As the weather changes and temperatures begin to drop it is the perfect time to talk about continued maintenance for HPC Fire designs. No matter where you reside performing basic maintenance checks on gas-burning fire pits is important to ensure its proper functioning, safety, and longevity. Here are some easy general tips to help you maintain your gas fire pit during the winter months.
Turn Off Gas Supply:
Before performing any maintenance or service on your HPC Fire feature TURN OFF the gas supply to the fire pit. This is typically done at the shutoff valve that is located on the gas line. Some fire designs have a key valve to directly shut off
the gas line. If your fire design is an electronic ignition simply turn off the power to at the breaker or power supply.
Clean the Burner and Fire Pit Components:
Remove any debris, leaves, twigs or any other flammable materials that may have accumulated in and around the burner and fire pit. This type of debris can damage crucial pilot components that may find its way in the blow out box. Use a soft brush or wire to clean the burner ports and ensure they are free from obstruction. This is a simple yet crucial step in keeping your fire design in tip top shape maintaining a beautiful flame pattern.
Inspect and Clean the Ignition System:
If you Have an HPC electronic ignition or even the HPC push button flame sensing unit, it is important to inspect the ignition system components. Remove the lid of the blow out box and inspect for debris as this can clog the pilot orifice and prevent gas flow through the pilot hood. Clean the ignition system gently removing any dirt, spider webs, or debris that may have accumulated. Use a can of compressed air to blow away any debris that may have made its way in the blow out box. Inspect the thermocouple for damage or any carbon build up as this can affect the flame sensing side of the ignition system and can cause nuisance dropouts. If there is visible carbon build up on the thermocouple, use a soft brush or cloth to remove any remnants. Inspect the igniter for any damage, cracks or damage to the wire. Replace the blow out box lid and be sure not cover the lid and upper perforations with the media.
Gas Connections:
Visually inspect the gas connections of your fire feature for any signs of wear or damage. Ensure that all connections are tight and secure. If you detect any issues or have a concern with any gas connections consult a gas professional to address them. Do not try to fix any issue you may have on your own, leave the gas line and connections to the professionals.
Inspect Ventilation and drainage:
Ventilation and drainage are very crucial components to your HPC Fire Inspired fire feature. Be sure all the ventilation openings are not clogged with leaves and debris. Make sure proper air flow can still move through the enclosure even when not in use. Drainage becomes important in the winter as ice and debris can prevent water from egressing from the enclosure and thus filling the enclosure with water and ice.
Store Removable Decorative Components:
Remove and store any removal components such as remote-control transmitters, wind guards or decorative elements. Storing these items indoors during the winter will protect the components from the elements. Many decorative log sets are formed from concrete refractory and can crack and break due to water and moisture freezing and thawing within the logs. Removing these components will also make covering the fire feature for the winter months easier.
Protective Cover:
Covering your HPC fire feature is the single most important maintenance that an owner can do to protect and extend the lifetime of your HPC fire feature. Whether it’s a vinyl cover or some kind of hard cover, keep the cover on it during long periods of nonuse. This is critical especially during the winter months to shield the unit from snow, ice, and other harsh weather conditions. Utilizing a cover can prevent corrosion and will extend the life of the fire appliance. When using your fire appliance in colder months it is a good practice to stick to a regular burn schedule to allow moisture to burn off maintaining the integrity of the equipment.
Professional Inspection:
It is recommended to have your HPC fire feature inspected twice a year for proper maintenance. Consider scheduling a professional inspection annually or as needed for your HPC fire feature. A qualified technician can perform a comprehensive examination of the gas components, connections, and overall functionality of the fire pit.
If you have any questions regarding winter maintenance of your fire feature, you can find our installation and maintenance instructions on our website at hpcfire.com, or call our dedicated and knowledgeable technical department to service all your needs.
