Gas fireplaces are a favourite for modern Australian homes, offering clean, efficient warmth with a touch of style. But did you know they need more than just the occasional flick of the switch to stay performing at their best? To understand what really goes on behind the glass, we had a chat with Lyndon from White Rose Plumbing while he was mid-service on an Escea unit here at Subi Rest.
What’s involved?
When asked what maintenance is actually involved with a gas fireplace, Lyndon explained that it varies depending on the issue: “Service and repair – it all depends on what it is, how far you want to go, what’s wrong with it – if there’s a fault with it, then we’ve got to get right in there.”
During this particular visit to Subi Rest, it wasn’t a general check-up. Lyndon was servicing Escea’s MODE KS1150 corner unit by replacing the fuel bed and log layout. “The flames weren’t right, so I’ve got in there, changed a few things, made them right,” he remarked.
How often should a gas fireplace be serviced?
“Escea recommend every year,” Lyndon said, but usage makes a difference: “Here, Western Australia, they don’t get as much use as… in New Zealand for example.” This means servicing in Western Australia doesn’t come around quite as quickly as in high-use environments.
“The fires as they are themselves are quite modern, so the houses that they’re going in are usually well maintained and kept,” he noted, unless there’s carpet. “If you’ve got carpets down, service time gets a bit faster.” As you can imagine, with carpet, the fans and electronics take in more fibers and particles, which requires more frequent cleaning.
What actually gets serviced?
There’s more inside a gas fireplace than most people realise. “There’s twin fans that draw air in at the bottom, then run it over the box. It gets hot, and that’s how you get your warm air blowing out.”
Servicing includes cleaning the electronics, checking gas pressure settings, and resetting fuel beds, which “can fall and collapse” over time. When that happens, “you get incomplete combustion and it starts getting dirty, then you just start getting more and more faults around the line,” he mentioned. “So yeah, it’s best to just keep on top of it.”
Why does the glass tarnish?
If you’ve ever wondered about white or black build-up on the glass, Lyndon had some clear answers.
For coastal homes, he explained: “Where it’s closer to the ocean, it’s a bit harder because they get a lot of mineral content on them… when the box is cold, it’ll fog up with condensation that burns away pretty quick, but that leaves the mineral content. Then you’ll see a white build-up along the bottom.”
And if gas pressures or air ports aren’t right, “you start getting the black staining on the glass… sooting.”
Partial vs. full servicing
He often sees customers opt for a full service one year, then a lighter visit the following year. “A partial service is pretty much the fuel bed, put it back to how it should be – cleaning the glass is a big one.” And honestly, cleaning the glass alone impresses people. “If all I did was clean the glass and put it back together, people would be none the wiser and they go ‘that’s amazing’ because it looks like a new fire.”
When’s the best time to service gas fireplaces?
Hint: it’s not winter.
People often wait until right before switching the heater on. As Lyndon commented, “But then it’s clean for a week, then they turn the fire on and it gets dirty again.”
Lyndon’s advice? The start of summer is the perfect time. “Get it done. You’re not using it, so it’s not getting dirty again. It’s going to be exactly as it wants to be, ready for winter.”
And yes, this timing has its perks. “Everything else in the house looks clean and spicko for your guests at Christmas – except your dirty fireplace,” he laughed. “I always try to recommend summer – winter periods everyone wants a service then.”
You can reach out to Lyndon from White Rose Plumbing on 0411 503 598 to book a service.
If you’re also thinking about adding a gas fireplace to your home, or upgrading your existing one, drop into Subiaco Restoration to explore our full range of fireplaces and accessories – our team can help you find the perfect fit for your space.