Hearth & Home Technologies • BE-36-C, BE-36-CIPI • 397-981 Rev. R • 2/05
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Maintaining and Servicing Your Fireplace
Fireplace Maintenance
Although the frequency of your fireplace servicing and main-
tenance will depend on use and the type of installation, you
should have a qualified service technician perform an appli-
ance check-up at the beginning of each heating season.
See the table below for specific guidelines regarding each
fireplace maintenance task.
IMPORTANT: TURN OFF THE GAS BEFORE SERVICING
YOUR FIREPLACE.
Replacing old ember material
Frequency: Once annually, during the checkup.
By: Qualified service technician.
Task: Brush away loose ember material near the burner.
Replace old ember material with new ember material. Save
the remaining ember material and repeat this procedure at
your next servicing. For more information, see Placing
Ember Material.
Cleaning Burner and Controls
Frequency: Once annually.
By: Qualified service technician.
Task: Brush or vacuum the control compartment, fireplace
logs and burner areas surrounding the logs.
Cleaning Flame Sensor Rod (IPI Systems)
Frequency: Periodically.
By: Qualified service technician.
Task: Make a visual check of the straight flame sensor rod.
Use emery cloth to carefully remove any existing white film
or deposits.
Checking Flame Patterns, Flame Height
Frequency: Periodically.
By: Qualified service technician/Home owner.
Task: Make a visual check of your fireplace’s flame patterns.
Make sure the flames are steady - not lifting or floating.
See Figure 40. The thermopile/thermocouple (standing pilot)
tips should be covered with flame. See Figure 29.
Figure 40. Burner Flame Patterns
MAKE SURE THE FLAMES
ARE STEADY—NOT
LIFTING OR FLOATING.
Checking Vent System
Frequency: Before initial use and at least annually
thereafter, more frequently if possible.
By: Qualified service technician/Home owner.
Task: Inspect the external vent cap on a regular basis to
ensure that no debris is interfering with the flow of air. Inspect
entire vent system for proper function.
Cleaning Glass Door
Frequency: After the first 3 to 4 hours of use. As neces-
sary after initial cleaning.
By: Home owner.
Task: Remove and clean glass after the first 3 to 4 hours of
use. After the initial cleaning, clean as necessary, particu-
larly after adding new ember (flame colorant) material. Film
deposits on the inside of the glass door should be cleaned
off using a household glass cleaner. NOTE: DO NOT handle
or attempt to clean the door when it is hot and DO
NOT use abrasive cleaners.