To determine if your gas fireplace igniter is bad, look for physical damage, listen for specific sounds, and check for weak sparks or a lack of glow. Troubleshooting depends on your fireplace type.
Replacing a gas fireplace igniter costs between $𝟗𝟎 and $𝟑𝟓𝟎 on average. This total breaks down into $𝟐𝟎 to $𝟏𝟐𝟓 for the replacement part itself and $𝟕𝟎 to $𝟐𝟐𝟓 for professional labor.
14 Common Gas Fireplace Problems & What to Do
Disconnect and Remove the Old Ignitor: Unplug the wire connector for the ignitor and carefully unscrew the bracket holding it in place. Install the New Ignitor: Screw the new ignitor into place and connect the wiring. Safety Reminder: Never touch the gray or black part of the new ignitor with your bare hands.
Fireplace Won't Turn On
Gas fireplaces typically last between 10 to 20 years, though high-quality models that receive annual professional maintenance can last up to 30 years. The exact lifespan often depends on the specific components, as parts will degrade at different rates.
Igniter replacement costs range from $150 to $425 on average for professional repair, depending on the appliance and your location. While parts are relatively inexpensive, labor and diagnostic fees make up the bulk of the final bill.
A bad ignitor usually causes your appliance to click repeatedly without starting, emit a buzzing sound, or blow cold air. For a definitive test, turn off the power, detach the ignitor wires, and use a multimeter set to ohms to check for resistance (typically 40 to 400 ohms); an infinity or "OL" reading means it is dead.
Igniters typically last between 3 to 5 years for hot surface igniters (furnaces and ovens), and 5 to 7 years for spark igniters. Lifespans vary based on frequency of use, power quality, and whether OEM parts are used.
A weak or yellow flame might indicate a problem and should be addressed by a professional. If you get a whiff of gas near your fireplace, turn off the fireplace immediately, open windows to ventilate the area and contact a professional to get a full inspection.
Cleaning a gas fireplace thermocouple is a simple maintenance task that fixes pilot lights that won't stay lit. Turn off the gas and let the unit fully cool. Remove the glass and logs to access the pilot assembly. Gently scrub the thermocouple rod with high-grit sandpaper or emery cloth, wipe away debris, and reassemble.
Explained, the chimney pipe must be a minimum of three feet above the roof but also two feet taller than anything within ten feet. The portion of the rule stating the pipe needs to be 2 feet above anything within 10 feet is where most people get confused.
Thermocouple Lifespan
A thermocouple usually lasts 3-5 years on a regularly used standing-pilot system. Some last longer, but once they begin to weaken you'll see the classic symptom: the pilot won't stay lit unless you hold the knob.
The national average cost for gas fireplace repairs ranges from $150 to $600. Most fireplace shops charge to come out to your home and service your unit. This initial gas fireplace service fee is often under $350 plus any parts required for the repair.
A bad hot surface igniter (commonly used in furnaces and ovens) may show a physical break, hairline fracture, white burnt-out lines, or dark scorched spots. In many cases, it will simply fail to glow bright orange-yellow when the appliance attempts to start, or it will only glow dimly.
Common signs include engine misfires, the Check Engine Light coming on, car not starting, and a decrease in power, acceleration, and fuel efficiency.
A gas fireplace igniter costs $90 to $150 to replace, including labor. This component uses electricity to ignite the gas and start the fire. Over time, the igniter may stop working from age or damage.
Over time, ignitors wear out due to normal use, electrical surges, or dirt buildup. As a result, ignition failure becomes a frequent cause of no-heat calls during colder months.
It is highly recommended that you contact a licensed gas service provider to conduct maintenance on your fireplace at least once per year. Maintenance on gas components should not be completed by the homeowner as damage to any of the gas components could be potentially dangerous.
Whether you can safely run a gas fireplace all day depends entirely on its type:
Contact your local scrap merchant. If you want to try and make back a bit of money from your old gas fire, then it's worth contacting your local scrap metal merchant. Many gas fires feature aluminium, steel and other metal parts, so whilst you're unlikely to get a huge amount of money, you'll at least get something!