Gas Fireplace Safety Checklist for Perth Homeowners

A gas fireplace is one of the most satisfying additions to a Perth home. It delivers reliable warmth during the cooler months, adds visual appeal to a living space, and runs without the mess of wood or ash. But like any gas appliance in your home, it requires consistent attention to stay safe.

This checklist is designed to help Perth homeowners take a proactive approach to gas fireplace safety. Whether your fireplace was installed last year or a decade ago, working through these checks before winter arrives and periodically throughout the season can prevent faults, protect your family, and extend the life of the appliance.

Work through each section in order. Items marked for professional attention should be booked with a licensed gas fitter registered with Energy Safety, a division of the Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety (DEMIRS) in Western Australia.

Important: If you smell gas at any point, do not use the fireplace. Turn it off, ventilate the area, leave the building, and call your gas supplier or emergency services immediately. Gas work in Western Australia must be carried out by a licensed gas fitter.

Section 1: Before First Use Each Season

The most important gas fireplace safety check of the year happens before you turn the fireplace on for the first time each winter. Running through these items while the unit is off is far safer and more effective than discovering a fault mid-season.

1.1 Inspect the Exterior for Visible Damage

• Check the glass panel. Look for cracks, chips, or discolouration. A cracked glass panel must be replaced before use. Tempered fireplace glass is a specific product and must be sourced from the manufacturer or a licensed installer. Do not substitute with standard glass.
• Inspect the surround and cabinet. Look for warping, discolouration, or signs of heat damage to the surrounding cabinetry or wall. Any scorching beyond the normal heat zone around the appliance should be assessed by a technician.
• Check the door seals. Worn or degraded door seals can allow combustion gases to escape into the room. Press gently around the door frame and check for gaps or crumbling material.

 

1.2 Clear the Area Around the Fireplace

Adequate clearance around a gas fireplace is not just a comfort preference — it is a compliance requirement. Under AS/NZS 5601.1:2022 Gas Installations, gas appliances must be installed and operated with clearances that meet manufacturer specifications and national standards.

• Remove combustibles. Ensure no curtains, furniture, paper, or soft furnishings are within the clearance zone specified in your fireplace manual. As a general rule, keep the immediate area within one metre free of flammable materials.
• Check the hearth area. Rugs, mats, and floor cushions should be moved well clear of the front of the unit before ignition.
• Confirm ventilation is unobstructed. Ensure no storage items, furniture, or decorative objects are blocking air intake vents on the unit.

1.3 Inspect the Flue and Ventilation System

For flued gas fireplaces, the flue is critical to directing combustion gases safely out of your home. A blocked or damaged flue is one of the most serious hazards associated with gas heating.

• Look for visible obstructions at the flue terminal. Bird nests, debris, leaf matter, and cobwebs can accumulate in the flue terminal over the warmer months when the fireplace is not in use. A visual inspection from outside the property can reveal obvious blockages.
• Check for flue damage. Look for visible damage to the flue pipe where it is accessible — rust, separation at joints, or physical damage from impacts.
• Consider a professional flue inspection. If you cannot easily access the full flue run, or if the fireplace has not been serviced in the past two years, book a licensed gas fitter to inspect and clear the flue before first use. This is especially important for inbuilt fireplaces where the flue runs through wall cavities.

WA regulation note: All gas fireplace installation and repair work in Western Australia, including flue connections and modifications, must be performed by a licensed gas fitter. Homeowners can carry out visual inspections and basic cleaning of accessible external surfaces only.

Section 2: Verify Safety Devices Are in Place and Working

The gas fireplace safety features built into modern units are only effective if they are in working order and supplemented by appropriate household detectors. This section covers what to check and what to install if it is not already present.

2.1 Carbon Monoxide Detector

Carbon monoxide (CO) is produced when gas does not combust fully. It is colourless, odourless, and dangerous at low concentrations. A gas fireplace with a blocked flue, poor ventilation, or a faulty burner can produce elevated CO levels without any obvious sign.

• Confirm a CO detector is installed. A carbon monoxide alarm should be installed in the same room as the fireplace, or in an adjacent living area where the gas appliance operates. Ceiling-mounted alarms are suitable. Ensure it carries Australian approval marking.
• Test the detector. Press the test button and confirm the alarm sounds. If the battery is low or the alarm does not respond, replace the battery or the unit. Most CO alarms have a service life of five to seven years — check the manufacture date on the underside.
• Check the detector location. CO is similar in density to air and can accumulate at any height. Place detectors at mid-wall height, away from windows and doors that would provide fresh air and potentially mask a real CO build-up.

2.2 Flame Safeguard and Oxygen Depletion Sensor

Modern gas fireplaces include built-in safety shutoffs. Understanding what your unit has helps you verify it is functioning correctly.

• Flame safeguard (thermocouple or thermopile). This device shuts off the gas supply if the pilot light goes out, preventing unburned gas from accumulating in the room. If your pilot light goes out and immediately relights, that is normal. If it goes out and the unit does not shut off the gas promptly, this indicates a faulty thermocouple — book a licensed gas fitter.
• Oxygen depletion sensor (ODS) — unflued units only. If your fireplace is an unflued model, it should have an ODS that automatically turns the unit off if oxygen levels in the room fall below a safe threshold. Test this by referring to your manufacturer manual — do not attempt to bypass or disable it.
• Check for fault codes or warning lights. Modern electronic ignition fireplaces display fault codes on a control panel or remote. If a fault code is showing, refer to the manual before using the unit and book a service if the fault cannot be resolved by following the manufacturer reset procedure.

2.3 Protective Screen or Guard

The glass front of a gas fireplace can reach temperatures that cause serious burns on contact, even when the unit appears to have cooled down. This is a particular concern in households with children and pets.

• Confirm the screen or guard is fitted. If your fireplace does not have a safety screen or barrier guard, contact the manufacturer or your installer about retrofit options. Many modern units have optional barrier screens designed to reduce surface contact risk.
• Check the screen condition. Look for bent or warped screen material, broken mesh, or missing fixings. A damaged screen should be replaced, not operated with.

For households with children and pets: The glass front of a gas fireplace retains heat for an extended period after the unit is switched off. Establish a safe zone and consistent house rules around the fireplace. Purpose-built barrier guards are available through fireplace retailers and can be retrofitted to most units.

Section 3: During Regular Operation

Day-to-day safety of gas fireplaces depends as much on how homeowners use the appliance as on the appliance itself. These checks and habits apply every time the fireplace is in use.

3.1 Before Each Use

• Check the pilot light or ignition. If your unit has a standing pilot, confirm it is lit before igniting the main burner. If the pilot light keeps going out, do not attempt to operate the main burner — book a service.
• Confirm the gas valve is fully open. If you shut off the gas valve at the fireplace isolation point over the warmer months (recommended), ensure it is fully reopened before attempting ignition. A partially open valve can cause an uneven flame and increased CO production.
• Check for unusual smells. A faint smell of gas during the first few seconds of ignition is normal. A persistent gas smell, or any smell before ignition, means the unit should not be operated — ventilate the area and call for service.

3.2 While the Fireplace Is Running

• Monitor the flame colour. A healthy gas flame burns blue with a small inner cone of lighter blue. A predominantly yellow, orange, or flickering flame indicates incomplete combustion and may signal a burner or ventilation problem. Switch off and book a service.
• Check for unusual sounds. Hissing, whistling, or popping sounds during operation are not normal. A hissing sound may indicate a gas leak. A popping sound at startup can indicate delayed ignition, which should be investigated by a licensed technician.
• Never leave the fireplace unattended for extended periods. While modern gas fireplaces are designed to run safely, it is not advisable to leave them running overnight in sleeping areas or when the house is empty.
• Maintain ventilation. For unflued fireplaces in particular, ensure there is adequate fresh air in the room during operation. Cracking a window slightly reduces CO risk. Do not operate an unflued unit in a sealed, airtight room.

3.3 After Use

• Turn off the unit completely. Do not leave the pilot light running during the warmer months if the fireplace will not be used. Shutting off the gas isolation valve at the appliance during the off-season conserves gas and eliminates the small but real risk of pilot-related ignition.
• Allow the unit to cool before cleaning. Never attempt to clean the glass panel, burner, or surrounds while the unit is still warm. Allow at least an hour after shutdown before any cleaning work.
• Keep the area around the fireplace clear after use. Children and pets can come into contact with the hot glass or surround even after the unit has been switched off. Maintain exclusion zones until the unit has fully cooled.

Flame colour guide: Blue flame = normal combustion. Yellow or orange flame = incomplete combustion, potential CO risk. Red or green flame = foreign matter in the burner, requires inspection. If in doubt, switch off and book a service with a licensed gas fitter.

Section 4: Annual Professional Service Checklist

No amount of homeowner diligence replaces an annual inspection and service by a licensed gas fitter. The following tasks are outside the scope of DIY maintenance and must be carried out by a qualified professional. This is consistent with the requirements of AS/NZS 5601.1:2022, which sets the standard for all gas appliance installations and servicing in Western Australia.

 

4.1 What a Licensed Gas Fitter Checks During a Service

• Burner inspection and cleaning. The burner is cleaned and inspected for blockages, corrosion, and wear. Debris in the burner ports is a common cause of uneven flames and increased CO production.
• Flue and ventilation inspection. For flued units, the technician checks the full flue run for blockages, damage, and correct termination. They also confirm flue draw is adequate.
• Gas pressure testing. A manometer is used to check gas inlet and manifold pressure against manufacturer specifications. Low or irregular pressure indicates a supply or regulator issue.
• Carbon monoxide spillage test. The technician tests for CO spillage around the appliance and at the flue terminal to confirm combustion gases are being properly vented.
• Thermocouple and safety device testing. All flame safeguard systems are tested to confirm they operate within the correct parameters and shut off gas supply promptly in the event of flame failure.
• Glass seal and door inspection. Seals are checked for integrity and replaced if worn. A compromised glass seal allows combustion gases to escape into the room.
• Ignition system check. Spark igniters, pilot assemblies, and electronic ignition systems are inspected and cleaned.
• General safety compliance check. The technician confirms the installation remains compliant with AS/NZS 5601.1:2022, including clearances, ventilation, and flue termination requirements.

 

4.2 How Often Should a Gas Fireplace Be Serviced?

Annual servicing is the standard recommendation for residential gas fireplaces in Australia. The ideal time is in early autumn, before the unit is used heavily during winter. Booking a service in March or April avoids the peak demand period and means any faults can be addressed before cold weather arrives.

Fireplaces used very frequently, installed in coastal areas where salt air accelerates corrosion, or in homes with young children or elderly residents may benefit from servicing every twelve months without exception.

How to book: Contact Joondalup Heating & Cooling on (08) 6200 9718 to book an annual gas fireplace service in Perth. Our licensed gas fitters are fully accredited and insured, and carry out servicing on all major brands across Perth’s northern suburbs and beyond.

Section 5: If You Are Considering a New Gas Fireplace

If you are planning a gas fireplace installation in your Perth home, the safety of the installation itself is the single most important factor. A fireplace that is installed incorrectly is dangerous regardless of how well it is maintained afterwards.

 

5.1 What Compliant Installation Looks Like

All modern gas fireplace installation Perth work must comply with AS/NZS 5601.1:2022, which was adopted in Western Australia and is legally enforceable for all new installations and modifications. The installer must be a licensed gas fitter registered with Energy Safety (DEMIRS).

• Correct clearances. The fireplace must be installed with the clearances specified in the manufacturer documentation and the standard. This includes clearances to combustible wall materials, flooring, and cabinetry above and beside the unit.
• Compliant flue installation. For flued models, the flue must be correctly sized, properly sealed at all joints, and terminate at a safe location outside the building. The terminal must be positioned to prevent combustion gases re-entering the building through windows or other openings.
• Gas supply connection. The gas line connection must be pressure-tested before commissioning. A certificate of compliance is issued by the licensed installer upon completion.
• Adequate ventilation provision. The room where the fireplace is installed must have adequate ventilation as specified in AS/NZS 5601.1:2022. This varies depending on the type of appliance and the room volume.

5.2 Choosing the Right Type of Gas Fireplace

Understanding the safety of gas fireplace options available helps homeowners make informed decisions at the point of purchase.

Flued gas fireplaces (inbuilt and wall-mounted models that vent externally) are generally the safest option for living areas, particularly in tightly sealed modern homes. All combustion gases are vented outside, so there is no CO risk from normal operation.

Unflued gas fireplaces release combustion gases into the room and rely on room ventilation and an ODS to manage air quality. They are permitted for use in larger, well-ventilated rooms under Australian Standards but are subject to restrictions on room size and ventilation requirements.

If you are unsure which type is appropriate for your home, request a site assessment from a licensed gas fitter before purchasing an appliance. Fitting the wrong type of unit for a given space is both a compliance issue and a safety risk.

Ask the right questions before purchasing: Is this appliance approved for use in Australia? Is the installer a licensed gas fitter registered with Energy Safety (DEMIRS) in WA? Will a certificate of compliance be issued on completion? Does the installation include a flue and what is the proposed terminal location? These are the four most important questions to ask before any gas fireplace work begins.

 

Section 6: Your Seasonal Checklist at a Glance

Use the summary below as a quick reference before and during the winter heating season. Tick off each item as you complete it.

Checklist Item	Completed by
Before first use each season
Glass panel intact, no cracks or discolouration	Homeowner
Combustibles cleared from the one-metre zone around the unit	Homeowner
Flue terminal visually checked for blockages from outside	Homeowner
CO detector tested and in working order	Homeowner
Barrier screen fitted and in good condition	Homeowner
Annual service completed by licensed gas fitter	Licensed gas fitter
During regular operation
Flame burns blue, no yellow or orange	Homeowner
No unusual sounds during operation	Homeowner
Adequate ventilation maintained (unflued units)	Homeowner
Unit not left running unattended overnight	Homeowner
Gas valve closed during off-season	Homeowner
After installation or modification
Certificate of compliance received from installer	Licensed gas fitter
Clearances meet AS/NZS 5601.1:2022 and manufacturer specs	Licensed gas fitter
CO detector installed in the room	Homeowner

Book a Gas Fireplace Service in Perth

Joondalup Heating & Cooling are licensed gas fitters serving Joondalup, Wanneroo, and Perth’s northern suburbs. We carry out annual gas fireplace servicing, repairs, and new installations across all major brands including Rinnai, Regency, Heat & Glo, Jetmaster, and Archer.

If your fireplace has not been serviced in the past twelve months, or if you have noticed any of the warning signs listed in this checklist, contact our team before using the unit this winter.

Call us on (08) 6200 9718 or request a quote online.