3 Easy Ways To Prevent Gas Fireplaces Fires In Your Home

Many house fires are caused by small mistakes that yield great consequences. When improper care for fireplaces, wood or gas or pellet stoves, occurs in a home, the chances of a fire increase. When you receive a gas fireplace installation or visit a gas fireplace shop, be sure to ask about proper maintenance and how to avoid unnecessary domestic combustion. There are many things to consider, but you can find a few methods of prevention here.

Check Your Gas Lines

This should be done regularly by all homeowners with a gas fireplace. Dents, holes, or visible damage should be reported to a professional who specializes in gas fireplaces, and the unit is not to be used until the fireplace is assessed. Gas leaks can have severe consequences on your home if gas lines are used in a damaged state, and unfortunately, this damage can occur very quickly, in a very large fashion. Knowing how to properly extinguish a fire is always a plus, and every home should have a fire escape plan along with an accessible fire extinguisher on hand.

Use a Fireplace Cover

While the moment may feel cozier being as close as possible to a fire, there is nothing truly beneficial to gain from an uncovered fireplace. If the unit is fixed in the wall near furniture, a mantle, carpet, blankets, or people and pets, an uncovered flame is not a force to be reckoned with. Better to visit the gas fireplace shop and invest in a cover before anyone or anything gets burnt.

Keep Flammables Away From the Fireplace

We all leave our junk all over the house, and it can be unrealistic to have a spotless home free of any personal or misplaced items. The reality is that we all have papers and blankets and toys (for both pets and small children) lying around. Any of these items can catch fire if left out by the fireplace–covered or uncovered. According to the EPA, 30% of non-confined heating fires in residential buildings occur become of the close proximity of flammable items. Even books, extra firewood, alcoholic beverages, and rugs should be kept at a safe distance from the fireplace in order to prevent the chance of fires.

With all this precaution in mind, don’t forget the benefits of a warm fireplace. As long as you don’t leave the items out in front of the open fire, curling up with a blanket and a good book can be a restful, restorative practice at any time of year. Head over to your local gas fireplace shop and ask for an estimate!