How to Care for Your Outdoor Gas Fireplace
Learn seven easy steps to keep your outdoor gas fireplace clean and efficient for many seasons to come
The allure of an outdoor gas fireplace transforms your backyard into a cozy retreat you can enjoy in every season. With the flip of a switch or press of a button, you can ignite warm, glowing flames that illuminate your space for hours on end.
Unlike wood fireplaces, gas appliances burn cleanly and require minimal maintenance. Even with this in mind, it’s still important to inspect and clean your outdoor gas fireplace regularly. Dust and debris can collect inside your fireplace over time and clog essential components, creating a fire hazard.
It’s essential to hire a local licensed professional to thoroughly clean and inspect your outdoor fireplace at least once a year. A pro will be able to safely take your fireplace apart as needed, clean the components, check for gas leaks, and make sure the venting system is working the way it should. They can also help you troubleshoot or locate any replacement parts you might need.
Below, we’ve listed seven easy steps you can take in between inspections to make sure your outdoor gas fireplace stays in pristine condition for a lifetime.
Step 1: Turn Off the Gas
Before you start cleaning your outdoor fireplace, make sure the gas valve is shut off and the pilot light is extinguished.
After you turn off your gas supply, wait at least 10 minutes to allow all the fuel to safely leave the gas line.
Step 2: Clean the Glass
Inspect the glass screen on the front of your gas fireplace for any loose panels or cracks. Gently wipe down both sides of the glass using a soft cloth and fireplace glass cleaner.
Dry the glass with paper towels or a clean, soft rag to prevent streaking. Once dry, you can reinstall the glass using the steps detailed in your fireplace manual.
Wait at least 30 minutes after you clean the glass to light your fireplace. This allows any leftover cleaner to evaporate before it’s exposed to the flames.
Step 3: Inspect & Clean the Exterior
Carefully inspect the outside of your fireplace and wipe it down with a soft rag.
To make any repairs to your fireplace, you’ll need to reach out to a local NFI certified expert or licensed general contractor. They’ll know what replacement parts you need and how to install them properly.
Step 4: Inspect & Clean the Interior
Vacuum out dust and debris from your outdoor gas fireplace, moving around any grates or decorative fire media. Make sure you avoid vacuuming up any fire glass, lava rock, or other media.
When you’re done vacuuming, use a soft cloth to wipe down the louvers on the outside of your fireplace. If your gas fireplace doesn’t have louvers, you’ll still need to inspect the air cavities and clear away any dust and debris.
Pro Tip:
To avoid vacuuming up your fire media, cover the end of the vacuum wand with cheesecloth or an old stocking. This will allow dirt and dust to pass through, but not your media.
Step 5: Clean Your Gas Logs
If you have an outdoor gas log set, you’ll need to remove the logs and clean them. Using a paint brush with soft bristles, gently brush away any built-up soot, residue, and debris.
Before you put your logs back into your fireplace, check your owner’s manual to see the proper placement. Many gas log sets must be arranged in a specific pattern to operate safely.
Please refer to our gas log maintenance guide for instructions on how to properly disassemble, clean, and reassemble your log set.
Step 6: Check Your Burner System
When you’re done cleaning your gas fireplace and it is completely dry, test-light your burner to make sure it ignites properly.
The flames should light smoothly and without delay. If you experience lags or your burner doesn’t ignite at all, you’ll need to call a professional technician to diagnose the problem.
Check out our best-selling gas fire pit burners to narrow down your options.
Step 7: Schedule an Inspection
While regularly cleaning and inspecting your outdoor gas fireplace at home helps keep it in great working condition, you’ll also need to hire a licensed professional to inspect and clean your chimney, gas lines, and burner system at least once a year.
Reach out to a local NFI certified professional or licensed general contractor who has experience servicing and cleaning gas fireplaces to schedule your annual inspection.
We’re Here to Help
Have more questions about how to care for your outdoor gas fireplace? We’d love to help! Call our team of NFI certified experts today at 800.919.1904.
More Resources:
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