Sometimes it's best to call in a true professional.
Several years ago, we had a Mendota authorized dealer install a gas-fired insert in our fireplace. It was recommended that the unit be cleaned every year or two. After that first year we contacted this same dealer to arrange a cleaning. It seemed like we were jumping through hoops to get a serviceman to show up. Once the serviceman did arrive, he admitted that he had never cleaned a unit like ours, which was a very standard Mendota model. The final straw was how hazy/unclean the glass front looked after he left. We cleaned the glass on the outside ourselves and decided to no longer do business with that dealer.
Those several years have now passed, and since we don't use the fireplace that frequently, we decided it would be a good idea to clean the unit. Enter me, the homeowner! To make a long story short, after disassembling the front of the unit, cleaning the glass and the embers, reassembling everything and testing to insure everything worked properly, I awaited my wife's return from work to proudly showoff my successful work.
I pressed the buttons on the remote and the pilot light came on. No flames anywhere else. I could turn the fan or the internal light on, but no warming fire other than the pilot.
I visited Hansen Hearth and Patio and explained my situation to the owner, Jeff Hansen. We agreed that it would be best to have his serviceman with 35 years of service experience, Ray, do a more comprehensive cleaning and determine if there were any components that needed to be repaired or replaced. Ray was available to come to the house two days later. He was on time, friendly, very organized in doing his work, and quickly identified that I had tripped a switch that prevented the gas from flowing beyond the pilot assembly.
Ray then did a total disassembly and cleaning of every component in the unit. Certainly, a MUCH more efficient job than I had attempted! He was also helpful in sharing information on how to effectively clean the glass front. The total job took him less than 90 minutes. He left the work area around the fireplace as clean as it was when he arrived. All of this was well worth the $249 plus tax cost. I highly recommend these folks and will most assuredly be contacting them for the next cleaning or if there is a need for service in the future. read more