In general the manufacturers and the gas company recommend once per year, However I tell my cleints - It depends on how often you use your fireplace… regularly/alot Yes? then annual service/inpection is a must to ensure proper operation, longer life and safety. Yearly service keeps your fireplace looking and burning its best. If you seldom use your fireplace then maybe every 2 -3 years is good. Also check your owner’s manual for maintenance that you can do yourself. But your fireplace should be serviced anytime you sense there is something wrong or unusual smells. Clouded or black areas, unusual flame patterns, delayed ignition, fan noises, broken/missing logs, small or ghosting flames. Gas fireplace are also dust collectors, and dust can shorten the life of your fan and cause your fireplace to malfunction.
I agree once a year maintenance but, even if the unit isn’t used often I would still recommend once a year. I do property management for many of my clients and some of the homes are seldom used. I inspect the fireplaces once in the fall before winter every year and have found dust build up, birds, hives and other nests in various parts. Lately I have been cleaning out loads of Stinck Bugs and Chinese Lady Bugs ( New Jersey and Pennsylvania ).
I recommend to my customers a ONCE A YEAR check…better to be safe than sorry
Should be once a year to protect yourself and family.
It is best to have it checked and cleaned before you start using it, once a year. This prevents problems and it gives you the most output.
At least once a year, but even though you have serviced your fire place always keep an eye on it