Fireplace Inspection Guide for a Cozy Home

The fireplace is one of the first things one notices when they enter your home, and how it looks goes a long way in your home’s décor. But it’s not just the beauty that necessitates the upkeep of your fireplace. You should regularly perform a fireplace inspection to keep the fireplace in good condition and avoid safety hazards such as carbon monoxide leaks. So, let’s see what fireplace inspection entails and why it’s important to perform it.

What Is Fireplace Inspection?

Fireplace inspection entails a complete examination of the fireplaces and the surrounding components, such as flues and the chimney. The inspection is particularly important for fireplaces that burn gas. The main goal is to identify potential problems, such as gas leaks or blockages, that get in the way of the proper functioning of the fireplace. Click to learn more about gas fireplace inspection.

Important Reasons to Get Your Gas Fireplace Inspected

The fireplace is prone to problems that appear over time. But even if your fireplace is new, you still need to inspect it before heavy use, for instance, before winter sets off. The inspection is crucial for several reasons.

1.     Preventing Safety Hazards

The most important reason for fireplace inspection is related to safety. Loose connections, damaged venting, and clogged burners can lead to gas leaks, fire hazards and even suffocation. The inspection eliminates these risks and improves the indoor air quality.

2.     Extending the Lifespan of the Fireplace

By regularly inspecting the fireplace, you can identify the issues and address them before they escalate. This not only extends the lifespan of your fireplace but also prevents avoidable costly repairs.

3.     Saving Energy

A malfunctioning heater wastes energy and does not give out the expected heat. Also, you would have to pay more for the gas if it’s not burnt properly due to broken burners. You can identify this problem during the inspection and save money and energy.

4.     Complying With Insurance Requirements

Some home insurance companies require regular home inspections, including the fireplace, to reduce liability risks. Ignoring fireplace inspection can result in denied claims in the case of fireplace-related incidents. That means losing the insurance money and paying for the incident from your pocket.

5.     Maintaining the Manufacturer’s Warranty

Many fireplace manufacturers require regular inspections as part of their warranty conditions. So, check your warranty terms to take the required actions to ensure full compliance.

Related post: WETT inspection

How to Conduct an At-Home Inspection

If your fireplace looks to be in good shape, you can inspect it yourself. You can take the following steps to perform a DIY fireplace inspection. Watching this video about fireplace safety inspection can help you do a better job.

1.     Check for Visible Damage

Inspect the glass doors, frame, and other exterior components of your fireplace. You should also check the connections to ensure there are no leaks.

2.     Clean the Fireplace

Dust and soot can build up around the fireplace and impair its performance. You can use a soft cloth or vacuum to clean the fireplace. Avoid using a steel sponge or strong cleaning liquids, as they might scratch or clog the burners.

3.     Test the Ignition System

Turn on the fireplace and look at the flame. A healthy ignition system will ignite the fireplace within a few seconds. If it takes longer or fails altogether, there might be issues with the gas supply or the ignition system.

Also read: What Is the HVAC Inspection?

4.     Observe the Pilot Light and Burners

The pilot light should burn steadily with a blue flame. If the pilot light is flickering or it has a yellow flame, you should check the gas flow and the burners. A yellow flame can also be a sign of poor ventilation and oxygen insufficiency around the fireplace. You may also need to perform a chimney inspection to find what’s causing the problem.

When to Call a Professional

You can perform a rudimentary fireplace inspection yourself, but if you feel that something is wrong with the fireplace and you cannot figure out what’s causing the problem, you should ask a professional inspector to check it out. If you encounter the following signs, you should call a professional.

• Gas smell or any strange odors coming off the fireplace
• Discoloration around the fireplace
• Black soot on the top of the chimney
• Damaged seals or corroded components
• Consistent yellow flame or flickering flame

How To Find a Professional

You can ask friends or family about a professional and trustworthy home inspector. You can also look up fireplace inspectors online and select the ones with positive reviews. Houmse professional inspectors can inspect your chimney using proper tools and inform you about potential problems as well as cheap solutions.

The Bottom Line

Fireplace inspection is necessary at least once a year before winter. You should check all related components to ensure they are functioning properly. Dismissing the inspection can raise serious problems, such as gas leaks or fire hazards, and incur avoidable costs. You can inspect the fireplace yourself, but if it’s damaged or not working properly, you should call a professional to help you identify the cause of the problem.