From a safety standpoint, gas fireplaces are generally considered to be a safer option than fireplaces that burn wood. Even though you don't have to worry about sparks, smoke, soot, backdrafts, and flames, however, you still need to be cautious when using a gas fireplace. Keep the following safety tips in mind any time you use your fireplace to minimize the likelihood of accidents.
Respect The Clearance Zone Of The Fireplace
Modern fireplaces are designed to keep your walls cool, allowing you to hang electronics or artwork above your fireplace. Regardless of that, however, every fireplace has what is known as a clearance zone. This is an area directly around the fireplace where the temperature is hot enough to pose a danger to items that are flammable or delicate. Avoid placing items like pieces of wood, old papers, draperies, books, or other flammable objects in the immediate vicinity of the fireplace.
Set Up A Regular Maintenance Schedule
Compared to wood-burning fireplaces, modern fireplace designs require very little upkeep and maintenance. At least once a year, however, you should bring in a professional to inspect your fireplace. Typically, the best time of the year to do this is in the fall before you start burning fires for the winter season.
Inspect The Safety Mesh
Most gas fireplaces are designed with glass doors on the front. This not only allows you to see inside but also helps provide protection against the fire. Unfortunately, the glass on the door has a tendency to get exceptionally hot. Because it is so hot, it can pose a danger to pets, children, or anyone else who touches it.
In order to minimize the likelihood of burns, new rules were put in place in 2015 that require direct vent fireplaces to include a special mesh screen over the door. These screens are made of exceptionally fine mesh which is practically impossible to notice unless you are specifically looking for it. You should periodically inspect the screen to make sure that it is properly installed and that it has not sustained any damage.
You can improve the safety of your fireplace even further by choosing a double-pane glass door. Like double-pane windows for your home, these doors have two sheets of glass that are separated by an air pocket. This has an insulating effect which helps prevent the glass from getting too hot.
Teach Children About Fireplace Safety
No matter how many safety features a fireplace has, children can still get hurt if they don't follow specific safety guidelines when they are near the fire. Make sure children understand the dangers of playing near the fireplace. Consider setting up an area around the fireplace where kids are not allowed to help minimize the risk of accidents.
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