Do gas logs need service?

YES.

While most vented gas logs seem like pretty simple chunks of concrete or ceramic, there is more to them. Gas Log Sets are precision gas appliances and require periodic inspection and service by a qualified technician.

Vented gas logs are designed to have a realistic looking orange or yellow flame, just like real wood logs. Wherever this fire contacts the logs, suit will build up.

Some amount of soot adds to the realism, but too much soot build-up will lead to flaking off and a potential mess in your home. Strong wind can cause down drafts in fireplaces when they are not burning. This can dislodge soot and blow it out of the fireplace and into the living area.

Vented Gas Logs also use spun ceramic material to give the look of glowing embers. These embers actually burn slightly and get smaller and less effective with use and need to be replaced.

Because it is covered with embers, most people are unaware that there is also a bed of sand covering the main burner of their vented gas logs. This sand is critical to the look and safety of gas logs.

Sand is placed in the burner pan of gas logs to spread out the gas to create an even bed of flame. If the sand has been disturbed, or over time has become compacted, the flame may be low or erratic. Worse, it is possible that fire may have migrated to the side of the burner pan and be causing the control valve to get hot and damage it. When this happens, the control valve may become stiff and may prevent the ability to turn the logs off.

For all of these reasons and more we recommend you have you gas logs serviced, like your furnace, once a year.

This is an example of a vented gas log set burning properly.

The flame is high and is generally burning in the center of the gas log set. Space has been left between the logs for the fire to easily find its way through. Note that the embers under the gas logs are burning brightly and evenly. The gas control valve located in the lower right of the picture is safely protected from the fire.

The left side of this picture shows the sand that covers the main gas log burner. This is critical for distributing the gas for a safe and good looking burn. The the thickness of the sand determines where the fire will go. The fire will seek the path of least resistance through the sand. If the sand has been disturbed, it is possible for fire to migrate to the sides of the burner and get the control valve hot. The control valve may get stiff, making it impossible to turn the gas logs off. It is also possible for the sand under the gas logs to become compacted due to humidity or other factors. The sand needs to be checked adjusted by a qualified technician.