By Gary from Albers
Introduction
There are two ways to find out whether your fireplace is ready for winter.
You can check it in October.
Or you can wait until the first freezing night, invite everyone into the living room, hit the switch and find out together.
We strongly recommend option one.
Fall is the ideal time to pay attention to a fireplace that may have been sitting unused for months.
You don't need to take anything apart.
You don't need to diagnose anything.
And you definitely don't need to become a fireplace technician over the weekend.
You just need to make sure fireplace season doesn't begin with a surprise.
Do Your Fall Fireplace Check Before You Need the Fireplace
Start by looking at the fireplace as a homeowner, not a technician.
Ask yourself:
- Does it start and operate as expected?
- Does anything seem different from last season?
- Are the remote and controls functioning normally?
- Are there visible signs that concern you?
- Have you experienced recurring problems in previous seasons?
- Do you know the manufacturer and model?
- When was the last time the fireplace was professionally evaluated or serviced, if applicable?
For wood-burning systems, your seasonal preparation and inspection needs will differ from those of gas or electric fireplaces, so follow the guidance appropriate to your fireplace and manufacturer.
The purpose of the checklist isn't to perform a repair.
It's to notice problems before you desperately want the fireplace running.
Know When the Checklist Stops
There's a big difference between checking your fireplace and repairing your fireplace.
Replacing remote batteries?
That may be a normal homeowner task when permitted by your manufacturer.
Taking apart components because you found a five-minute video online?
Different conversation.
Gas, ignition, electrical, safety, and venting systems deserve proper evaluation.
If something doesn't look, sound, smell, or operate the way it normally does, don't keep experimenting with the fireplace in hopes of stumbling across the solution.
And if you smell gas, a carbon monoxide alarm activates, smoke is entering the home, or you suspect another immediate safety issue, stop using the fireplace and follow appropriate emergency guidance.
Winter preparation should make you more comfortable using your fireplace.
Not more comfortable taking risks with it.
Decide Whether This Is Another Service Year or Upgrade Year
Your fall fireplace check may reveal something else.
Maybe the fireplace works, but you still don't like it.
Maybe this is the third year you've dealt with an issue.
Maybe you barely used it last winter because operating it became more trouble than it was worth.
Or maybe the rest of the room has changed and the fireplace hasn't.
That's when the fall checklist becomes a planning conversation.
Do you want to service the existing fireplace and continue using it?
Or is this finally the year you explore replacement?
For homeowners considering a new gas fireplace, Albers is currently offering a free venting kit with qualifying Mendota purchases through October 20.
That makes October a particularly useful time to compare your existing fireplace with available replacement options before the colder part of the season arrives.
Conclusion
Your fireplace shouldn't be one of those things you remember exists when the temperature hits 30 degrees.
Give it some attention now.
Turn it on. Observe how it operates. Follow your manufacturer's homeowner guidance. Gather information about the unit. And if something isn't right, address the question before fireplace season is fully underway.
If your fall check reveals that you're ready for more than service, ask us about the free venting kit with qualifying Mendota purchases through October 20.
Give Albers Fireplaces a call or visit our 7,000 sq. ft. fireplace and outdoor patio design showroom in Green Brook, New Jersey, to discuss fireplace service, compare replacement options, learn about current fall fireplace promotions, and get your burning questions answered before winter arrives.
We know the heat.
See Your Options
Book an appointment at our Green Brook showroom, or schedule fireplace service with our team.
FAQs
When should I check my fireplace before winter?
Fall is a practical time to test the fireplace and identify concerns before colder weather increases how often you want to use it.
Do fireplaces need service every year?
Service and maintenance requirements vary by fireplace type, manufacturer, age, usage, and installation. Follow the manufacturer's recommendations for your particular fireplace.
Can I clean or repair my gas fireplace myself?
Only perform homeowner maintenance specifically permitted by the manufacturer. Gas, ignition, electrical, venting, and internal component work should be handled appropriately.
What should I do if I smell gas near my fireplace?
Stop using the fireplace and follow appropriate emergency guidance for a suspected gas leak rather than continuing to troubleshoot it.
What if my fall fireplace check makes me want a new fireplace instead?
You can compare replacement options at Albers Fireplaces in Green Brook. Through October 20, a free venting kit is available with qualifying Mendota purchases.