Gas, electric, and wood fireplaces all serve the same purpose: keeping your home warm. But each one needs a different kind of care.
Whether you’re thinking about getting a fireplace or just trying to maintain the one you already have, it’s worth knowing what kind of care each type needs. Let’s break it down clearly, without the fluff.
Why Fireplace Service Matters
Even if your fireplace seems fine, skipping service can cause problems down the road, like poor heat output, expensive repairs, or worse, safety hazards like carbon monoxide leaks or chimney fires.
So no matter which type of fireplace you have, keeping up with regular maintenance isn’t just a good idea, it’s essential. But the kind of service it needs depends entirely on what’s burning inside.
What’s Involved in Gas Fireplace Service?
Gas fireplaces are convenient, clean, and easy to use. But they’re still appliances that burn fuel, so they need regular attention to stay safe and efficient. Here’s what a standard gas fireplace service includes:
- Checking and cleaning the pilot light
- Inspecting gas lines and valves for leaks or wear
- Testing the thermocouple or thermopile (this is what helps the pilot stay lit)
- Cleaning the glass and checking the seal
- Making sure there’s no carbon monoxide leak
- Inspecting the vent or flue (if it’s a vented model)
Even if your gas fireplace seems to be working fine, these parts wear out slowly over time. A yearly checkup can catch issues early.
Important Note: Gas fireplaces are not DIY-friendly. If something goes wrong with the gas line or pilot assembly, it’s not safe to fix it yourself. Always call in a pro.
How Electric Fireplace Maintenance Is Different
Electric fireplaces don’t have real flames, and they don’t burn anything. That means you skip the soot, gas, and smoke, but there’s still some maintenance to keep things working smoothly.
Here’s what to do:
- Dust or vacuum the inside of the unit.
- Clean any air filters (if your model has them).
- Check for loose wires or broken switches.
- Replace any dead lightbulbs or LED strips.
It’s simple and low-effort, which is a big reason many people choose electric fireplaces in the first place.
Most homeowners can handle this themselves, as long as the unit is unplugged before they start. But if something electrical stops working, it’s best to have an electrician take a look rather than troubleshoot blindly.
Wood Fireplaces: More Work, More Risk
There’s something classic about a wood-burning fireplace. Real logs, real flames, and the smell of fire. But with that comes a lot more responsibility.
Here’s what proper maintenance looks like for a wood fireplace:
- Removing ashes and built-up creosote (that’s the flammable stuff left behind when wood burns)
- Sweeping the chimney
- Inspecting the firebox and damper
- Checking the chimney structure, cap, and crown for cracks or damage
If you burn wood regularly and don’t sweep your chimney, creosote builds up fast. That’s one of the top causes of chimney fires.
Plan to have it cleaned and inspected at least once a year. More often if you burn wood frequently through the winter.
And like gas fireplaces, this is not a job to take on yourself. A trained chimney professional has the tools and experience to do it safely.
Comparing the Three: What You Need to Know
Let’s make it simple. Here’s how the maintenance stacks up:
- Gas fireplaces need yearly service from a certified tech. They’re clean and efficient, but still use combustible fuel.
- Electric fireplaces need occasional light cleaning. They’re low-maintenance and safe, but not repair-friendly if something fails.
- Wood fireplaces require the most effort. You’re dealing with real flames, ash, and creosote, so regular chimney cleaning is non-negotiable.
Each has its pros and cons, but none of them are completely hands-off.
What Happens If You Don’t Keep Up?
Gas fireplaces can develop small issues that lead to gas leaks or carbon monoxide buildup. You may not notice it until something serious happens.
Electric fireplaces usually stop working if there’s a problem, but that could still mean lost heat in the middle of winter.
Wood fireplaces are the most dangerous to neglect. Chimney fires, smoke backflow, and structural damage are all common when they go unmaintained.
It doesn’t take much to prevent all of this. Just one service appointment a year can keep your fireplace working the way it should.
Warning Signs It’s Time for Service
You don’t always need to wait for your annual checkup. If you notice any of these, it’s time to call someone out:
- The room smells like smoke or gas when the fireplace is on.
- The pilot won’t stay lit (gas fireplace).
- Flames look weak or off-color.
- Your remote or wall switch stops working (gas or electric).
- Ash builds up quickly, or smoke doesn’t draw well (wood fireplace).
- You see cracks in the firebox or chimney structure.
If anything feels “off,” it probably is; so, don’t wait.
Which Fireplace Is Easiest to Maintain Long-Term?
That depends on what you want:
- Want something simple and hands-off? Go electric.
- Prefer real flame with low mess? Gas is a solid middle ground.
- Love the traditional fire experience and don’t mind the cleanup? Wood is for you.
Whatever you pick, you still need to take care of it. Every fireplace lasts longer, works better, and stays safer with regular maintenance.
We Make Fireplace Service Simple
At Neighborhood Chimney Services, we help homeowners stay safe, warm, and stress-free.
If you have a gas fireplace, we’ll inspect every part—ignition, venting, gas flow, and more—to make sure everything is working as it should. We also service electric and wood fireplaces, so no matter what’s keeping you cozy, we’ve got you covered.
Here’s what you get with us:
- Clear, upfront pricing
- Service reports so you know what was done
- Certified, experienced technicians
- Annual reminders so you never miss a service
Not Sure Where to Start?
Ask yourself:
- When was the last time your fireplace was inspected?
- Do you know what condition your gas or chimney components are in?
- Are you confident everything’s working safely?
If you’re unsure about any of that, it’s probably time to schedule a service.
Need help with gas fireplace service?
You don’t have to guess what your fireplace needs. We’ll walk you through it. Reach out to Neighborhood Chimney Services today and get your next appointment on the calendar.
