Fireplaces

Maintaining your fireplace

1. Keep it clean
   • Place a drop sheet in front of your fireplace when cleaning to avoid soiling carpets.
   • Wait for the unit to cool completely before wiping with a damp cloth; wiping hot glass can cause thermal shock that might break the glass. If the glass or the gasket(s) appear to be damaged or degraded, contact a qualified gas contractor before using the fireplace.
   • Don't use abrasive cleaners, which can scratch or damage the surface of treated glass. Refer to your owner's manual for recommended cleaners.
   • Wear gloves and eye protection when handling the logs, as the materials used to form the logs may irritate your skin or eyes.
   • After cleaning or moving the logs in your fireplace, replace them exactly as shown in your owner's manual.

2. Take good care
   • Contact your fireplace dealer if you don't understand the instructions for your fireplace. Call us if you suspect a leak or notice any abnormal odour from the fireplace.
   • Keep children, pets and combustibles away from hot surfaces.
   • Ensure control compartments, burners and circulating air passageways and fans are clean; shut off the pilot light and use a vacuum with a crevice or dusting attachment. You may need to do this often due to excessive lint from carpeting, pet hair, etc.
   • If your fireplace is being installed in a home during construction or renovations, do not operate it until the area is thoroughly cleaned; drywall dust and other contaminants may harm the fan, motors and burners.
   • Have a licensed gas contractor clean and inspect your fireplace and vent at least once a year.

3. Watch for warning signs

   There are almost always warning signs if a fireplace is malfunctioning and in need of service:

   • pilot light outages
   • "booming" noises upon ignition
   • delayed ignition (slow to start up)
   • excessive soot or corrosion inside the fireplace or on the vent
   • any continuous or intermittent odour — either the "rotten egg" or sulfur smell of the odourant in the natural gas or a sharp odour that may cause eyes to sting
   • symptoms of the presence of carbon monoxide: nausea, headaches, lethargy or other flu-like symptoms.