Trust Ashbusters Charleston to Professionally Service & Repair Your Gas Appliance

Do Gas Fireplaces Need Routine Maintenance?

Wood-burning fireplaces can create quite a mess. When homeowners decide to make the switch to gas, it’s often to avoid dirty conditions created by soot, wood particles, ash, and dust.

Gas appliances are indeed cleaner than wood-burning systems, but they still need basic maintenance to stay in good working condition and to perform efficiently.

Also keep in mind that, although your gas appliance may be functioning well at the moment, there could be a problem under the surface that might cause hiccups in the future. An inspection allows us to diagnose an issue before it has a chance to disrupt your ability to safely use your appliance.

How often should I service my gas appliance?

You should have your gas appliance inspected and cleaned regularly as part of your routine maintenance plan. 

At Ashbusters Charleston, we advise our clients based on guidelines provided by CSIA and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) who suggest annual inspections and cleanings before the burning season kicks off.

If your appliance is new or recently installed, it likely came with an instruction manual from the manufacturer. Be sure to read it thoroughly and follow their maintenance recommendations for how often the appliance should be professionally serviced and how to take care of it day-to-day. Not doing so or tinkering with the appliance yourself could void your warranty, which will only cost you more for repairs and parts if you need them at some point!

What Are the Most Common Problems With Gas Appliances?

You can usually catch issues before they become big-ticket expenses when 1) your gas appliance is installed properly, 2) you use it the way it’s intended to be used, and 3) it’s serviced regularly. 

Sometimes, though, life gets in the way and you might not be able to stick to your usual maintenance plan. That’s completely understandable. Unfortunately, it’s the perfect opportunity for a problem to sneak up on you. The good news? Ashbusters is here to help. These are common issues we see with gas appliances: 

• Ignition issues. Gas appliances may not ignite or have trouble staying lit when they do. This can be caused by problems with the pilot light, igniter, or thermocouple. Newer gas appliances have an electrical ignition, but they can also malfunction if the appliance isn’t well-maintained.
• There’s a problem with the pilot light. Not all gas appliances have pilot lights, but those that do may have issues with it from time to time. This could happen due to drafting issues, thermocouple malfunctions, or gas supply issues.
• The appliance is making strange noises. Gas appliances can get noisy over time due to wear and tear on the fan, motor, or blower. If your appliance is on the older side, you’re most likely hearing those noises more often than you’d like. If that’s the case, you may need to replace one of those parts.
• Something is clogged. Gas appliances have gained a reputation for being soot and dust-free, but that’s a myth. Dust, debris, and soot can – and does –  accumulate inside gas appliances’ venting systems. If you don’t clean them out enough, burners and fans can get blocked and your appliance won’t function properly.
• There’s a gas or carbon monoxide leak. The possibility of a gas or carbon monoxide leak is an unpleasant reality of using a gas appliance. Carbon monoxide is odorless and colorless, so we recommend installing a carbon monoxide detector near your appliance to put your mind at ease. Meanwhile, gas is known for its strong odor that’s similar to rotten eggs or sulfur. If you think you have a gas or carbon monoxide leak, don’t take a wait-and-see approach. You need to leave your home immediately and contact emergency services. 

If you’re experiencing issues with your gas appliance all of a sudden, schedule an appointment with Ashbusters Charleston. We’re just a phone call away! With close to 40 years of experience, you can be confident that we’ll be able to take care of the problem effectively and correctly. 

Reach out to us at 843-595-4927 or book an appointment through our website.

Are Gas Fireplaces Expensive To Maintain?

Gas fireplaces are popular among homeowners because they’re easy to use and maintain compared to wood-burning fireplaces. There’s also the plus of gas as a cost-effective source of fuel. 

There has to be a catch, though, right? You’re probably thinking that they must be expensive to maintain. Don’t be so quick to jump to conclusions…

The type of gas fireplace you have has the biggest impact on your maintenance costs. Vented gas fireplaces are typically more expensive to install because you need a venting system, but they usually have lower maintenance costs. On the other hand, ventless gas fireplaces are typically more affordable to install and maintain because they don’t require a venting system. However, they do need to be cleaned more often.

Here are a few other things that can affect maintenance costs:

• How much you use it. We’re fortunate to live in or near Charleston where temperatures are mild throughout the year. But there are times when the weather gets chilly and you can use your fireplace more. During those months, you can expect your gas bill to be a little higher than usual.
• The size of your space. When your appliance is being relied on to heat a large room or multiple spaces, it’s going to use more gas, which is going to add to your average maintenance costs. For instance, it’ll be a bit more expensive to warm up an open-concept living area than it would be to heat a smaller separate living room because your appliance is essentially pulling double duty.
• Your fireplace is your primary heating source. If your gas fireplace is your only source of heat, you’re going to be spending more money on gas. Having a supplemental heating option like electric baseboards can help you cut back on gas costs.

How much does it cost to fix a pilot light on a gas fireplace?

This is a question we get a lot, as it’s one of the repairs we see the most. Fixing a pilot light isn’t a major repair, and it doesn’t take too long for one of our chimney technicians to get it done. That said, if your gas appliance is on the older side, the parts we need may not be readily available. It could take extra time to acquire the part in question, which may make it may be more expensive.

Get in touch with our team if you think your pilot light is the source of your problem. Tell one of our customer service representatives what type of gas appliance you have, and we can tell you if we can get a hold of the parts you need – and then give you an estimate.

Should I Repair or Replace My Gas Appliance?

You can get decades out of a gas appliance that has been properly maintained, and repairs can extend its lifespan even longer than expected. However, there may come a time when it’s no longer practical to pay for repairs and it’s more sensible to replace the appliance altogether. 

When should you think about moving forward with a replacement? Consider the following:

• It needs more repairs lately than it has in the past. Over the past few months, you’ve needed to call Ashbusters Charleston to check out your gas fireplace more often than seems normal. While we don’t mind – and we love to visit – frequent issues may be your fireplace signaling to you that it can’t last much longer.
• It’s harder to source parts for repairs. The older the appliance is, the harder it will be to find parts. If replacement parts are hard to come by, it’s likely time to replace the appliance.
• The age of the appliance. A newer appliance is a better candidate for repairs, especially if it was recently (and professionally) installed. But if you live in a home that’s passed down through generations and the gas stove is 30 years old, you may be better off going for a replacement.
• It’s not under warranty. Check to see if your appliance is still under warranty. If it is, repairs might be covered which is better for your budget. If not, though, consider replacing the unit.

Can I Repair a Gas Appliance Myself?

Professional servicing sounds like an unnecessary expense, and you think it’ll be much more convenient for you to try to fix your gas appliance on your own. Before you pull up that YouTube tutorial, take a step back. Just because your gas appliance is more user-friendly and simpler to use, it doesn’t mean it’s easier to repair if you don’t have the expertise. 

Working with gas is complicated and dangerous. Shoddy repair work could put you at risk of a gas leak or an explosion. We strongly recommend that you call in a professional when the time comes to ensure your safety.

Safety isn’t the only thing you need to worry about (but it is the most important). We touched on the manufacturer’s warranty above, and it’s important to keep that in mind. It’s standard for manufacturers to require servicing only be done by a licensed professional for them to honor the warranty. It doesn’t matter if you paid an additional fee for the warranty – it will be null and void if you decide to put on your handyman cap.

Why is that a big deal? It can save you money. If you have an issue with the blower and it needs to be replaced, your warranty could get you a replacement part from the manufacturer at a lower rate – or it may even be fully covered. Without the warranty, you’re on the hook for parts and labor.

Schedule Your Gas Appliance Inspection & Service Today!

Why won’t my pilot light stay lit? Why won’t my main burner stay on? Why does my fan keep getting louder and louder? If you’re asking yourself these questions or noticing any changes with your gas appliance, call on the pros at Ashbusters Charleston. We’re here to help you get the most enjoyment from your gas fireplace, stove, or insert. 

Call us today at 843-595-4927 or schedule your appointment online now!

 

Would it surprise you to learn that one of our chimney services is dryer vent cleaning? Yep, we aim to keep all your vents clean to reduce the risk of house fires and keep poisonous gases out of your home.