The Chimney Care Company: Full-Service Chimney & Fireplace Professionals in Newport
In a riverfront city like Newport, where historic charm isn’t lacking, your fireplace deserves the kind of care that respects both tradition and performance. At The Chimney Care Company, we quality and personalized attention to every chimney sweep, inspection, repair, and installation. For a full-service chimney company near you, trust us, every time.
Cleaner, Safer Chimney & Fireplace Services Start Here
Whether you live in a classic brick home or a newly built space, our team is equipped to keep your fireplace running safer and looking its best all year long. Trust in Covington, Bellevue, Southgate, Fort Thomas, Highland Heights, and more.
We also have a showroom – stop on by to check out our products!
What Small Issues With My Gas Fireplace Can Turn Into Big Problems?
Gas fireplaces are convenient, but they aren’t immune to problems. And sometimes, what might seem like a minor issue is actually a warning sign of bigger things to come. In these cases, the sooner you can get on top of repair services, the better off you’ll be, ideally avoiding bigger and more expensive repairs down the line.
What small issues warrant quick attention?
- Pilot light problems. One common small issue is a flickering or failing pilot light. The pilot light ignites the main burner, and if it frequently goes out or won’t stay lit, it may indicate a dirty pilot orifice, faulty thermocouple, or a gas pressure problem. Ignoring this can lead to the fireplace failing to start or unsafe gas buildup.
- Dirty or clogged burner. Over time, the burner can accumulate dust, spider webs, or soot, especially if the fireplace is unused for long periods. A clogged burner can cause uneven flames, yellow tipping flames, or the smell of gas, which may affect combustion efficiency and safety.
- Malfunctioning thermocouple or thermopile. The thermocouple or thermopile senses the pilot flame and signals the gas valve to stay open. If these components wear out or become faulty, the fireplace may shut off unexpectedly or fail to ignite. What starts as an intermittent problem can result in complete shutdown if ignored.
- Faulty gas valve or control module. Gas valves regulate the flow of fuel to your fireplace. If the valve or the control module malfunctions, it can cause irregular flame behavior or safety shutoffs. Minor glitches here can become dangerous if the valve sticks open or fails to close properly.
- Cracked glass or damaged seals. The glass panel on your gas fireplace forms a barrier to prevent combustion gases from entering your home. Cracks in the glass or worn seals may allow carbon monoxide or smoke to leak indoors. This is a serious issue and should never be ignored, even if the damage looks minor.
- Pilot tube or gas line leaks. Small leaks in the pilot tube or gas lines can lead to the smell of gas, poor performance, or pose fire and explosion hazards. Regular inspections can detect leaks early before they become dangerous.
- Dirty or blocked venting system. Proper venting ensures harmful combustion gases are exhausted safely outside. Blockages from debris, nests, or soot buildup reduce airflow and can cause backdrafts of smoke or carbon monoxide into your home. Early signs include unusual odors or visible soot buildup near the fireplace.
Small issues like a flickering pilot light, clogged burner, or worn seals might seem minor but can quickly lead to major problems including safety risks, appliance failure, and costly repairs. Regular maintenance and prompt attention to warning signs help keep your gas fireplace safe, efficient, and reliable.
Why Does My Gas Fireplace Smell When I Turn It On?
A gas fireplace should operate cleanly with little to no noticeable odor. However, if you detect a smell when turning it on, this can indicate several potential problems – or it could be something that’s not a big deal. Knowing what to look for is imperative for understanding when to be wary and when an odor is something not to stress about.
What’s not a big deal?
- Dust burning. If the odor is similar to a faint burning dust or plastic smell (and if it typically disappears after the unit has been running for a bit), then this typically isn’t cause to worry. If your fireplace has been unused for some time, dust burning off the burner can trigger smells when you first turn it on.
- New equipment odors. Sometimes new gas fireplaces or freshly installed parts emit a faint chemical or plastic smell during their first few uses. This usually fades with regular use.
- Gas leak or unburned gas. A more serious cause of odor is a gas leak or incomplete combustion. If you smell a strong, rotten-egg (sulfur) odor, it could indicate a gas leak, which requires immediate attention. Incomplete combustion can also produce a faint gas odor, which signals the pilot light or burner isn’t burning fuel fully.
- Venting issues or blockages. If the venting system is blocked or damaged, combustion gases can leak into your home rather than venting outside. This can produce unpleasant smells including gas, smoke, or exhaust odors.
If you’re concerned that your gas fireplace is producing odors it shouldn’t, turn off the fireplace immediately and ventilate the area by opening windows and doors. In addition, do not operate electrical switches or open flames, as this can create a fire hazard.
Then, contact emergency services, a licensed technician, or your gas supplier immediately, and, of course, avoid using the fireplace until it is inspected and repaired.
Can Servicing My Gas Fireplace Reduce My Energy Bills?
Yes! Regular servicing of your gas fireplace can help reduce energy bills because when a fireplace is properly maintained, it burns fuel more efficiently, distributes heat more effectively, and avoids energy waste.
During a service, the technicians will clean your burners and pilot lights, adjust gas pressure and flame settings, inspect venting systems, and check for leaks or faulty components. These steps ensure your unit operates at peak performance while using less fuel.
In addition to lowering energy costs, routine servicing can also prevent costly repairs, extend the lifespan of your fireplace, and improve indoor comfort.
Newport, KY Chimney Sweep Services: We’d Love To Travel To You
Newport, KY is located along the southern bank of the Ohio River just across from Cincinnati. In fact, there’s a bridge, Purple People Bride, that connects the two cities. The bridge was originally built in 1872 and carried cars and trains for over a century, but is now a pedestrian-only bridge where people can cross over by walking, biking, or jogging.
How can Newport, KY residents stay busy?
- Take a visit Newport Aquarium: One of the city’s biggest draws, the Newport Aquarium offers exhibits like Shark Bridge (a rope bridge over a tank of sharks), a stingray touch pool, and the Amazon Tunnel.
- Browse Newport on the Levee: This entertainment complex sits right on the river and includes restaurants, shops, and even a movie theater. It’s a central hub of activity with gorgeous views of the Cincinnati skyline.
- Take a gangster tour. Explore Newport’s colorful Prohibition-era past with guided walking tours that tell stories of mobsters, hidden casinos, and speakeasies. It’s a fun and educational way to dive into the city’s unique history.
- Check out a show at Thompson House or The Southgate House Revival. These live music venues offer everything from indie bands to acoustic sets in intimate, historic settings.
- Enjoy a river cruise. Hop on a river cruise for sightseeing or a dinner cruise along the Ohio River. Paddlewheel boats offer a relaxing way to see the area from the water.
There’s no denying the city has a unique mix of old-school charm and modern attractions that makes it a popular spot to live in or visit. If you’re in the area, we’d be proud to ensure you have a well-functioning and safe-for-use fireplace to enjoy at the end of your day out. We also serve Wilder, Ludlow, Park Hills, Cincinnati, and more. Reach out soon!
Book Your Preventive Fireplace Services Today
Fireplace problems don’t wait for a convenient time, and neither should you. Newport homeowners rely on The Chimney Care Company for prompt, professional service and solutions that last. From routine maintenance to major upgrades, we’re your trusted partner in keeping your fireplace and chimney in peak condition.
Schedule your next service today.
From Newport to Independence, quality chimney care is just a call away. See how our full service area covers your community.