One of the most common problems faced by homeowners with gas fireplaces is the pilot light going out or not staying lit. The pilot light is a small flame that ignites the gas burner, which produces the heat for your fireplace — if the pilot light goes out, your fireplace won't work.
Skip the plumbers. Call a fireplace company ask for a cleaning service and mention you also want an inspection while you're at it. It'll be around $100 or so per unit and take about 30 min. They're all gas line certified. Normally they don't inspect the gas lines but they will if you ask.
A healthy, properly burning flame on gas appliances should be blue in color, sometimes with a tiny tip of yellow, with a little light blue triangle at the center. This blue color flame indicates that there is safe, efficient and more complete fuel combustion.
Prevent carbon monoxide (CO) build-up.
An open window can help to vent the gas, and this is especially important in newer homes that were likely built with airtight construction techniques. This means that gases have no way to escape, including CO.
Maintenance is essential for both the longevity of your fireplace and also for its safe operation. It is highly recommended that you contact a licensed gas service provider to conduct maintenance on your fireplace at least once per year.
Ensure the propane tank valve is also open and there is sufficient gas in the tank. If you have a natural gas line, verify that the main shutoff valve is also Open. If the main gas line is open but isn't delivering gas, contact your local gas utility company to determine if there is an interruption in your gas service.
Noises occur because the high-pressure flow of the gas through the tubing is disrupted. In order to avoid obstructions, make sure to keep the fireplace as clean as possible. If the above solutions don't work and the noise is still occurring, then the help of a professional is required.
But in general, an efficiently running modern gas fire kept clear of dust and debris should hit or exceed that 10 to 15-year mark before showing signs of wear. Older or cheaper models may start to struggle after 7–8 years. Regular servicing and maintenance will be essential to maximising lifespan potential.
If you notice an electrical burning smell or an odor of burning gas, turn off your fireplace, open the doors and windows and call for emergency repairs.
Most of the cleaning for a gas fireplace can be done on your own when the fireplace is cool and the pilot light is off. However, because of the vent, you will need an annual inspection which costs around $75-$100. If you want a thorough cleaning at the same time the cost could be closer to $150-$175.
Common Signs of a Failing Thermocouple
Here are some common indicators: Difficulty Lighting the Fireplace: If you struggle to light your fireplace, or if it takes several tries to keep the pilot lit, it could suggest that the thermocouple is not sensing the flame correctly and is failing to keep the gas supply open.
If your own troubleshooting fails to solve the problem, you should call a fireplace service company near you for help. Most service calls for gas fireplaces cost about $100, and repairs for pilot lights cost $150 on average.
If it is not delivering gas with the knob open, then the gas tank may be empty. You need to contact your supplier for a refill. Similarly, if you have piped natural gas, you need to check that the gas knob is on. If there is no gas flow, you'll need to call your utility company to restore proper supply.
If you have either a gas fireplace insert or a direct vent fireplace, you should be able to leave your fireplace on continuously throughout the day.
It's important to remember that your glass doors should always remain open when burning gas logs.
Safety Screens
All gas fireplaces should have a protective screen over the glass. Screens reduce risks of serious burns by creating a barrier that prevents skin from coming into direct contact with the hot glass. Keep in mind, however, that screens can also retain heat, so touching them isn't advised.
Ignoring firebox damage puts your home and family at risk of fire and carbon monoxide poisoning. Also, if the cracks are large enough, burning embers can come through and contact the wall behind it. Another concern over cracks in the firebox is the chance that gases and carbon monoxide can leak out into your home.