The downside of technology is that sometimes it glitches. Even gas fireplaces can malfunction. If your gas fireplace won’t light, don’t worry right away! It might be a simple problem that you can be fixed easily.
Before you call on a professional, follow these steps to troubleshoot your gas fireplace:
Step #1 : Check the Gas Valve
Make sure that the gas valve is turned on. A closed gas valve is one of the most common reasons a gas fireplace won’t start.
Step #2 : Check the Power Source
Many gas fireplaces rely on an electrical ignition. If your gas fireplace isn’t lighting, it might be because the circuit breaker it is on has been tripped. Check the breaker box to make sure that none of the circuit breakers have flipped off. If any are, flip them back on. If that doesn’t solve the problem, check the batteries in the remote or receiver (if it has any). Dead batteries could also prevent the fireplace from igniting.
Step #3 : Check the Pilot Light
The pilot light, which ignites the gas, can get blown out by gusts of wind. Sometimes it even goes out because of soot, dirt or insect nests that have built up in the pilot light system. If the pilot light is out, make sure that the system is clean, and then relight it by closely following the instructions in the manufacturer’s guide. Be very cautious!
Step #4: Check the Natural Gas Line or Propane Tank
If your fireplace is connected to a propane tank, go out to the tank and make sure that the knob on the top that controls the gas delivery is in the ON position. If your fireplace relies on natural gas, check the natural gas line. If you suspect that the gas might have been turned off or that your propane tank could be empty, contact your providers.
Step #5: Check the Thermostat Settings
Many gas fireplaces have a built-in thermostat that controls when they turn on and off similar to a furnace. The reason your fireplace isn’t starting may be because the room temperature is higher than the thermostat setting. Changing the setting to a better temperature should fix the problem.
If you have followed all of these steps and your gas fireplace still will not light, it is time to call a professional. The issue may be the thermocouple, thermopile or wiring. Unless you know your way around gas appliances, you could cause more damage to the fireplace system by trying to solve a more complex issue on your own. Service professionals, like our certified chimney technicians at FyrePro, have the equipment and knowledge to safely repair your gas fireplace.
We are happy to help owners get their fireplaces back to work. If you live in Colorado’s Boulder County, we can send a technician out to you! Call 970-266-8556.