Annual service by a certified gas fireplace professional is not optional—it’s essential.

Homeowners are often surprised to learn that the most common issues with gas fireplaces aren’t from overuse, but rather from non-use. Months of dormancy invite problems: stink bugs nesting near orifices, spider webs across burners, pet hair and dust drifting into the pilot assembly. These obstructions restrict gas flow, impede ignition, and create incomplete combustion. If you’ve ever had a grill that refused to light after a season of storage, you know exactly what can happen.

What Does a Gas Fireplace Insert Service Call with a Certified Professional Look Like?

  • Pilot assembly cleaning

  • Thermopile and thermocouple millivolt testing

  • Burner inspection for carbon buildup

  • Gasket and glass integrity checks

  • Full system safety and leak test

  • Vent terminal and draft verification

A technician doesn’t just “check” your fireplace—they test thermopile output, clean burners, verify gas pressures, inspect glass and gasket seals, and ensure the entire venting system is clear and functioning. These aren’t cosmetic issues; they’re crucial to proper operation of your gas fireplace insert.

gas fireplace service bag

What does service cost, and how does it compare to a repair?

The average cost of gas fireplace repair typically ranges much higher than routine service. A faulty pilot, damaged valve, or blocked vent can quickly add up—especially if your fireplace stops working mid-winter. Investing in a pre-season tune-up is not just about prevention; it’s also about cost control. Annual gas fireplace maintenance should cost under $300 in most parts of the United States. If you get your unit serviced during the “off-season” there are usually discounts from most specialty fireplace retailers near you.

Regular service ties directly into the lifespan of your appliance. With regular servicing, a gas fireplace or insert can last well over 20 years. You can read more on that in our article about gas fireplace life expectancy, but in short: proactive maintenance directly extends the life and performance of your unit.

family gas fireplace insert

“How Long Will My Gas Fireplace Insert Last if I Service it Yearly?”

You should expect to get at least 15 years out of most modern gas fireplace inserts. Depending on the quality of the make and model purchased, you could get more than 20 years from inserts treated with tremendous care. Brands like Heat & Glo gas fireplace inserts are known for extremely high end heating appliances that last decades.

If your fireplace is showing signs of age or inefficiency, annual service visits might reveal that repair costs are too high. At that point, upgrading your old fireplace becomes a smart long-term solution—especially given the advances in heat output, efficiency, and aesthetics available in modern gas fireplace inserts.

Not sure what’s currently installed in your home? It helps to understand the difference between a fireplace and an insert, especially when evaluating service or upgrade options. Each has unique maintenance requirements and performance characteristics. 

Gas fireplace insert installed to radiate more heat from a traditional masonry firepalce

Where to Find High Quality Gas Fireplace Service Near You?

Experts highly recommend considering serviceability and WHO will service your gas fireplace insert after purchase. Buying a fireplace online from a website like Woodland Direct will likely leave you with unforeseen fireplace service challenges in the dead of winter. Having a local retailer at your back is paramount when continued service and quality installation are core elements of using a fireplace. 

You want to make warm, positive memories when the weather is coldest, not sitting on hold with Horizon Services only to find out they don’t know how to service gas fireplace inserts. 

If you are looking for gas fireplace insert service there is really only one reputable place to turn – National Fireplace Institute Find a Pro to find a qualified fireplace installer near you. If the NFI is unable to help, we put together a guide for how to find trustworthy gas fireplace service that might be helpful. If you still need assistance, you can always contact us at The Stove Shop.

Whether you’re planning ahead or already noticing slow ignition and weak flames, the best time to service your fireplace is before the cold arrives. Book your appointment today and stay ahead of the season. At The Stove Shop our mission is to help our customers stay warm and save money! If we can be of service to you please contact us and we will do our best to help. If you want to learn more about us, check out our core values.