The most common problem with a gas fireplace is pilot light and ignition failure, usually where the pilot light won't light, won't stay lit, or the burner fails to ignite.
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.
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 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.
Gas fireplace problems usually stem from a few common areas: dirty pilot assemblies, bad thermocouples/thermopiles, or faulty wall switches. Here is how to identify and troubleshoot the most frequent issues with your gas fireplace.
Put furniture too close
Decorations may look pretty when the fireplace isn't on, but gas fireplaces could ignite any object close by. Keep newspapers, books, blankets, rugs and other flammable objects at least 3 feet away while you enjoy the warmth of the fire.
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.
To keep your gas fireplace operating safely and in tip-top shape, it's recommended to perform annual maintenance. To help you do it yourself, we've created a fireplace service checklist to guide you along. Or, give your local Heatilator dealer a call to provide the annual maintenance on your gas fireplace.
Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include:
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.
Yes, plumbers can help you with anything related to propane or gas. They may specialize in drains or anything related to water, but they often are both qualified and experienced enough to install and repair gas fireplaces professionally.
It costs an average of $0.30 to $0.70 per hour to run a natural gas fireplace, and $1.00 to $2.30 per hour for propane. The exact price depends on your local utility rates, the size of your fireplace, and the type of gas it uses.
Signs Your Gas Fireplace Insert Needs Professional Servicing
So, if you use your gas appliance for 2 hours a day. The total running cost of it would be: 30.36p (cost per hour) x 2 hours (number of hours in use) = 60.72p for 2 hours.
HOWEVER, if you want to err on the side of caution, it is much better to only leave your fireplace burning, no matter what type it is, for two to three hours at a time. If you are older, if you have small children, or if you simply don't want to leave anything to chance, following this rule can give you peace of mind.
Other ideas for updating for a more modern gas fireplace:
Carbon monoxide (CO) is widely known as the "silent killer" gas. It gets this name because it is completely invisible, tasteless, and odorless, meaning it can build up to lethal levels in a room without the victim ever realizing they are breathing it in.
How long does it take to get carbon monoxide poisoning? In high concentrations of carbon monoxide, it can take fewer than five minutes to get carbon monoxide poisoning. Under lower concentrations, it can take an hour to two hours to cause poisoning.
Symptoms from a natural gas leak may include: headaches, sometimes severe. dizziness. fatigue.
14 Common Gas Fireplace Problems & What to Do
You might assume that since gas burns cleaner, there's no need for maintenance, but that's a common misconception. Neglecting your gas chimney could lead to blockages, poor ventilation, or even dangerous carbon monoxide buildup. A clean chimney ensures your home stays safe and your fireplace operates at its best.
A healthy pilot flame should be a crisp, steady blue, engulfing the top third of the thermocouple. A weak, yellow, or wavering flame often indicates a dirty pilot orifice or a gas supply issue, preventing the thermocouple from getting hot enough to function.
If the pilot flame ignites but goes out after you release the gas control knob, the cause may be a dirty or defective thermocouple. If the gas is on but the flame will not ignite at all, a pilot tube obstruction is the most likely issue.