We can feel the seasons changing, and that means cooler temps. Is your fireplace ready to reliably heat your living space this winter? Whether you do your annual maintenance in the spring or the fall, it is important that you do it every year. Furthermore, it is important to get a certified technician to look over the mechanics of your fireplace. The annual maintenance section of your manual will also outline the proper steps for annual maintenance. Annual maintenance should start with cleaning, battery replacement, venting inspection and inspection of the burner, media, and firebox. After you have cleaned your unit it is time to dig in and start your maintenance. Your annual maintenance should include : • Gently clean your glass inside and out with ammonia free glass cleaner. • Carefully remove media if necessary (logs, glass, brick panels, etc.). • Using a vacuum with soft brush attachment, gently remove any dirt, debris, or carbon build up from the logs, firebox, and burner. For glass media, follow the installation instructions for pre-cleaning. • Gently remove any build-up on the pilot assembly including thermopile, thermocouple, flame sensor, and igniter (if equipped). • Clean flame sensor using a fine emery cloth or a synthetic scrub pad (such as Scotch-Brite™) to remove any oxides. Clean the pilot assembly using a vacuum with a soft brush attachment. It is important that the pilot assembly is not painted. • Inspect all accessible gaskets and replace as required. • If equipped with a blower, access the blower and clean using a soft brush and vacuum. • Inspect the relief system. The appliance relieves through the main glass door or through the flaps on the firebox top. ensure they open freely, [...]

No matter the reason, there will come a time you will need to ignite your fireplace pilot light. Most fireplaces and stoves have a card attached to them detailing the steps to light it. Often removed, or lost during installation, we will outline the proper steps in this article. Before you attempt to light your pilot light, ensure the area is safe.  Follow these simple steps to ensure your safety while lighting the pilot. Do not turn on if children or other at-risk individuals are near the appliance. Most appliances are equipped with an ignition device which automatically lights the pilot. Do not try to light the pilot by hand. Before operating, smell all around the appliance for gas and next to the floor because some gas is heavier than air and will settle on the floor. Do not use this appliance if any part has been under water. Immediately call a qualified service technician to inspect the appliance and replace any part of the gas control system which has been underwater. Following these steps should ensure safe and proper lighting of your pilot light. Remove Batteries from the remote transmitter and set thermostat to lowest setting, if equipped. Turn off all electrical power to the appliance. Open the glass door, if equipped. Turn the gas knob clockwise to the “OFF" position. Wait five (5) minutes to clear out any gas. If you smell gas including near the floor, STOP! Follow the instructions below in the “WHAT TO DO IF YOU SMELL GAS” section. If you don’t smell gas; close the door and go the next step. If the appliance is equipped with a flame adjustment valve turn clockwise to “OFF”. Turn gas knob [...]