Gas Fireplace Service & Repair Near You: Northeastern Masonry & Chimney Can Help
Is your gas fireplace not lighting, not heating properly, or just not performing like it used to? Whether you’re dealing with a pilot light that won’t stay lit or strange noises coming from the unit, Northeastern Masonry & Chimney is here to help with gas fireplace services near you. For homeowners throughout the Poughkeepsie area and beyond, our certified technicians are ready to restore warmth and peace of mind to your home. Call or book online today.
What Is Included in an Annual Gas Fireplace Service?
When we talk about gas fireplace servicing, most people will first ask, “Does my gas fireplace need annual inspections?” To which the answer is yes – any fireplace, no matter the fuel used or type of appliance needs to be inspected every year.
So, what’s included in a gas fireplace service or inspection?
At Northeastern Masonry & Chimney, we follow a comprehensive checklist that ensures every component of your fireplace is inspected, cleaned, and tested for proper function.
- Our technicians perform a visual inspection of the entire unit. This includes checking for any signs of wear and tear, rust, or damage to the firebox, glass doors, and surrounding trim. We also look at the condition of your gas logs or decorative media to ensure they’re properly arranged and not obstructing any burners or vents.
- We clean the fireplace interior, including the burner, pilot assembly, and any accessible components. Dust, pet hair, and debris can accumulate over time and interfere with ignition, airflow, or performance, so a detailed cleaning is key to keeping the fireplace working properly.
- We check and test the pilot light and ignition system. If your unit uses an electronic ignition, we’ll test the batteries and wiring. For standing pilots, we inspect the thermocouple and thermopile, which are critical safety components.
- We verify that the gas valve is functioning as it should. And we check all gas connections for leaks using a sensitive gas detector.
- We’ll make sure your fireplace is venting properly. This is especially important for direct-vent or vent-free models, as improper ventilation can lead to a buildup of harmful gases like carbon monoxide.
Before wrapping up, we polish the glass for clarity and check for heat cracks or fogging. We also walk you through our findings and let you know if any repairs or upgrades are recommended.
Gas Fireplace Repair Near Me: Why Isn’t My Pilot Light Working?
If your gas fireplace’s pilot light won’t stay lit – or won’t light at all – there are a few common reasons this could happen.
One of the most frequent issues is a dirty pilot assembly. Over time, dust and soot can clog the tiny opening where gas flows to the pilot flame. This restricts the gas flow and can make it difficult or impossible for the flame to ignite or stay lit. Cleaning the pilot orifice is often a simple, but effective, fix.
Another common culprit is a faulty thermocouple or thermopile. These are safety devices that sense the pilot flame and allow gas to continue flowing to the burner. If the thermocouple doesn’t detect a flame, it shuts off the gas to prevent unsafe conditions. If these components are malfunctioning due to wear or buildup, your pilot light may keep going out.
Low gas pressure can also affect pilot performance. This might be a result of a closed or partially closed gas valve, or an issue with your home’s overall gas supply. It’s important to have a professional check your system to avoid leaks or dangerous pressure problems.
In newer fireplaces with electronic ignition, dead batteries in the remote or wall switch are sometimes to blame. Wiring issues, tripped breakers, or control module malfunctions can also prevent the pilot from operating.
If your pilot light won’t cooperate, it’s best to call in a qualified technician to troubleshoot the issue. At Northeastern Masonry & Chimney, we’ll inspect the entire ignition system, clean components as needed, and replace any failing parts. We’ll also check for safe operation and ensure your fireplace is burning cleanly and efficiently.
Never attempt DIY repairs on gas components – safety always comes first.
What Are Symptoms of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning?
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless gas that can be deadly in high concentrations. Yet, because it’s colorless, odorless, and tasteless, detection can be hard. That’s why it’s essential to understand the symptoms of CO poisoning and take immediate action if you suspect exposure.
Early symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning often resemble the flu – but without a fever. This includes:
- confusion
- blurred vision
- chest pain
- vomiting
- loss of consciousness
- fatigue
- dizziness
- weakness
- headache
- nausea
- shortness of breath
- loss of coordination
In extreme cases, carbon monoxide poisoning can lead to brain damage, cardiac complications, or death.
If you or anyone in your home experiences any of the symptoms mentioned – especially if they improve when you leave the house and worsen when you return – it’s critical to leave the home immediately and call 911 or emergency services. Do not re-enter the house until it has been cleared by professionals.
If you ever hear your CO alarm sound, treat it as an emergency – don’t ignore it.
What Should I Do if I Suspect a Gas Leak?
If you suspect a gas leak in your home, your response needs to be swift and cautious. Natural gas is highly flammable, and even a small leak can pose serious health and safety hazards, including fire, explosions, or health issues.
The most recognizable sign of a gas leak is the strong, sulfur-like odor that’s often described as smelling like rotten eggs. Utility companies add this scent to otherwise odorless gas as a safety measure. You may also hear a hissing sound near a gas line, see bubbles in standing water, or notice that your pilot light keeps going out unexpectedly.
If you detect any of these signs:
- Leave the area immediately. Get everyone, including pets, out of the home. Don’t stop to gather belongings.
- Do not use electronics or flames. Avoid flipping light switches, using phones, lighting candles, or operating appliances. Even a small spark can ignite gas.
- Leave your doors open. If it’s safe to do so on your way out, open windows and doors to help ventilate the area.
- Call emergency services. Once you’re safely away from the property, call 911 or your local gas utility’s emergency line to report the leak.
- Stay outdoors until it’s safe. Wait for professionals to clear the area and repair the leak before going back inside.
Once the immediate danger has passed, schedule a full inspection with a qualified technician. At Northeastern Masonry & Chimney, we can assess your gas fireplace system, test for leaks, and make any necessary repairs to ensure it’s operating safely and efficiently.
Local Chimney Service Provider Near You: Count On Us
Don’t wait for small issues to turn into major problems. When you need reliable gas fireplace service or repair near you, trust the team at Northeastern Masonry & Chimney. We’re committed to keeping your gas fireplace operating safer and more efficiently all year round. Contact us today to schedule an appointment or to learn more about how we can help bring comfort back to your home.