• Keep warm-air registers, return-air openings, and space heaters or baseboards clear of furniture, rugs and drapes allow free air movement.

• Do not store combustible materials such as paper, chemicals, paint rags and cleaning products near your gas furnace.

• Do not store or use gasoline or other flammable vapours and liquids in the vicinity...

Excerpts from Winnipeg Real Estate News Publication, October 9, 2009

Spending time with a book or a loved one in front of a warm and cozy fire is a pleasant experience many Canadians embrace during the colder winter months. Not only do gas fireplaces offer us memorable moments and decorative qualities, they also provide comfortable, economical and supplemental heating for the home. However, before using gas fireplaces this season, it is important to take the time to conduct a routine inspection and annual maintenance.

CSA International, a leading provider of product testing and certification services, offers the following tips to help you prepare your gas fireplace for the winter season:

• Follow the manufacturer’s instructions in the owner’s manual, or use the care guide for maintenance and use of your gas fireplace.

• Installation and repair of a fireplace should be done by a qualified professional service person.

• A fireplace should be inspected before use...