Gas fireplaces are among the most popular for homeowners, property managers, realtors, and even the hotel industry. Gas is convenient, efficient, and economically-friendly. You may have chosen a gas fireplace in order to save money, have a more convenient and controlled experience with your fire, or to raise safety and efficiency. Whatever your reason for choosing gas, it’s important to remember that the low-maintenance of gas doesn’t mean “no maintenance”!Troubleshooting Gas Fireplace Issues - Amarillo TX - West Texas Chimney

Problems with Gas

Your gas fireplace may not have given you problems so far, but oftentimes issues with your fireplace occur suddenly and can become dangerous quickly, no matter what fuel it burns. Common issues with gas fireplaces occur when they aren’t vented properly, and this can occur even if they were installed correctly.
Condensation – Did you know that your gas fireplace produces water vapor as it burns? Many homeowners don’t realize this. Gas produces so much water vapor in fact, that the average gas furnace produces 1.5 gallons of water PER HOUR! If the fire isn’t vented properly, this water vapor creates condensation on the flue walls as well as in your house, damaging wall coverings, furniture, and more.
Incomplete Combustion – Fires require oxygen in order to burn properly. In order to burn 1 cubic foot of natural gas, your fire will require 10 cubic feet of oxygen in order to burn completely and efficiently. If there is not enough of a draft bringing air through your fireplace, the gas will not burn completely, and most likely won’t vent completely either.

Signs of a Problem

If you have noticed dampness on your walls and in the air, you may have an issue with your gas fireplace. Peeling wallpaper, blistered paint, stains on the ceiling around the chimney, all of these are tell-tale signs of a condensation problem. And just like household leaks are most-often caused by a chimney leak, household moisture problems are most often caused by your gas fireplace. Additionally, white stains on the outside of your chimney, erosion of the system, and spalling masonry can all point to a problem with your gas fireplace.

What to Do

If you think you have a problem with your fireplace, no matter the fuel type, you should call a professional right away to avoid property damage and possible injury or loss of life. Chimney safety is our #1 goal at West Texas Chimney and Venting Solutions. Keeping families safe is as easy as comprehensive chimney care. We offer chimney inspections and sweeps that will keep your gas fireplace working safely and efficiently. Unfortunately, gas fireplaces are not as easy to self-diagnose as wood fires. The best way to determine a gas fireplace problem is to hire a professional who is trained and experienced.

At West Texas Chimney we install gas fireplaces, service them, and diagnose chimney and fireplace issues on a regular basis.

Call (806) 358-0817 today or schedule an appointment online.