A number of issues with gas fireplaces are simple DIYs that can quickly be resolved. Read on to learn how to troubleshoot some common gas fireplace problems.
Gas fireplace flame goes out
If the pilot and main burner extinguish while in operation, it could be because of the following reasons: To troubleshoot, follow these instructions:
Check the LP (propane) tank. Refill the fuel tank.Verify the gas inlet pressure with a manometer. Natural gas should read 5-14 inches w.c. LP should read 10-14 inches w.c.Check venting system for damage. Repair/replace improperly assembled pipe sections.Check to ensure the glass is installed properly. Replace glass panel assembly if you need to.Check to ensure the vent cap is properly installed and is free from debris or blockage.The appliance may be equipped with an auto-reset high limit switch which will shut down the appliance if it spills under flue blockage or excessive negative pressure conditions. Shut off the appliance and the gas supply. Don’t try to operate the appliance until it has been examined by a qualified service technician.
Gas fireplace troubleshooting low flame
Typically low flame height indicates either you have low gas pressure at the fireplace or you need to restrict the venting to slow down the draft. To fix low flame:
Verify pressure with a manometer. Natural gas should be 5-7 in. w.c. LP should be 11-14 in. w.c.Depending on how the fireplace is installed you may need to put a restrictor in the venting or restrict the venting. When you restrict venting you are slowing down the draft, so you are not bringing in as much fresh air. The more air being pulled into the fireplace will lower your flame height. But, don’t restrict too much as it can lead to a sooty flame.Close the air shutter just a bit. The air shutter determines how much air mixes with the gas at the burner orifice.
Gas fireplace igniter not sparking
If the gas fireplace igniter is not sparking, try these troubleshooting tips to resolve the issue:
There could be no gas or there is low gas pressure. Check the remote shut-off valves from the appliance. Usually, there is a valve near the gas main. There can be more than one valve between the appliance and the main.Check the LP (propane) tank. You may be out of fuel.Check the spark at the electrode and pilot. If no spark and electrode wire is properly connected, replace the igniter. Verify that there is no short in electrode wire.Using a match, light the pilot. If the pilot lights, turn off the pilot and trigger the piezo igniter again. If the pilot lights and improper gas/air mixture cause the bad lighting and a longer purge period is recommended. If the pilot will not light, ensure the gap at the electrode and pilot is 1/8 inch to have a strong spark. If the gas is fine, replace the pilot.
Why is my gas fireplace not turning on?
There could be several reasons why your gas fireplace isn’t turning on:
What to do when your gas fireplace won’t light
If your gas fireplace pilot sparks but the pilot will not light, here is what you need to do to fix the problem:
Verify that the incoming gas line ball valve is “open”. Verify that the inlet pressure reading is within acceptable limits.Verify that the spark gap from the igniter to the pilot hood is .17 in. or 1/8 in (3mm).Verify module is securely grounded to the metal chassis of the appliance.Verify battery voltage is at least 2.7 volts. Replace batteries if the voltage is below 2.7 volts.
If the pilot won’t light, the igniter/module makes noise but no spark:
Verify “S” wire (white) for the sensor and “I” wire (orange) for igniter is connected to correct terminals on the module and pilot assembly.Verify no loose connections or electrical shorts in wiring from module to pilot assembly.Verify connections underneath the pilot assembly are tight.Verify connections are not grounding out to metal chassis, pilot burner, pilot enclosure, mesh screen if present, or any other metal object.Verify gap of the igniter to the right side of the pilot hood. The gap should be approximately .17 inch or 1/8 in. (3mm).If the above steps to resolve, the issue could be the module. Turn ON/OFF rocker switch or wall switch to OFF position. Remove igniter wire “I” from the module. Place grounded wire about 3/16 in. (5mm) away from “I” terminal on the module. Place ON/OFF rocker switch or wall switch in ON position. If there is no spark at “I” terminal, replace the module. If there is a spark at “I” terminal, the module is fine. Inspect pilot assembly for shorted sparker wire or cracked insulator around the electrode. Replace pilot if necessary.
If the pilot won’t light, there is no noise or spark
Verify that transformer is installed and plugged into the module. Check the voltage of transformer under load at spade connection on the module with ON/OFF switch in ON position. Acceptable readings of a good transformer are between 3.2 and 2.8 volts AC.Remove and re-install the wiring harness that plugs into the module. Verify there is a tight fit. Verify pilot assembly wiring module. Remove and verify the continuity of each wiring harness. Replace any damaged components.Verify that 110/VAC power is “ON” to the junction box.Verify black ground wire from the module wire harness is grounded to the metal chassis of the appliance.If the above steps to resolve, the issue could be the module. Turn ON/OFF rocker switch or wall switch to OFF position. Remove igniter wire “I” from the module. Place ON/OFF rocker switch or wall switch in ON position. If there is no spark at “I” terminal, replace the module. If there is a spark at “I” terminal, the module is fine. Inspect pilot assembly for shorted sparker wire or cracked insulator around the electrode.
Can a gas fireplace make you sick?
Yes, gas fireplaces are a potential cause of carbon monoxide poisoning. While burning natural gas doesn’t produce the clouds of smoke that burning wood does, gas fires still produce by-products as they burn. Another by-product is sulfur dioxide, which is a respiratory irritant that causes symptoms like difficulty breathing, coughing, and wheezing. Check this too: Types of Gas Grill Burners
Gas fireplace pilot won’t stay lit
If the pilot won’t stay lit after carefully following the lighting instructions, it may be due to the following possible causes: To troubleshoot:
Check that the pilot flame impinges on the thermocouple. Adjust the pilot for proper flame impingement.Ensure that the thermocouple connection at the gas valve is fully inserted and tight (hand tightens plus 1/4 turn).Verify proper voltage output from the thermocouple to the valve. Place one millivolt meter lead wire on the thermocouple copper lead. Place the second lead wire on the solder button on the back of the valve (blue wire). Start the pilot and hold the valve knob in. The millivolt reading should read between 8-16 millivolts. Replace the thermocouple if the reading is less than 8 millivolts.
Natural gas should be 5-7 in. w.c. LP should be 11-14 in. w.c. Verify pressure with a manometer.
If the thermocouple is producing 8-16 millivolts, replace the control valve.
Gas fireplace making noise when off
Whistling gas fireplaces are often a result of copper or aluminum tubing that isn’t smooth on the inside. Movement through the tubing is not streamlined, so they put off the noise. Follow these steps to fix whistling:
How to adjust pilot light on gas fireplace
Turn the screw on the control panel to adjust the size of the flame. Use a screwdriver. A clockwise turn will make the flame smaller and the counterclockwise turn will increase it.If your fireplace has a lo-hi button, use it. It is designed to adjust the flame size.
Gas fireplace shuts off after 30 minutes
A gas fireplace shutting off after 30 minutes is likely triggered by the safety feature/sensor. Different makes and models have different safety devices. Some have only a thermocouple, and some have an oxypilot (an atmospheric vitiation sensing device). If you get dust in the pilot assembly and the pilot needs to be cleaned out, it produces a “lazy” flame, which will be disturbed by the draught of the burners. The flame lifts away from the thermocouple and causes a temperature drop on the tip of the thermocouple. This, in turn, makes the gas valve shut off. To fix a faulty gas fireplace:
Gas fireplace control valve troubleshooting
For valves with thermocouple only: Thermocouple and Thermopile valve: This valve is similar to the thermocouple only valve, but it has a pilot that heats up both a thermocouple and a thermopile. Since there is both a thermocouple and thermopile in this type of valve, it is important to find where the problem may be. If the pilot can be lit and stay on after the knob is released, then the problem is probably with the thermopile side of the valve. Check this too: How to Clean Fireplace Smoke off Walls Here is how to troubleshoot some common problems:
Check the thermopile it is producing enough millivolts to power the control circuit. Check the millivolts using a voltmeter and adjust with the pilot adjustment screw.Check for loose or poor connections or circuits to your appliance switch, thermostat, or remote transceiver.
If all the above checks out, and the valve is still not working properly then you may have a defective gas valve in the appliance.
Gas fireplace flame ghosting
Flame ghosting happens due to lack of combustion air. A wispy, transparent blue flame lifts off the burner and floats through the firebox looking for oxygen. If the pilot flame comes into contact with the gas logs it causes glass sooting. Gas sooting is caused by:
Flame impingementImproper air shutter setting.Debris around air shutter.
To fix the problem:
Adjust the log set so that the flame does not excessively impinge on it.Ensure that set point is correct for appliance/gas type. If your unit has adjustable shutter, it may be necessary to increase shutter opening.Inspect the opening at the base of the burner. No material should be placed in this opening.
Gas fireplace won’t turn off
If the pilot flame is always on or will not turn off, ensure the continuous pilot icon is not present on the LCD screen. If the icon is present press “PILOT” button. This will de-activate the continuous pilot feature and the icon will disappear from the screen.
How to Clean and Maintain a Gas Fireplace
One of the coolest things you can boast about during the chilly-biting days is a clean and efficient natural gas fireplace. A well-installed fireplace will make your home look cozy and sleek in addition to that feel of natural warmth. Gas fireplaces have proven to be a better option as you don’t have to worry about firewood and cleaning the ashes. They also offer a great stylish touch for your home ranging from realistic, rustic logs to sleek, modern minimalist. An efficient gas fireplace comes along with proper cleaning and maintenance routines. A poorly maintained fireplace can be a big risk as it can be a source of deadly carbon monoxide in your home. It is highly recommended that you have a professional technician in natural gas installation and maintenance inspect the gaskets and wiring once every year. Cleaning the fireplace once every month ensures that your favorite source of warmth is not only free from that grimy, foggy look but also free from harmful micro-organisms, dirt, and dusty. It also gives you a chance to inspect your gas fireplace for damages and schedule timely repairs. Below are additional tips for maintaining your gas fireplace for safety and efficiency.
Call a professional technician to inspect the fireplace if it has not been utilized for some years before lighting it.Turn off the gas channel immediately you smell gas and call 911 or your gas company.Observe the appearance of the flame regularly and subsequently soot on other components in the fireplace. The normal should be a blue flame with a yellow tiny tip. If the color has changed and there is soot in the fireplace you will need to call your gas supply company to inspect the gas line.
You will need the following supplies and tools to carry out a thorough cleaning procedure.
Fireplace glass cleanerClean ragsWarm waterVacuum with hose attachmentCheesecloth/nylon netHand broom/new paintbrush
Below is a 10 step guide for cleaning a gas fireplace Metal door and mesh curtains will be properly cleaned using the upholstery brush for the vacuum. Wipe all the edges of the door (glass, metal, or mesh) with a wet cloth to get rid of dust and debris. Carefully inspect the gaskets on glass doors and check for cracking or any signs of deterioration. Replace them if you notice any damage.
