There’s nothing greater than sitting by a warm, cozy fire on a cold night – especially one that you didn’t have to chop firewood for or even struggle to get the flame going in the first place. It was as simple as clicking the button on the remote, and ta-da! You have heat and a beautiful fire.
But one day, you find yourself scratching your head and maybe muttering a few choice words because your simple and easy to use gas fireplace is anything but that. In fact, it’s now a source of great stress because you have no idea what to do.
What Can Go Wrong With Old Gas Logs?
It might be time to consider replacing your gas fireplace logs. People often experience any of the following problems when it’s time to replace them:
- Damage or deterioration
- Malfunctioning burners
- Irregular flame patterns
- Excessive soot or carbon buildup
- Gas odors or unusual smells
- Fading or discoloration
Your first instinct might be to google “DIY gas fireplace log replacement.” But we’re going to have to stop you right there. Improper installation of your gas logs can lead to harmful gas emissions leaking into your home, so we recommend only certified professionals handle this type of job.
If you find yourself needing to replace your gas logs, let the professionals at Winston’s Chimney Services do it for you. That way you can have peace of mind that the logs were installed safely, correctly, and to manufacturer specifications – keeping you, your family, and your home safer in the process.
How Long Do Gas Logs Last?
How long gas logs last is dependent upon the type of gas fireplace you have, the material of your gas logs, and how often you use your fireplace.
There are three different types of gas fireplaces.
- Vented gas fireplace: This type of fireplace is designed to mimic the appearance and ambiance of a traditional fireplace. Typically, someone has taken their existing wood-burning fireplace and has converted it to a gas fireplace by installing gas logs. In a vented gas fireplace, gases and smoke exit the home through the existing chimney structure.
- Direct vent fireplace: These most closely resemble the look of a traditional fireplace. They have two-layer sealed pipes – one in order to draw air directly in from the outside and the other pipe to expel gases directly outside. Because of this sealed combustion system, your fireplace is less likely to leak carbon monoxide into your home, providing cleaner air quality and safer use.
- Vent-free gas fireplaces: These are extremely popular because you can put them wherever your aesthetically-pleasing-heart desires. However, the lack of ventilation also means they produce a less realistic-looking flame and fire. But on the other hand, these types of fireplaces also offer the highest heating efficiency because they don’t lose any heat through a chimney or other vent.
The one thing they all have in common is that most modern gas fireplace logs are made of ceramic. Ceramic can withstand very high temperatures without changing its appearance. However, if you happen to have gas logs made of cement, they tend to fade over time.
As you can see, it’s hard to predict the life expectancy of gas logs since there are so many different factors that come into play. Really, the only way you can ensure you get the most of your gas logs is by keeping up with regular maintenance. A well-maintained vented gas fireplace log can last up to 10 years while a well-maintained ventless fireplace log can last anywhere from 3-5 years. So be sure to keep up with your yearly fireplace inspections and cleanings.
Can I Change Gas Fireplace Media?
Sometimes you just want to refresh the look of your home. Gas fireplaces offer a few different types of fire media, or the materials in your fireplace that give it its natural appearance. This includes gas logs, fire glass, fire stones, and lava rock.
We highly recommend that if you are considering changing your fireplace media, that you contact a professional to do it for you. This ensures that incorrect placing doesn’t interfere with the burners or intakes providing proper performance and safe operation.
Who Do You Call for Gas Log Replacement?
When you’re ready to replace your gas fireplace logs, be sure to contact the chimney technicians at Winston’s Chimney Services. We have all the proper tools and training to get the job done right. Just take a look at the reviews left by our satisfied customers!
We also make it easy for you to schedule an appointment. Just call 703-379-5006 or book online today.
