Gas Fireplace FAQs

Plan for a professional inspection and service at least annually, or follow the manufacturer’s instructions if they call for a different interval. Regular servicing is especially useful before the heating season. Technical Safety BC recommends inspection and service by a licensed gas contractor at least once a year or according to certified manufacturer instructions.

We clean the glass, firebox, burner and logs as appropriate; inspect the pilot, thermocouple and thermopile; check ignition and flame quality, gas connections and leaks, venting, fan, remote and thermostat; and test operation and safety systems. The unit’s design and condition determine the exact work needed.

Yes. Cleaning the glass, firebox, burner and logs is part of our maintenance checklist where accessible and appropriate to the model. Some staining or damage may not be removable by routine cleaning.

Yes. A fireplace can appear to work while components need cleaning or inspection. A service visit checks operation, venting and safety systems and can bring developing issues to your attention.

No. Maintenance covers cleaning, inspection and operational testing; repair focuses on diagnosing and correcting a reported fault. If we find a repair issue during service, we explain what we found and discuss the next steps before additional work.

Follow your owner’s manual for safe exterior care. Leave internal gas, venting, combustion and safety-device work to a qualified professional. Do not bypass a safety control or attempt a gas-line adjustment.

Ignition, controls, pilot components, gas supply or another issue could be involved. The cause depends on the model and needs testing. We diagnose the unit before recommending repair.

Several control and ignition conditions can produce that symptom. Avoid replacing parts based on a guess. Note whether the wall switch, remote or thermostat is involved, then arrange a professional assessment.

A pilot that repeatedly goes out needs diagnosis. The pilot assembly, flame sensing, controls or other conditions may be involved. Stop repeated attempts if the unit behaves unexpectedly and contact a qualified technician.

Unexpected shutdown can have more than one cause, including controls or safety-related conditions. Stop using it if operation seems abnormal. We can test the system and explain the repair options.

Heavy soot, new black deposits or a changing flame should be inspected. It can indicate a combustion or venting concern; cleaning the glass alone does not identify the cause.

We accept service and repair inquiries for all gas fireplace brands. For an older or discontinued model, the repair decision depends on its condition, safe operation and whether suitable parts are available.

That depends on the fault, model, age, condition, parts availability and the scope of work. We explain the available options after assessing the actual unit, rather than promising that every older fireplace can be repaired.

Stop what you are doing and go outside first. From outside, call FortisBC’s 24-hour emergency line at 1-800-663-9911 or 911. Do not use our text or email as an emergency gas-leak response. See FortisBC’s gas-leak guidance.

Yes. We handle new gas fireplace installations and replacements. A replacement may involve removing the old unit and reviewing the existing opening, gas supply, venting and finish.

Possibly. Dimensions alone are not enough to decide. The selected model’s specifications, clearances, gas connection, venting and surrounding construction must be reviewed on site.

Our installation scope can include gas-line connection or alteration, venting, fireplace-related electrical connections, framing and finishing, removal or disposal of an old unit, and final startup and commissioning. The final scope is confirmed after a site review.

Permit requirements depend on the work and the local jurisdiction. We confirm the applicable requirements for the project and arrange permits when required. A site review comes before any final scope or permit commitment.

Start with the space, desired appearance and how you plan to use it. Model specifications, gas supply, venting route, clearances and project budget then shape the options. We can discuss these factors after reviewing the property.

Timing depends on whether this is a replacement or a new installation, the unit and site conditions, venting, gas work, finishing and any required permit. We discuss a job-specific schedule after reviewing the scope.

Our base is Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows. We also serve the wider Lower Mainland, including Mission, Port Coquitlam, Coquitlam, Port Moody, Langley, Surrey, Burnaby, New Westminster, Vancouver, North Vancouver, West Vancouver, Richmond, Delta and Abbotsford. Contact us to confirm availability for your address and the work needed.

Tell us your city, the problem or service you need, and the brand and model if known. Photos of the fireplace and its rating plate can help us prepare. You can call, text or email; no form is required.

Yes. We work with strata corporations and property-management companies. Tell us about access requirements, approvals and the number of units involved so the work can be discussed accurately.

We provide a one-year workmanship warranty on completed service, repair and installation work. Parts and equipment are covered according to the applicable manufacturer’s warranty terms.

We offer 24/7 emergency response and on-site dispatch when needed. Call to describe the situation and confirm availability; we do not promise a fixed arrival time. If you smell gas, leave the area and call FortisBC’s emergency line or 911 from outside first.