Seasonal Safety Tips: 3 Common Gas Fireplace Problems You Can Prevent with Annual Service

When winter settles in across Ontario, there’s nothing like the steady warmth of a gas fireplace to keep you comfortable. But if you want the most out of this appliance, you’ll need to commit to seasonal maintenance. While gas fireplaces burn cleaner and require far less upkeep than wood-burning units, they’re still mechanical systems that require regular servicing to stay safe and reliable. 

Knowing what to watch for also helps protect your fireplace and your home. Here are three common problems with gas fireplaces and how a Dows ClimateCare WeCare Maintenance Plan can help.

#1 – Buildup and Soot 

Even in a clean-burning gas fireplace, dust, dirt, pet hair, and even insects can accumulate over time and begin to clog the burner ports and orifices. When that happens, the fireplace can’t burn fuel properly, leading to poor combustion and visible soot. 

Unlike wood-burning fireplaces (where soot is expected), any soot on the glass or inside the firebox of a gas unit is a warning sign. It can indicate deteriorating ceramic logs, blocked burner passages, or incomplete combustion, all of which affect performance and safety. If you notice the glass darkening or a buildup forming, it’s time to schedule service right away. 

#2 – Wear and tear on components 

Gas fireplaces may look simple from the outside, but inside, they rely on mechanical parts that experience wear every time the unit cycles on and off. Over a season, that wear can affect how safely and reliably the fireplace operates. 

Examples of critical parts that need inspection and cleaning include: 

• Valves and gas connections (to avoid potential leaks) 
• Thermocouple and thermopile 
• Ignition and pilot assembly 
• Fan and controls 

When these parts begin to fail or fall out of adjustment, the result can be anything from hard starts and weak flames to poor performance, or, in rare cases, safety risks such as fire or gas ignition issues. A WeCare Maintenance Plan catches small problems early, long before they lead to costly repairs while ensuring the safety of you and your loved ones.

#3 – Venting and chimney issues 

Blocked or restricted venting is another common issue, often caused by animals and nests (like birds, squirrels, raccoons, or bats) finding their way into chimney flues or exterior vents. When nest materials build up, or an animal becomes trapped, odours and ventilation problems quickly follow. 

High-efficiency gas fireplaces can also contribute to venting concerns, as they pull more heat into the home and leave cooler flues behind. That cooler air increases condensation, and when moisture mixes with combustion gases, it can create a corrosive environment that damages liners, mortar, and surrounding brickwork. Staying ahead of venting issues with annual inspections helps protect both your fireplace and the structure around it.

What’s included in a Gas Fireplace WeCare Maintenance Plan 

A professional gas fireplace maintenance visit covers far more than a quick cleaning — it’s a full 22 point inspection to ensure every part of the system is operating safely and efficiently. Core service tasks include: 

• Complete inspection of all system components 
• Check and adjust the pilot light 
• Clean and, if needed, reposition or replace ceramic logs 
• Inspect thermopile, thermocouple, fan, venting, and thermostat 
• Confirm safe gas pressures and leak-free connections 

Because many issues start small and out of sight, a trained technician can catch problems a homeowner wouldn’t typically notice.

When to Schedule Gas Fireplace Maintenance

Gas fireplaces should be serviced once per year, ideally before the heating season begins, to ensure they’re ready for steady use. You should also book a service any time you notice these warning signs: 

• Soot on the glass or unusual smells 
• A fireplace that won’t start or produces irregular flames 
• Recent renovations or work that may have affected the venting system 

Book a Gas Fireplace Precision Tune-up with Dows ClimateCare

If it’s time for your annual fireplace checkup or you’ve noticed signs it needs attention, Dows ClimateCare is here to help. Get a free quote if you’re ready to book your maintenance visit.