As the days get longer and the nights get cooler, it becomes time for us to lean into that Winter weather change. That means coming home to sit on the couch, turning on your favourite TV show, and getting warm by the fireplace (in this case, the gas fireplace).
In saying that, it’s incredibly important that we take the right precautions with gas fireplace safety to ensure you and the people around you are safe.
Here are 5 important gas fireplace safety tips for you to remember
Ensure children and animals keep clear of the fireplace
Make sure someone suitable is nearby to supervise any children or furry friends you may have.
To protect your family while the fireplace is on, try the following:
- Keep the remote control out of reach
- Place the switch button beyond reach
- Ensure you arrange the couch in a way that it’s not near the fireplace
This will decrease the risk of any accidents occurring just in case someone isn’t around.
Annual maintenance
One of the most important things you need to remember is to get your gas fireplace inspected annually. We know it may seem easy to inspect your own fireplace, or not conduct an inspection at all, however hiring a professional with experience to ensure that the fireplace is safe and up to standard is paramount.
Failure to maintain your fireplace may result in unwanted accidents and can become quite costly down the track.
Keep smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors up-to-date
If you have a gas fireplace but don’t have carbon monoxide detectors installed within your home, it’s time to install them. Carbon monoxide (which is produced by burning wood, propane, or charcoal) can release an odourless, tasteless gas that can be deadly if inhaled.
Carbon monoxide detectors are the quickest way to prevent exposure to carbon monoxide and work similarly to a smoke detector – they sound a siren to alert you. In saying that, it’s also important to ensure your smoke detectors are getting checked regularly.
Safety screen barrier
To ensure gas fireplace safety, it’s important to have a mesh safety screen as a safety barrier between you and the fireplace. This helps you keep a safe distance and prevents direct contact with skin to reduce any risk of serious burns.
The screen glass can get extremely hot, so it’s important to make sure that your safety screen barrier is installed by a professional and done so correctly.
Report any problems and repair
If you begin to notice a problem with your gas fireplace, it’s important to ensure you stop using it and get it checked out ASAP.
If your gas fireplace:
- Changes in appearance
- Changes in smell
- Stops heating
- Starts flame flickering
- Starts making strange noises
- Stops working completely
Contact us
With over 20 years of experience in the industry, we specialise and excel in gas fireplace installations and repairs. To ensure complete safety for you and your loved ones, contact us today.