Gas Fire Problems

[barry1010]

My gas fire is leaving a black sooty residue on the 'marble' surround (back board? I don't know the correct term, it is against the wall with the fire fixed to it).
I have a carbon monoxide detector which shows that there is no dangerous leak and nobody is suffering any symptoms.
It is a Flavel Renoir with 'living coal' effect.
Any idea what could be causing this?
Would a service sort it out or is it something more?

[brian j john]

Well I would have it checked out by a professional gas engineer , yes it probably needs servicing

[barry1010]

I am currently getting quotes for gas service engineers but it seems most are fully booked - I would check the gas safe register before booking the job.
Would a straightforward service cure the problem? I dread the engineer telling me that the fire needs a part because I worry about being ripped off. It's not the money for the second visit and part that's the problem, it's the fear of being scammed.

[bookbinder]

You won't really know what's wrong until an expert looks at it.

[barry1010]

I knew that really, bookbinder, I was hoping for an Answerbank psychic gas engineer :(
Does £90 for a service sound about right? This includes the 'certificate' - whatever that is

[youngmafbog]

Gas shouldnt leave soot and could be just dirty. Does it burn with a pure blue flame or is there a lot of yellow in it?

Either way it needs checking by a Gas Safe person asap, until then be careful using it. It it needs a new part then question why and then do it. Gas can be lethal.

[Milo2]

We have our boiler and fire serviced every year at a cost of £75.

[barry1010]

I have stopped using it, we have central heating so we are still toasty. I'll turn on later when the family is abed and see what colour the flames are.

[barry1010]

Thanks, milo, that's useful to know

[pastafreak]

Do you have a service contract with your gas supplier? If so, is it worth checking if it would cover gas fires? (I've not got a gas fire, so I wouldn't know)