone fuel bed, you’ll want to clean the stones before you begin using your fireplace in the autumn and winter seasons.
If dust accumulates in the interior of a fireplace, you may notice an unpleasant odour when the fireplace is first used, and the dust is burned off. By preparing your fireplace in advance and cleaning the interior, you can prevent this from happening.
Generally, a lightly damp cloth will be sufficient to remove any dust or minor debris from the interior of your fireplace. However, do check your manufacturer’s maintenance instructions for any specific cleaning methods that should be used.
6. Schedule a Service
Most fireplace manufacturers recommend having your unit serviced at least once per year. This enables a professional engineer to check the functionality of the fireplace and confirm its safety. What’s more – it will give you peace of mind to know that your fireplace has been checked by an experienced engineer before you begin using it once again.
Fireplaces are typically used much more frequently in the colder months, so the end of summer or the beginning of autumn is a great time to schedule a service. Then, you can begin using your designer gas fireplace as often as you like, safe in the knowledge that it’s working optimally.
7. Test Carbon Monoxide Alarms
If you have any gas appliances in your property, it’s advisable to have carbon monoxide alarms also. This will alert you to any leaks and give you a warning if an excess amount of carbon monoxide escapes into the room. As carbon monoxide cannot be seen and does not have an odour, it’s vital to have functional alarms in strategic locations to ensure that you’re alerted to any potential safety risks.
Of course, you don’t simply want to install an alarm and then leave it untouched – so make sure you test your carbon monoxide alarms regularly to ensure they’re fully functional.
Making the Most of Your Designer Gas Fireplace
As the weather gets a little colder and the nights begin to draw in, it’s the perfect time to sit in front of your fireplace and bask in the glow of crackling flames. With our luxury gas fires, you can enhance the ambience of any space and complement your décor with stylish and sophisticated designs.
To find out more, call or email our team on +44 (0) 345 615 6518 or [email protected] to arrange a private appointment at our exclusive fireplace studio.
