Autumn is upon us, and winter is around the corner. Along with pumpkin spice lattes and comfy sweaters, a gas fireplace is the perfect way to stay cozy and warm during colder months.
Gas fireplaces have a well-deserved reputation for safety. Today’s models are designed with the latest heat distribution technology and built with non-combustible materials, providing a pleasant user experience. Even so, it’s always worth remembering safe practices when operating one.
Keep reading to learn four simple safety tips to help you get the most enjoyment out of your gas fireplace.
Safety Inspection
Before firing up your gas fireplace for the season, and when you’re preparing your furnace for winter weather, schedule a cleaning and inspection with one of our certified Bears Home Solutions service technicians to be sure your fireplace’s ventilation system is working properly and that there aren’t any leaks. We recommend having your gas fireplace inspected annually, so any issues are detected early and maintenance stays up to date.
Safety Barrier
Even with a glass-enclosed gas fireplace, it’s still a good idea to put a screen in front of it as a safety barrier. It only takes a few minutes for the temperature of the glass front to reach 400° and up to an hour for it to cool down, so touching the glass can potentially cause burns. Gas fireplaces have come standard with safety screens since 2015, and aftermarket screens are available for older models. If you have kids or pets, make sure your screen is in place.
Clearance Zone
Be mindful of your fireplace’s clearance zone, or the area where you’ll want to avoid sitting or putting anything that could ignite, such as blankets, books, wood, or decorative items. Functional fireplace accessories, like a metal shovel-and-poker set, are safe to display within the clearance zone. You’ll want to keep a minimum of three feet between you and your fireplace when it’s running.
Fireplace Safety for Kids
If you have small children, stash your gas fireplace’s remote control where they can’t reach it, either on a high shelf or locked in a drawer when not in use. If the wall switch is within their reach, invest in a locking switch cover, or if you’re planning the installation of a new gas fireplace, have the switch installed higher. Take the time to discuss fireplace safety with your kids, and establish a rule that adults must be in the room when the fireplace is active and maintain control of the remote when children are present.
Gas fireplaces are easy to use and enhance the beauty, ambience, and value of your home. At Bears Home Solutions, we proudly install and maintain a wide selection of Kozy Heat gas fireplaces and accessories. Contact us to learn more about how you can start enjoying a gas fireplace in your home today!
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