Maintaining a Safe Living Room Gas Fire

Many homeowners are reverting to using gas fires in their living rooms. Gas fires burn more cleanly and produce less soot than wood fires, which can be great for householders with allergies as well as useful for reducing the overall haze in neighbourhoods. However it is very important to look after your gas fire so that it burns safely. 

Keep it clean

It's important to keep the gas nozzles clean and unimpeded. These can get clogged by soot if people try to use the flame to light other objects such as matches or paper (which can be common with young children). They can also become clogged over if the flame is left off for a long period of time and dust or animal fur builds up over the nozzle. It can be a good idea to clean your fireplace thoroughly at the start of winter before you turn it on if you don't tend to use it in summer. 

Keep it protected

Gas fires have a much cleaner looking flame - but it is still very hot if you land on it! Be sure to use a normal barrier to ensure that no one can accidentally fall into the fire and that small children and animals will keep their distances. There are a lot of sleek and modern fire guards that can ensure everyone stays safe while the fire is on. 

Keep the area ventilated

Gas fires still require ventilation, as the flame requires and uses the oxygen in the room to keep burning. The size of the ventilation flue required is laid out in AS5601-2004 and any gas fire or servicing company can review your room and fire to see if it meets the standard. 

Keep it regularly serviced

Gas fires are generally very reliable so it can be easy to put off servicing, however regular servicing is an important part of keeping your gas fire operating safely. It can help to identify small leaks and cracks within the system and fix them early on before you have a serious (and potentially serious) repair on your hands. 

If you have a gas fire in your living room it is very important to ensure that it is safely set up (with adequate ventilation) and kept clean and serviced. A fire servicing company service your fire and give you professional advice to ensure your fire continues to work safely between fire services.