A gas fire tends to sit quietly in the corner for months and then get switched on the first cold evening of autumn. That is exactly when a service is worth having, because a fire that has stood unused can hide a blocked flue, a dirty burner or a tired thermocouple.
Gas Safe registered 25 years in the trade 12 years running the business
Why gas fires need servicing
A gas fire burns in your living room, often with the products of combustion going up an old chimney. If that chimney is partly blocked by soot, a bird's nest or fallen brickwork, the fumes have nowhere to go. Carbon monoxide has no smell and no colour, so a fault like this is not something you can spot by looking at the flames from the sofa.
Manufacturers generally recommend servicing gas fires every year. A service checks that the fire is burning cleanly and that the flue is taking the fumes away as it should.
What a gas fire service usually covers
The exact steps depend on the type of fire, but a service normally includes:
Removing the fuel effect, coals or pebbles and checking them for damage
Cleaning the burner and checking the flame picture
Testing the flame supervision device or thermocouple so the gas shuts off if the flame goes out
Checking any oxygen depletion sensor fitted to the fire
Checking the flue or chimney with a smoke test, and confirming ventilation where the fire needs it
Checking the gas pressure and that the appliance is gas tight
Types of fire we see
Living rooms around Neath and Port Talbot have everything from decorative fuel effect fires in open fireplaces to inset live fuel effect fires, balanced flue fires on outside walls and older wall-mounted radiant heaters. Each one has its own flue arrangement and its own service requirements, set out in the manufacturer's instructions. Some very old fires reach a point where parts are no longer made, and Chris will tell you plainly if that is the case.
Warning signs to act on
Turn the fire off and do not use it until it has been checked if you notice any of these: yellow or orange flames on a fire that should burn blue, black soot marks on the fire or the wall above it, a smell of fumes in the room, or the fire repeatedly going out.
Headaches, drowsiness or nausea that ease when you leave the room can be signs of carbon monoxide. Open windows, leave the room and seek medical advice. A carbon monoxide alarm in the room with the fire is a sensible precaution.
Fires with a back boiler
In some older homes the gas fire sits in front of a back boiler that heats the house. These are serviced together, as they often share the flue. If you are thinking about replacing the whole arrangement, our back boiler replacement page explains what is involved.
Gas fires in rented homes
If a landlord supplies a gas fire, it must be included in the annual gas safety check. Our gas safety certificates page explains what that inspection involves. Booking the fire service and the certificate on the same visit saves arranging access twice.
Book a gas fire service
The best time is late summer or early autumn, before you need the fire. Call or WhatsApp 07429 632804 with the make of the fire if you know it, or use the quote form. Our services page lists our other gas work, including gas cooker and hob installation.
Common questions
Gas Fire Servicing FAQs
Clear answers before you arrange a visit.
How often should a gas fire be serviced?+
Most manufacturers recommend once a year. Check the instructions for your own fire, as some have specific requirements.
My gas fire burns yellow. Is that dangerous?+
On a fire designed to burn blue, yellow or orange flames can mean poor combustion. Turn it off and have it checked before using it again.
Can you service a fire I have not used for years?+
Usually, yes. Chris will check the fire and flue properly before it is used. If the fire is unsafe or parts are no longer available, he will explain that.
Do decorative fires need a chimney check?+
Yes. Decorative fuel effect fires rely on the chimney to clear their fumes, so the flue is part of every service.
Should I have a carbon monoxide alarm near a gas fire?+
It is a sensible precaution in any room with a gas fire. It does not replace a service, but it warns you if something goes wrong.
