How often do you have your fireplace cleaned?

Jay, I'll be honest with you.  I am a chimney sweep (18yrs) and a fireman (20 yrs).  I'm honest with my customers when they call and say they have gas logs.  I ask them "Why do they think their fireplace is dirty?"  Gas Logs burn clean, just as a furnace, water heater and even your kitchen stove!  True that the logs themselves get dirty from a carbon build-up due to the yellow flame.  The logs are ceramic and can be washed by the home owner with a product found at the home center.  Or just brushed with a wisk broom or wire brush.

The main thing a homeowner should be aware of with gas logs is that no obstruction is in the flue and that the damper is open when using the logs.  Newer homes that are well insulated or "tight" may not allow the chimney to draft properly.  Chimney caps are recommended to keep out unwanted items from the flue.

As for your friend who called a chimney sweep to sweep her "ventless" gas fireplace, What was she thinking?  Do the research and find a honest sweep in your area.

Jay,

I am also a chimney sweep and a  National Fireplace Institute certified gas installer. I am afraid you are wrong about the importance of servicing vent-free gas appliances annualy. Every gas log set comes with an instuction manual. Every manual has a section titled "Maintenace". All manufacturer's stress in their manuals the importance of regular (annual) cleaning of their product and the importance of installing this product in a clean fireplace. They suggest this work be performed by a NFI certified professional.

Vent-free gas logs are house vented log sets. In order to burn clean all the gas orifaces must be kept clean and free of dust and debris. If dust starts to block these tiny openings the log set will start to burn incorrectly. If your lucky all that happens is the house slowly gets sooted over. Many owners of vent-free logs that are not serviced complain of odors or cold-like symptoms. The later could be carbon monoxide poisioning.

Many people, incorrectly, believe that the required ODS (Oxygen Depletion Sensor) will protect them from carbon monoxide poisoning. It will only shut down the log set if the level of oxygen gets to low in the room.

Even the proponents of this product (The Vent-Free Alliance) state the importance of annual cleaning. You can find more resources at www.nfi.org, www.ncsg.org, American Lung Association, or the manufacturer of yur gas log set.

You can also find more information on my web site www.hearthshoppe.com and go to FAQ's

I remember Cafepress when it was first starting up, their site looks very different now though. It’s a really good idea if you’re persistant enough.

I have read a lot about this on other articles written by other people, but I must admit that you is the best.

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