Gas Fireplace Maintenance

We just had the first maintenance done on our gas fireplaces (one upstairs, one downstairs... we're fans) since we installed them years ago.  They vacuumed out the dust, cleaned the glass (after a while, gas fireplace fronts get pretty foggy, and you can barely see the flames), and did routine checks.  According to the Nov/Dec 2005 issue of Smart HomeOwner, you should actually get your gas fireplace inspected every year. 

"Gas fireplaces also need an annual maintenance and safety inspection that includes checking for carbon-dioxide leaks, ensuring proper log position, replacing ember bed material and touching up the interior firebox paint.  The glass, firebox, heat exchanger and air intake areas should be cleaned, and all settings and connections should be checked and verified."

Considering how much it costs to have people come out and do that stuff (almost $100/hour), I'm not sure I'm game to make it an annual event, but I figure it's a good idea not to wait as long as we did... so, if it's been a while since you had your gas fireplace inspected, now's probably a good time with the advent of cold weather seasons.