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We Can Repair Any Kind of Gas Fireplace in Albany

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Burning fireplace

Keep Heating Simple

Gas fireplaces make adding warmth to your Albany home simple. Just flick a switch or press a button for immediate heat.

They’re also fairly effortless to use. Unlike their woodburning counterparts, there’s no need to use firewood or remove ashes. But like any other natural gas units, these fireplaces need regular maintenance to help them run efficiently and avoid malfunctions.

When your fireplace won’t ignite or won’t stay on, the Experts at Roland J. Down Service Experts can help. Use our step-by-step guide first. If your fireplace still isn’t heating correctly, give us a call. We can take care of any model.

Gas Fireplace Troubleshooting Tips

Fireplace Won’t Start

There could be a few explanations why your fireplace won’t start. Take off the cosmetic plate beneath your fireplace to access its parts.

  1. Is a breaker tripped? Check your home’s electrical panel and adjust breakers as needed.
  2. Is the gas flowing? Ensure the valve is in the “open” setting.
  3. Is the pilot light burning? If it has been extinguished, follow manufacturer instructions to relight it. Fasten the vent cap to stop drafts from blowing it out.
  4. Pilot light lights but won’t stay lit? There could be a problem with the thermocouple, a metal safety sensor that controls gas flow.
  5. Pilot light stays on but fireplace won’t light? It could be the thermopile, a metal piece that changes heat to electricity to open the gas valve.
  6. If you think there’s a problem with the thermocouple or thermopile, ask for help.

Fireplace is Making Odd Sounds or Smells

  • Rumbling or roaring noises? Adjust the flame and vacuum the burners once they’ve fully cooled.
  • Grinding or shrieking sounds? Have Roland J. Down Service Experts repair or put in a new blower.
  • Funny odors? Clean the fireplace’s interior and flue using the steps below. If you smell rotten eggs or burning wires, turn off the fireplace, open windows in your home and get in touch with us right away.
Person cleaning a fireplace

Cleaning Your Gas Fireplace

Cleaning your gas fireplace on a routine basis can help it run more efficiently and avoid costly breakdowns. It may even help it last longer.

  1. Confirm your fireplace is totally cooled.
  2. Turn the gas off by spinning the valve to “off.”
  3. Take out the gas logs, inspect them for cracks and clean them with a soft-bristled brush.
  4. Remove the lava rocks, vacuum them separately and get rid of soot with the brush.
  5. Clean the internal parts of the fireplace with a vacuum hose attachment.
  6. Rub down internal edges with a wet cloth. Use warm, soapy water to get rid of dust or soot buildups.
  7. Return lava rocks and logs in the same order.
  8. Clean the glass covering with special fireplace glass cleaner and let it dry. Windex is not recommended as it can scratch the glass or cause it to shatter.
  9. If you have a vented gas fireplace, take a look at the outside vent and remove debris such as leaves or bird nests.
  10. Ensure your carbon monoxide detector is working appropriately.

Schedule Annual Maintenance Today

Once your fireplace is working again, schedule regular maintenance with us. These checks can potentially find trouble before they develop. We’ll test your components for damage. We’ll also make certain there aren’t any leaks and that pressurization levels are right.

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