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Austin Gas Appliances
Time for a New Gas Appliance or Fireplace?
Gas Fireplace Installation & Repair Service in Austin
Thinking about a gas fireplace for your Austin area home? The team at Wolfman provides you with expert guidance and exceptional craftsmanship from our certified chimney professionals. The peace of mind you receive knowing that you’ve got the right gas fireplace in your home that has been perfectly installed is second to none.
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Why Buy a Gas Fireplace?
There are a number of reasons why gas fireplaces are so desirable, whether you choose a stove, fireplace, or insert. Here are a few to consider:
- Gas is simple to operate, with no need to build or maintain the fire. Just turn it on!
- Gas is cost-effective, so you can provide heat more affordably.
- Gas is very fuel efficient, meaning it delivers the heat you need when you need it.
- The efficiency of gas means you can use zone heat to lower your thermostat.
- Gas burns cleanly, producing no smoke and fumes to go up your well-maintained chimney.
- Gas isn’t messy, with no wood, moisture, debris, ash, or soot requiring cleanup.
- Gas is convenient, so you can just turn it on and enjoy it, rather than fussing with it.
- Gas systems have doors, removing the risk of harm from sparks or live embers.
- Gas covers many aesthetics, with sizes, styles, colors, and designs for many different looks.
Are There Any Downsides to Gas?
Gas systems have a lot of benefits, but do they have drawbacks?
- Gas isn’t as authentic because it doesn’t produce ambiance through sound and scent.
- Gas requires a supply line, so if you don’t have a gas line, one will need to be installed.
Are Gas Fireplaces Safe?
Gas stoves, inserts, and fireplaces are all considered safe, especially modern units with sensors and safety screens. However, to function properly, they must be installed correctly, used appropriately, and regularly maintained. Be sure to have professional installation, annual maintenance, and repairs when needed, and only use the system in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
How Often Does My Gas Fireplace Need to Be Serviced?
Every fireplace, no matter the type, needs inspection at least once a year. Your chimney professional will check everything in your system to make sure it works properly and that you’re not at risk for damage, gas leaks, or other issues. However, if you notice something strange with your system, have a professional take a look and don’t use it until they say it’s safe.
Can I Install My Own Gas Fireplace?
At Wolfman, we understand how complex these systems are, and we do not recommend this. If incorrectly installed, you may have gas leaks or fires in your home. You may also void the warranty for your gas appliance.
Work with a certified chimney professional that you trust to ensure that you get a solid installation. These individuals have the training, experience, building code knowledge, and tools to get the job done right the first time, minimizing the hazards involved.
Trusting a chimney expert from the beginning provides you with a safer and more efficient fireplace that delivers peace of mind.
Can homeowners service their own gas appliance?
As with installations, we don’t recommend that homeowners miss their annual service and inspection. However, there are some things you can do to keep your system in great shape:
- Clean the fireplace’s glass doors
- Monitor your thermostat to ensure it’s working well
- Keep appropriate clearances from flammable items
- Dust gas logs if left unused for a period of time
- Check remote batteries if your system doesn’t turn off and on.
How Do Gas Fireplaces Work?
A natural gas or propane fireplace uses gas to produce flames over a burner. These heat your home and give you a great aesthetic. The fireplace will have a burner, a gas log set or media, and controls to turn it off and on, control flames, and control heat.
Your system can be controlled with a remote, your home’s thermostat, or a button or switch. The gas then flows through a valve and ignites. The homeowner can control the rate of flow to control how hot the fire gets.
Does my Gas Fireplace Work When the Power is Out?
If your fireplace uses a standing pilot light, it will work during an electrical outage. This feature gives you light and heat when you need it. However, the risk of a gas leak is still there, so if you smell gas or suspect similar issues, turn it off, leave the building, and contact emergency services.
Can a Gas Insert Go in My Existing Wood Fireplace?
Absolutely, and this is the easiest, most seamless way to change to gas while maintaining your existing aesthetic. In this process, the grate and any debris is removed, then the new insert can be installed professionally and connected to your gas service.
What’s the Benefit of Changing to Gas?
Though homeowners have many reasons to change to a gas fireplace, it’s usually reduced maintenance. Gas systems are simple to operate. They don’t require storing and hauling wood, starting and maintaining a fire, extinguishing the fire, and then cleaning up the mess from bark, debris, ash, and soot.
Modern gas logs have a very realistic appearance, which makes it a great option for those in busy households. This allows them to enjoy the ambiance without all of the work and mess. The system is simply turned on for them to enjoy.
Can Gas Fireplaces Cause Carbon Monoxide Poisoning?
If there are problems with your installation, neglect, or other issue, your gas fireplace can produce carbon monoxide. This is part of the reason why we recommend professional installation, annual inspections, and regular service as needed by certified chimney professionals who can spot any issues and keep your loved ones safe.
I Smell Gas from My Fireplace – What Should I Do?
Strange odors, like rotten eggs, or symptoms that could be from carbon monoxide require immediate, careful action:
- Don’t light anything. Avoid lighting matches, switching lights, using your phone, plugging or unplugging items, or anything that may cause a spark.
- Get out. Immediately leave the area and go outside so that you can avoid breathing in the fumes from your fireplace.
- Call your gas provider or emergency services. This allows appropriate authorities to respond and assess the problem with appropriate safety equipment.
- Stay out. Remain outdoors until it has been deemed safe by professionals. You’ll then want to ventilate your home to get any remaining gas out of the indoor air.
Leaking gas is a serious threat that can endanger your health, wellness, and life. Don’t take chances. If you think there’s a leak, leave the area and call for help.
How Long Will My Gas Fireplaces Last?
The fireplace itself typically lasts for many decades, but you should replace your gas logs every 10-15 years. Maintenance has a lot to do with longevity, so having annual inspections and maintenance will help, as will using your system properly.
Can I Leave My Gas Fireplace Burning at Night?
Don’t leave any type of fire burning when you’re sleeping or out of the house. It’s easy to think that they can run unsupervised, but they should never be left unattended.
Trust Wolfman for Your Quality Gas Appliance Installation!
It doesn’t matter if you’re having a gas fireplace installed or need one repaired or maintained, the experienced chimney professionals at Wolfman Chimney & Fireplace can help. Using efficient, cost-effective processes, we can quickly install your gas fireplace using vented or vent-free options and can guarantee safe, effective, efficient setup.
Vented gas fireplaces can be placed in your functioning woodburning fireplace, but much of the heat will go up the chimney. A vent-free option will allow your home to retain more heat, but you’ll need to use an appropriate setup. Our team can provide you with a gas log conversion with remote control quickly and easily in most situations.
As the top certified chimney professionals in the Austin area, you can count on our technicians to deliver quality work and amazing customer service. Wolfman is fully insured, involved with numerous industry organizations, and is focused on continuously improving our technician’s knowledge and skills. Why not take a moment to call our friendly team today at 512-866-9917 or book your service online today?