Improve the Comfort of Your Home with a Gas Fireplace
Request Your Free Gas Fireplace EstimateOn a chilly winter’s night, few things are more comforting than curling up around a warm, cozy fireplace. Although traditional wood-burning fireplaces require firewood and regular chimney clean-outs and tend to produce a fair amount of ash, gas fireplaces are considerably lower maintenance. Gas fireplaces are also a lot easier to light compared to wood-burning ones. All you need to do is push a button.
If you want the warmth and comfort of a fireplace without the need to keep a woodpile or sharpen your ax, let SMO Energy install a gas-powered fireplace in your Southern Maryland home.
SMO Energy has been serving residents of Southern Maryland since 1926. If you are interested in installing a gas fireplace or replacing an existing fireplace, we will be by your side throughout the process. We will pull the right permits, schedule and oversee the inspections and ensure that everything is installed following local regulations and codes.
The type of fireplace we will install depends on your wishes and what is available to your property. Your gas fireplace can be powered by natural gas or propane. If natural gas is not available to your home, we will install a propane tank on your property and the appropriate gas lines. We can also deliver propane gas to you, without delivery fees or other hidden fees. To help you manage your fuel costs and budget, SMO Energy also offers free monthly payment plans.
Once your fireplace is installed, we will still be there for you. We offer service agreements for propane fireplace maintenance. Someone from our team of expert technicians will inspect and tune-up your fireplace once a year.
SMO Energy wants to be your total home comfort provider. In addition to gas fireplace installation and repairs, we also repair or replace furnaces, boilers, heat pump and air conditioners. If you have a fireplace service agreement with us, you can combine it with another service agreement and get a discount and the peace of mind that all of your home’s heating and cooling systems are protected.
Additionally, if you should have a problem with your home heating, SMO Energy offers 24/7 emergency service. You do not have to worry about shivering through a cold night if your heater goes out. We are committed to excellent service and have live client care representatives available to help solve your problem.
You are interested in installing a fireplace in your Southern Maryland home, but you still have several questions about what to expect. Perhaps you have recently installed or replaced a fireplace and want to make sure that everything is working properly. Take a look at some answers to several frequently asked questions.
A gas fireplace can either use natural gas or propane gas. If your home does not currently have a natural gas line, it might be easier and less expensive to install a propane fireplace. We will also install a propane tank and the appropriate gas lines. You can also schedule regular propane deliveries to make sure you never run out of fuel.
While gas fireplaces require less maintenance and upkeep than wood-burning fireplaces, they do need some care and attention. Gas fireplace maintenance typically requires an annual cleaning and inspection by a certified technician. During the inspection, the technician will check the burners, pilot, fan and ventilation. They will also clean the glass and exterior of the fireplace.
Fireplaces that burn natural gas can only burn natural gas while fireplaces that burn propane can only burn propane. The two types of fuels burn differently. Each one requires a system designed just for it. When you replace or install a new fireplace, an energy consultant from SMO Energy will discuss your fuel options with you and show you fireplaces that are appropriate for the type of fuel you are going to use.
How long you can use a gas fireplace depends on the type of fireplace. Vent-free fireplaces should not be used for long periods, such as overnight, because of the risk of carbon monoxide build-up. If you have a direct vent or B-vent fireplace, you can run it for longer. If no one is in the room with the fireplace, your best option is usually to turn it off.
You have probably been trained to associate the smell of gas with danger. It is natural to feel concerned if you notice a smell coming from your gas logs. But not all odors are a cause for concern. A faint smell of gas or kerosene is a normal consequence of using a gas fireplace. If you notice the smell coming from the logs when you are not actively using the fireplace, you might want to call SMO Energy. One of our technicians will come out and take a look at your fireplace to ensure there are no leaks or issues with the fireplace.
It is best to switch your gas fireplace off before you go to sleep. You are most likely not using the fireplace as the central or main heating system in your home, so the temperature inside will not fall too low if you turn off the fireplace at night. If you are using a vented fireplace with a damper, it is a good idea to leave the damper open overnight to allow gases to escape.
The cost of installing a fireplace depends on several factors. If you already have a fireplace installed, it is often less expensive to replace your existing model with a newer, gas-powered model. If you want to install a vented fireplace in a house that does not have one already, you can expect to pay more. Whether your home is already connected to a gas line or not will also influence the cost of installing a fireplace.
Not sure what type of fireplace you have? An energy consultant from SMO Energy can help you figure it out. One of our technicians can visit your home, inspect your existing fireplace, and let you know what type it is. If you are interested in upgrading or replacing it, they can also discuss your replacement options with you. We are happy to help you choose a model that will provide comfort while working with your budget.
When used correctly, a gas fireplace is generally safe. However, there are risks involved with any fuel-burning equipment, and it is essential to take safety precautions to protect your home and family. For example, keep furniture and fabrics several feet away from the fireplace to reduce the risk of fires. Do not let your children play near the fireplace or touch it, especially when it is burning. Schedule regular inspections to make sure your fireplace is in good working order and to correct any issues before they become significant concerns.
Yes, SMO Energy is happy to offer annual service agreements for gas fireplaces. As part of our service agreement, we will inspect and tune-up your fireplace once per year. You can combine your gas fireplace service agreement with service agreements for other home heating and cooling systems, such as your HVAC or furnace, to protect your entire home for a discounted rate.
Following a few safety precautions will help to protect your home and family and keep your fireplace running without issue. Follow these tips to keep your fireplace safe:
Although gas fireplaces tend to be cleaner-burning compared to wood fireplaces, they do require some cleaning and care from time to time. You can clean the outside of the glass on your fireplace using a standard glass cleaner. It’s best to hire a professional to clean your fireplace for you. SMO Energy’s technicians offer cleaning services as well as tune-ups and inspections. When we clean your fireplace, we can also confirm that everything is in good working order.
We provide FREE in-home energy consultations to evaluate your current system and help you choose the best fireplace for your home.
*Financing subject to credit approval.
Address: 109 North Maple Ave.
La Plata, MD 20646
Phone: 1-888-222-3720
Live Client Care Representatives can be reached 24/7/365