To prepare your fireplace for the off-season, let it cool, clean the surfaces your owner’s manual allows, and take care of any maintenance before you need it again. For a wood-burning fireplace, that means removing ash and scheduling chimney service. For a gas fireplace, check the venting and follow your model’s shutdown instructions. For an electric fireplace, focus on the glass, exterior, and accessible air openings.
Spring is a good time to deal with anything you noticed over the winter, from a damaged door gasket to a fireplace that had trouble starting. Use the checklist below for your fireplace type.
Off-Season Fireplace Checklist
- Wood-burning: Remove cooled ash, clean the firebox as directed, and arrange a chimney inspection. Have the chimney cap checked if your system has one.
- Gas: Clean only the parts listed in your manual, note any venting or operating issues, and check the instructions for your pilot and ignition system.
- Electric: Turn the unit off, let it cool, and follow the manual’s instructions for power disconnection and cleaning.
Contents
- Schedule a chimney inspection
- Check the chimney cap
- Clean the firebox and glass
- Look for wear and schedule repairs
- Check your gas fireplace’s pilot and damper instructions
- Clean your electric fireplace
Schedule a Chimney Inspection
If you have a wood-burning fireplace, arrange a professional chimney inspection annually and have the chimney cleaned as needed. Creosote can build up inside the flue over the heating season and increase the risk of a chimney fire. An inspection at the end of winter gives you time to address buildup or damage before fall.
Gas fireplace venting needs attention too, but the service depends on the appliance and vent system. Follow the maintenance schedule in your owner’s manual and have a qualified fireplace technician check any damage or blockage you suspect.
Check the Chimney Cap
If your wood-burning fireplace has a chimney cap, ask your chimney professional to check that it’s secure, clear of debris, and free of damage. A compatible cap can help keep rain, animals, and debris out of the chimney. If the cap is missing or damaged, match the replacement to your chimney system. Gas vent terminations are part of the appliance’s vent system and should be matched to the manufacturer’s specifications.
Clean the Firebox and Glass
For a wood-burning fireplace, wait until the fire is out and the firebox has cooled. Put ashes in a metal container with a tight-fitting lid and keep it outdoors on a noncombustible surface at least 10 feet from your home. Follow your fireplace manual for cleaning the firebox and for where to leave the damper once the fire and embers are fully out.
For a gas fireplace, let it cool and clean only the areas your manual identifies as accessible to the homeowner. Follow the model’s instructions for the glass, logs, and other media. If you notice new or recurring soot deposits, have a qualified technician check the fireplace before you use it again.
If your manual allows a dedicated hearth glass cleaner, check the product label for compatibility with your glass. Rutland Stove, Grill & Hearth Glass Cleaner is one option to compare against your model’s care instructions.
Look for Wear and Schedule Repairs
With the fireplace off and cool, look at the components you can see without taking it apart. Note cracked glass, loose trim, or worn door gaskets if your model uses them. If anything needs attention, take a photo and write down the make and model before ordering a replacement or scheduling service. Leave gas fittings, sealed assemblies, and vent repairs to a qualified technician.
If you smell gas, leave immediately. Avoid using electrical switches or phones inside. Call your gas utility or 911 from a safe location.
Check Your Gas Fireplace’s Pilot and Damper Instructions
If your gas fireplace has a standing pilot, check whether the owner’s manual provides an off-season shutdown procedure. Follow that procedure if you decide to turn the pilot off. If you have intermittent pilot ignition, the pilot generally lights on demand. Some systems also offer a continuous pilot mode, so check your model’s settings before making a change.
If you have a vented gas log set installed in a fireplace with a chimney, follow the log set’s damper requirements. A damper clamp or stop may be required to prevent full closure. Leave any required clamp or stop in place through the off-season.
Clean Your Electric Fireplace
Turn the fireplace off, let it cool, and follow the owner’s manual for disconnecting power before cleaning. Wipe the exterior and glass with the cloth or cleaner specified for your model. Remove dust from accessible air openings as directed so they’re clear before you use the heater again. For a hardwired unit, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for accessing or servicing any internal components.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is spring a good time to have my chimney inspected?
Yes. Scheduling an inspection after the heating season gives you time to arrange any cleaning or repairs before you use the fireplace again in fall.
Should I turn off my gas fireplace pilot light in summer?
Check your owner’s manual. A standing pilot may have an off-season shutdown procedure. Intermittent pilot systems usually light on demand, though some also have a continuous pilot setting.
Should I close my fireplace damper in the off-season?
It depends on the fireplace. For a wood-burning fireplace, follow the manual and wait until the fire and embers are fully out before closing the damper. For vented gas logs, follow the log set’s damper requirements and leave any required clamp or stop in place.
Find the Right Fireplace Maintenance Products
Browse chimneys and venting for compatible components. If you need help matching a cleaner, cap, or replacement part, contact our product specialists with your fireplace or chimney system make and model.
