Gas fireplaces are a popular choice for many families because of their ease of use, low cost to operate, and cost savings and efficiency. In order to get the most use and enjoyment out of your fireplace, it is important to understand how to safely operate it. The following fireplace safety tips can help you get the most out of your gas fireplace.
1. Read the manual
One of the most important parts of fireplace safety is also the simplest – reading the manual. Because every fireplace unit is different, reading the manual can provide valuable safety information and operating instructions. Following the manufacturers instructions can not only help you get the most out of your fireplace, but it can help it last for years to come.
Likewise, being more familiar with your unit can help you if it malfunctions; check the manual before you call a fireplace repair company in case it is a problem you can fix yourself.
2. Keep children and pets away
While adults know not to touch the glass and metal of a gas fireplace, small children and pets may not know to be cautious. Because of this, thousands are injured each year from accidental fireplace burns. However, there are a number of ways to prevent these kinds of burns.
First, it is important to let anyone who may be in your home know that the glass and metal surrounding the fireplace are too hot to touch; even after the fireplace has been turned off, it can take several hours for the glass to cool down to room temperature. Next, a fireplace screen or screen door can be used to help keep little hands and paws away. Lastly, physical barriers such as baby gates are recommended to keep young children out of the room and away from the temptation of touching the fireplace.
In addition to preventing accidental burns, it is also important to make sure the fireplace cannot be accidentally turned on or off. Because so many children as enamored with the “magic” or turning the fire on and off with the press of a button, keeping the remote stored out of reach is an important way to make sure it is not being used without supervision. Likewise, child lock switches can be installed to prevent young children from turning on the fireplace.
3. Test alarms regularly
No matter what kind of fireplace you have, it is important to have working smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. While the vast majority of fireplaces will never malfunction or have safety problems, these alarms can help protect your family in the event of a fire or other problem. Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors should be installed on every floor of the home as well as outside of sleeping areas; test alarms every six months to ensure they are still working properly. In order to make sure they are up to date with the most recent safety technology, smoke and carbon monoxide detectors should be replaced when they stop working or at least every 10 years.
Owning a fireplace can add warmth, charm, and character to your home while also serving as a heat source or decorative focal point. Contact The Cozy Flame today for more information on fireplace safety or installing a new gas fireplace in your home.