Is It Time to Replace Your Gas Logs? Here’s How to Tell

One of the benefits of owning a gas fireplace is that you don’t have to mess with any firewood. Traditional wood-burning fireplaces require firewood, whereas gas fireplaces run on gas. When turned on, the burner assembly will produce a flame that rises up and around a set of gas logs.

Gas logs aren’t made of real wood. Rather, they are made of a heat-resistant material like ceramic or cement. While you don’t have to worry about them burning to ash, you’ll eventually need to replace them. How do you know when it’s time to replace your gas logs exactly?

Check for Cracks

If you discover any cracks in your gas logs, you should consider replacing them. Whether made of ceramic or cement, gas logs can crack. They will expand as they heat up, and they will contract back to their original size as they cool down. Over time, these expansion-contraction cycles can cause gas logs to crack. Rather than attempting to repair a cracked gas log, you should consider replacing it.

Consider the Age

You should consider replacing your gas logs if they are old. They may last longer than traditional wood logs, but gas logs still have a finite lifespan. Most of them will last for about 10 years. After reaching the 10-year mark, gas logs may show signs of wear and tear. If your gas logs are at least 10 years old, you should consider replacing them.

Discoloration

Discoloration is a sign that your gas logs have reached the end of their usable life. Gas logs may darken naturally over time. If you notice deep, dark char marks, though, you should consider replacing them.

Make Sure They Are the Right Size

If your gas logs are the wrong size, you should consider replacing them. Gas logs aren’t one-size-fits-all. Gas fireplaces are available in different sizes – and so are gas logs. You’ll need to choose a set of gas logs in an appropriate size for your gas fireplace. If they are too small or too big, they may cause problems with your gas fireplace.

Get a Professional Inspection

A professional inspection can reveal whether it’s time to replace your gas logs. During the inspection, a technician will check your gas fireplace and logs. If your gas logs are damaged, degraded or otherwise in need of replacing, the technician will let you know.