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.
Call your gas company. They will check it out for free and often do the repairs for cheap.
Faulty thermostat, thermopile, or thermocouple.
Depending on the age of your unit, you'll have a thermostat or thermopile between your gas valve and pilot light that contributes to ignition. If it's loose or faulty, or if your thermostat is malfunctioning, it may prevent your fireplace from turning on.
An HVAC Company or if you call a fireplace company, as these days some do both gas and wood burning, make sure to tell them it is gas before making the appointment.
ARS®/Rescue Rooter® offers professional gas fireplace service, including installation, maintenance, and repairs related to the gas plumbing line. Whether you want to use your gas fireplace for effective heating or a comfortable aesthetic in any room, our expert plumbers have the training and experience to help.
But gas fireplace issues do sometimes arise. And if you suspect a problem with your gas fireplace, you can enlist the help of a local HVAC technician.
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.
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.
This initial gas fireplace service fee is often under $350 plus any parts required for the repair. Basic maintenance or minor repairs, such as pilot light adjustments, can be as low as $100, while more complex issues, like control valve replacements or blower motor repairs, may reach $1,000.
The average cost to inspect a gas fireplace is $125, but depending on your location and the fireplace's age and condition, it can range from $75 to $250. There's nothing better than lighting a toasty fire in the middle of winter in your home's fireplace.
Thermocouple and Thermopile Issues
Over time, these components can get dirty or fail, causing the gas fireplace to shut off abruptly or prevent it from staying lit. Cleaning or replacing the thermocouple or thermopile can often solve this issue.
Your gas fireplace could be turning off for several reasons. The most like culprits are likely tied to some kind of problem with your setup. Anything from issues with your pilot light, clogged ports on burners, damage to heating components, and thermocouple/thermopile malfunctions can be to blame.
It is recommended to contact a professional with experience in gas fireplace maintenance to have the fireplace checked and serviced annually. A certified fireplace maintenance specialist will be able to inspect the fireplace logs, pilot light, and other components to ensure proper and safe operation of the unit.
If a gas line is broken and you have a gas fireplace, the line repair may be covered. Home warranties typically cover electronics, so an electric fireplace may be covered. A wood-burning fireplace is typically not covered. Be sure to scrutinize your contract so you're fully informed of all the details therein.
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.
The simplest way to minimize any such risk is to have regular maintenance of your gas fireplace by a professional gas technician or a qualified plumber. Getting an annual inspection by a licensed gas technician will ensure that your fireplace is running at its peak productivity.
A well-maintained furnace will have an efficiency rating of approaching 95%, while a gas fireplace is likely to be below that (though some are in the 90% class) and will therefore cost more per therm.
You start smelling strange odors
This smell should go away after three to four hours of use. A dirty fireplace with excessive pet hair or dust can also produce an odor. If you smell rotten eggs, call for help immediately, as you likely have a gas leak.
The answer to “is it safe to leave a gas fireplace on all night” is no. There is no gas-burning fireplace that would be guaranteed safe to run all night while you and your family are sleeping. escape is often impossible.
Press the control knob down and hit the ignition switch.
To ignite the pilot light, press your finger into the center of the control knob and hold it in place. Then, hit the fireplace's ignition switch, which is typically a red button located near the control knob. Tap the switch until the pilot light ignites.
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.