When the first cold night arrives, the last thing you want is to discover that your propane fireplace is not working properly. If your fireplace has been sitting unused through the warmer months, a little preparation can help you get it ready for fall and winter.

Some basic checks can be done by homeowners, while maintenance involving gas components should be left to a qualified professional. Knowing what to look for can help you spot potential problems before you rely on your fireplace for warmth.

Here are some important things to check before turning on your propane fireplace for the season.

Start With a Visual Inspection

Before turning on the fireplace, take a few minutes to look over the unit and the area around it.

Check for anything that looks different from when you last used it. Look for visible damage, loose components, excessive dust, or debris around the fireplace.

If your fireplace has a glass front, inspect it for cracks or other damage. Don’t operate the fireplace if the glass is cracked, broken, or improperly positioned.

You should also make sure nothing has been placed too close to the fireplace during the warmer months. Keep combustible materials away from the unit according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Clean Away Dust and Debris

A fireplace can collect plenty of dust while sitting unused.

The exterior and surrounding area can generally be cleaned according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. Make sure the fireplace is completely cool before cleaning it.

Pay particular attention to vents and other openings. They should not be blocked by dust, pet hair, decorations, furniture, or other objects.

The inside of the fireplace may also accumulate dust. However, avoid moving logs, burners, or other internal components unless your manufacturer’s instructions specifically explain how to do so. Artificial logs and other parts are often positioned in a specific way for proper operation.

If the interior needs a more thorough cleaning, consider having it serviced by a qualified professional.

Check the Pilot Light and Ignition

Depending on the type of propane fireplace you have, it may use a standing pilot light or an electronic ignition system.

Follow the manufacturer’s instructions when starting the fireplace for the first time that season. Don’t attempt to manually light a fireplace unless the manufacturer specifically instructs you to do so.

If the fireplace does not ignite normally, repeatedly shuts itself off, or has trouble staying lit, there may be an issue that needs professional attention.

Rather than repeatedly trying to restart a fireplace that isn’t operating correctly, turn it off and have the problem investigated.

Pay Attention to How the Fireplace Burns

Once the fireplace is operating, observe it for anything unusual.

The appearance of the flames varies depending on the fireplace design, so the owner’s manual is the best source for information about normal operation. What matters most is noticing a significant change from how your fireplace normally performs.

If you notice unusual soot buildup, strange odors, repeated shutdowns, ignition problems, or another change in performance, stop using the fireplace and contact a qualified service professional.

Never attempt to adjust gas pressure, burners, valves, or other gas components yourself.

Check Your Propane Level

Your fireplace may be ready for winter, but that won’t help much if your propane tank is nearly empty.

Check your tank gauge before cold weather arrives. If your fireplace shares a propane supply with your furnace, water heater, range, generator, or other appliances, remember that your overall propane consumption may increase as temperatures fall.

Scheduling a propane delivery before your tank gets too low can help you avoid an inconvenient runout during cold weather.

If you’re on automatic delivery, this is also a good time to make sure your propane provider has your current contact information and knows about any major changes in your propane usage.

For example, adding a propane appliance or significantly changing how often you use an existing appliance could affect how quickly you use fuel.

Make Sure the Area Around Your Propane Tank Is Accessible

Preparing the fireplace is only part of getting ready for propane season. Your outdoor tank also needs to remain accessible.

As fall progresses, keep leaves, vegetation, and other debris from accumulating around the tank. When winter arrives, make sure snow and ice do not prevent safe access to the tank and fill connection.

Your propane delivery driver needs a safe, clear route to the tank. Keeping the area accessible can make winter deliveries easier and safer.

Be careful when clearing snow around propane equipment. Avoid striking the tank, regulator, piping, or other components with a shovel, snow blower, or other equipment.

Test Your Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Before heating season begins, check the carbon monoxide detectors in your home and make sure they are working properly.

Follow the detector manufacturer’s recommendations for testing, battery replacement, placement, and replacement of older units.

Carbon monoxide is colorless and odorless. Working detectors provide an important layer of protection in homes with fuel-burning appliances.

Smoke alarms should also be tested regularly and maintained according to their manufacturer’s instructions.

Know What Propane Smells Like

Propane has an odorant added to help people detect a possible leak. The smell is often compared to rotten eggs or a skunk-like odor.

Everyone in your household should know what propane smells like and understand that a suspected leak should be taken seriously.

If you smell propane, don’t try to find the source yourself. Avoid flames and anything that could create a spark, leave the area, and follow your propane supplier’s emergency instructions. Contact your propane provider or emergency services from a safe location as appropriate.

Don’t return to the area until qualified professionals say it is safe.

Consider Professional Fireplace Maintenance

A visual check can help you spot obvious issues, but it is not a substitute for professional service.

Your fireplace manufacturer may recommend periodic inspection or maintenance by a qualified technician. A professional can evaluate components that homeowners should not attempt to service themselves.

If you can’t remember the last time your fireplace was professionally inspected, check the owner’s manual for its recommended maintenance schedule.

This is especially important if you noticed problems last winter or anything seems different when you start the fireplace this year.

Don’t Wait Until the First Freezing Night

The best time to discover a fireplace problem is before you actually need it.

Test your propane fireplace early in the season rather than waiting for the first freezing night. That gives you time to address maintenance or repair needs without the pressure of suddenly needing additional heat.

It is also a good opportunity to check your propane supply. Fall temperatures can change quickly, and households that use propane for several appliances may begin using fuel faster once heating season starts.

A little preparation can help make that first cozy night by the fireplace much more enjoyable.

If your propane tank is getting low, schedule your propane delivery before colder weather arrives. Keeping an eye on your fuel level throughout the heating season can help ensure your propane fireplace and other propane appliances are ready when you need them.