Gas Log Service

Countless homeowners enjoy gas logs for affordable, supplemental heating during our long, blistery winter in the Providence Triangle and Metro West areas. Fueled by natural gas or propane, these cozy flames require regular maintenance for their continued safe and efficient operation.

Even though they burn cleaner than wood, your gas log set still requires annual maintenance. Horizon Chimney Services provides annual checkups that not only extend your appliance's life but also enhance its performance while protecting your home from potential fire and health hazards. 

Gas Log Sets Vs. Fireplaces

While they may look similar, gas log sets and wood-burning fireplaces operate differently. Gas logs are designed for installation in an existing fireplace opening. Unlike wood fires, which require constant tending and ash removal, gas logs provide instant warmth with a flip of a switch. However, because they involve gas lines and burners, only an NFI Gas-certified technician should service them.

Ventilation Options

Choosing the gas service you need starts with understanding your specific log setup:

Vented Gas Logs:

A vented gas log set expels combustion byproducts, such as carbon monoxide and soot, through the chimney flue, just like a real wood fire. Naturally, these logs offer the most realistic flame-burning experience.

Vent-free Gas Logs:

Since vent-free or ventless logs don’t require a chimney or exterior vent, they burn extremely efficiently, keeping most of the heat in the room. However, these appliances also vent exhaust into the living space, so a certified gas technician must check the oxygen depletion sensors (ODS) annually to ensure indoor air quality remains at safe levels.

Type of Gas Logs:

Modern gas logs provide an exceptionally realistic fire experience that mimics the burning of wood logs in fine detail, down to the unique grain patterns. There are two types of gas logs. The type you require depends on your appliance manufacturer’s specifications.

• Refractory ceramic: Made from cement and reinforced with a heat-resistant ceramic coating, refractory ceramic logs are incredibly durable and can withstand extreme temperatures without cracking.
• Ceramic fiber: These logs are lightweight and porous. They are prized for their ability to "glow" red-hot, for a more realistic appearance of burning embers.

How to Maintain Your Gas Log Set

Regular maintenance is the key to uncovering worn or defective parts before they fail, prolonging your appliance’s lifespan. Just like any air filter, dust, pet dander, and sooty residue can clog burner ports, leading to uneven flames or "sooting," which can stain and damage your hearth.

Our Multi-point Gas Log Service includes:

• Burner Cleaning: Removing obstructions from the burner tube to ensure even gas flow.
• Pilot and Igniter Inspection: Testing the thermocouple and thermopile to ensure the fire starts reliably every time.
• Gas Leak Pressure Test: Checking all connections from the valve to the burner for total peace of mind.
• Log Placement Optimization: Adjusting logs to prevent "flame impingement," which causes excessive carbon buildup and premature replacement.
• Glass and Firebox Cleaning: Removing the white film or soot buildup from the glass doors and interior walls.