A variety of burner problems can develop in a gas fireplace, leading to issues like a flickering flame or flame that gets too tall. Insufficient voltage, a failing thermocouple or malfunctioning thermostat are common causes of flickering burners. The burner or pilot may be dirty.
The major cause of a low flame is a clogged orifice. Spiders climb in when not in use and build webs. When the gas is turned on... the web is blown across the orifice opening. Typically the burner needs to be slid off the orifice for cleaning. Use a very small drill bit or pin or bristle of steel brush.
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.
The flames in a gas fireplace come from a small series of holes designed into the burner, called 'ports'. These burner ports can be susceptible to clogging up with soot. Dust and dirt, tiny insect webs and small pieces of ceramic log material or glowing ember material will restrict the flow of gas through these holes.
If you see a small, continuously burning flame, that's the pilot light. Operating sound: Electronic ignition systems often make a distinct clicking sound when the fire is turned on, as it's sparking to ignite the gas.
If the flames are abnormally uneven and soot residue begins accumulating, it probably means that your burners are dirty, your air to gas ratio is off, or your fire is not being ventilated properly.
If the burner is not working the reason can be as simple as wrong thermostat settings or a dirty pilot cavity. If the burner is not regularly maintained and cleaned, the dirt may accumulate into the burner jets halting the proper function. Detailed cleaning of burner jets and the pilot cavity can solve this issue.
The general recommendation is to have your gas fireplace and its chimney inspected and cleaned at least once a year. This guideline applies despite how frequently you use your fireplace, as even minimal use can lead to some buildup or wear over time.
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.
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.
Poor Draft: Things like blockages, creosote, and debris buildup – or possibly even small critters – can create a weak draft within the chimney. These things trap smoke and suffocate the fire, so your fire is likely dying before it really starts to heat your home.
you always want to see a blue color flame. A gas flame appearing yellow or orange in color or behaving with pops of yellow or orange indicates an improper ratio of oxygen for combustion. Often this improper combustion is temporary and could be caused by dust particles or a dirty burner that needs cleaning.
So you've checked your pilot light and even reset it, but still, it wont stay lit. This can be an indication that your fireplace thermocouple is either bad or worn out. However, if your pilot is lit but the gas fireplace isn't, then there's probably a problem with your thermopile.
Gas Fireplace Type
Routine maintenance, such as cleaning, typically ranges from $75 to $200.
Cleaning your gas fireplace should be done every two to four months, ideally before the fall and winter months when it'll be used most. The areas you'll want to focus on for a gas fireplace's annual maintenance are the glass, gas logs, burner, pilot assembly, interior casing, and ventilation system.
A clogged or faulty burner can cause performance issues resulting in a low gas flame. In addition, carbon build-up, gas residue, and debris can inhibit the burner's ability to function correctly, leading to premature failure. If cleaning the burner doesn't solve the problem, it may need to be replaced.
Clogged burner ports, a failing gas valve, low gas pressure, or an igniter failure are the most common problems. If you have a low gas stove flame, it is important to resolve the issue to find the cause. Once the root cause has been identified, you can take corrective action.
Soot buildup can be caused by several different factors, some of the more common ones are: Ceramic Logs that have been improperly installed or that have shifted can interfere with the flame path causing the gas not burn clean or properly.
Unbalanced Fire
One possible culprit is a clogged burner orifice, which is the opening where fuel and air mix to ignite the flame.
Improper Draught
A good draught is essential for a wood fireplace to work properly. A draught is the flow of air that carries smoke and other by-products of combustion up and out of the chimney. If the draught is not strong enough, smoke can fill the room and the stove will not burn properly.