Gas fireplaces are a much safer option for home heating than their wood-burning counterparts, and many homeowners already know this. Even though gas fireplaces don’t emit smoke, sparks, or soot, every homeowner should still take a few simple safety measures to protect their family.
Here are some steps you may need to reduce the risks even the safest contemporary fireplace poses.
Keep Clearance Zones in Mind
A clearance zone is a region around your gas fireplace where it is dangerous to store objects that could catch fire or get damaged quickly. Do not place furniture, window curtains, wood, or paper materials too close to the firebox or against the glass safety barrier. The make and model of your fireplace will determine the clearance zone.
Examine the Safety Screen Barrier
The gas fireplace firebox is often separated from your home by a sturdy glass panel. Although this panel makes your fireplace safer and more effective, the glass can get very hot. Most direct vent fireplaces produced after 2015 come equipped with a safety mesh screen to reduce the risk of someone setting themselves on fire. We advise you to ensure your safety screen is securely fastened to your device for your safety.
Consider A Double Glass Heat Barrier Upgrade
Want even more effectiveness and safety? Consider including a double glass thermal barrier with two glass panes—an outer panel and an interior panel—instead of just one. Between the two panes, there is a ventilation layer.
The small, silent fans at the bottom of this layer emit heat into the space, maintaining a safe temperature for the outer glass while adding to the heat in the space. You are now protected from a hot flame by yet another barrier.
Keep Your Kids & Pets Distant from the Fireplace
If you don’t want the double glass heat barrier, the single glass and surrounding metal of a gas fireplace reach extremely high temperatures when turned on, and they may continue to be hot for more than an hour after it is turned off. Always keep an eye on kids and pets and teach them to keep their distance.
Install a safety gate, or at the very least, create a one- to two-foot “no-play zone” in front of the fireplace. Keeping your gas fireplace control out of sight and hidden is also a good idea.
Schedule Annual Maintenance
Modern gas fireplaces require much less maintenance than their traditional wood-burning counterparts. However, arranging an annual maintenance inspection is still a good idea to ensure everything is functioning properly. What time is ideal for a brief checkup? Before you start a fire for the first time in the winter.
Report Issues Right Away
Stop using your gas fireplace immediately and have a professional inspect it if it won’t heat up or light or if the flames’ look or smell changes. Make an appointment for regular maintenance or repairs to ensure that your gas fireplace provides the most secure warmth and comfort throughout the season.
Ensure that Your Smoke Alarms & Carbon Monoxide Detectors are Working Perfectly
We advise every homeowner to install smoke and carbon monoxide detectors on every level of their home if they haven’t already. Two essential items of safety gear that can prevent a disaster are smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors. Even though your fireplace appears to be operating well, something could go wrong without your knowledge. You should regularly verify that your detectors are in good functioning order to be on the safe side.
This winter, having a fireplace sure helps to keep your house warm and cozy. But we should not forget the fact that it might cause harm and danger to you and your loved ones. To keep your house safe, follow our home security systems Atlanta tips and make sure to get smoke detectors that are monitored by professionals. Visit Callaway Security to learn more about fire or smoke alarm systems. You can reach us at (770) 395-9692.
