Get matched with top fireplace pros in George, IA

There are a few things you can keep an eye out for that indicate you may need to call in a gas fireplace repair tech:

• Your fireplace pilot light won’t stay on.

• You notice the smell of rotten eggs.

• You hear hissing coming from the gas fireplace.

• You notice a soot build-up.

• The fire goes out unexpectedly.

If you notice a rotten egg smell or hear hissing, you could have a gas leak, which is extremely dangerous. Call the fire department and your gas company first to shut off the gas and air out your home before calling for a repair.

The length of time it takes to repoint your chimney depends on its design and the extent of damage, but generally, the process takes a couple of days. You can expect just one to two days for a small job or up to four days for a larger chimney or more complex project.

For many people, the primary disadvantage of a gas fireplace insert is that it doesn’t look or smell like a classic wood-burning fire. Additionally, the labor costs of installing a gas insert are higher than some other types of fireplace inserts, including electric and pellet inserts. There are also limitations on where you can install ventless gas fireplaces because they’re banned in certain places (including California).

Pellet stoves do require electricity to power their automated features, such as the pellet feeder, fans, and digital controls. However, their electricity consumption is relatively low compared to other household appliances. During a power outage, pellet stoves equipped with battery backup systems or manual ignition options can still operate, though fans and automatic feed mechanisms may not function. Have a backup heating plan in place for these situations, especially if you live in a region prone to severe weather events.