What Does a Gas Fireplace Service Call with a Certified Professional Look Like?
A proper gas fireplace service call should often take more than an hour and involves removing and cleaning the glass while fully inspecting the fireplace, testing different components in the unit for functionality and replacing any burned out lights or fans, cleaning the pilot assembly and proper reassembly. If the gas fireplace is not properly sealed after service, it can lead to leaks and unsafe operating conditions.
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
What Does a Gas Fireplace Service Tech Do?
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. (A proper report with documentation of the labor completed is also typical.)
How Often Should I Service My Gas Fireplace?
Yearly gas fireplace service is recommended by most manufacturers. National Fireplace Institute certified professionals also say yearly service is a must. If you do not get service yearly, the unit may function, but your flame/heat could be compromised.
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 sitting through the spring and summer invite problems! Stink bugs nesting near orifices, spider webs across burners, pet hair and dust drifting into the pilot assembly.
Blockages 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. Cleaning is the only solution. Preventative service is how you keep your fireplace working into the coldest months of the year.
What Does Fireplace Service Cost on Average?
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.
“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 fireplaces and fireplace inserts. Depending on the quality of the make and model purchased, you could get more than 20 years! 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. In recent years there have been many advances in heat output, efficiency, and design available in gas fireplace inserts.
What is the Difference Between a Gas Fireplace and a Gas Fireplace Insert?
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.
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 might not service your specific model of gas fireplace insert.
If you are looking for gas fireplace service there is really only one reputable place to turn. The National Fireplace Institute Find a Pro is the best place to find a qualified fireplace installer or service tech near you. If the NFI is unable to help, we put together a simplified 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.
Fireplace Experts Blog
