Gas Logs & Gas Fireplaces: A Troubleshooting Guide

There are a few reasons why your pilot light might not be staying lit. The most common reason is that there is a buildup of dirt or debris on the thermocouple or thermopile or this device has simply worn out.  We commonly see thermocouples go bad between 8 and 12 years of use, however they may last much longer.  Thermocouples and thermopiles are the safety sensors that detect the presence of heat and a flame, and they are fairly easy to replace.  Another possibility is that the gas valve is not open all the way, or that there is a dirt or debris inside of the gas line itself.

Why is my fireplace not producing any heat?

There are a number of "decorative" fireplaces sold on the market that are designed not to produce heat.  If you are new to the home you may need to find out what type of fireplace you have.  If you fireplace has produced heat in the past you should stop using the fireplace immediately and have your gas line and chimney professionally services and inspected.

Why is my gas fireplace producing a lot of soot?

The most common reason is that the gas logs are not burning properly due to the logs not being arranged properly.  It is very important, especially on vent-fee gas logs, that the logs are in the correct position according to the owners manual.  Another common problem is that your burner is not getting enough oxygen to it, due to the environment itself, a dirty burner, or an over build of embers. 

4. Why is my fireplace smelling like gas?

There are a few reasons why your fireplace might be smelling like gas. The most common reason is that there is a leak in the gas line. This is a serious safety hazard, and you should turn off the gas to the fireplace immediately and call a qualified technician to repair the leak. Another possibility is that the fireplace is not venting properly, and the gas fumes are not being able to escape.  Often times, the smell of fiber gas logs can be confused with the smell of gas.  For more information read our blog on Vent-Free Gas Logs.

Why is my fireplace turning on and off by itself?

 The most common reason is that the unit has been switched to "Thermostat Mode".  This can often be found on the remote control or on a wall sensor.  Another possibility is that there is a problem with the gas valve or the ignition system.  In VERY RARE circumstances, a remote control may become synced with another remote control in the house such as a garage door remote. 

Why is my fireplace not turning on at all?

There are a few reasons why your fireplace might not be turning on at all. The most common reason is that there is air in the gas line.  This frequently happens after an extended periods of not being used.  For direct vent fireplaces, it is possible that there is no power to the fireplace. This could be due to a tripped circuit breaker or a blown fuse. Another possibility is that there is a problem with the thermostat, the remote control, the gas valve or the ignition system.

Why is my remote control not working?

There are many possibilities why your remote control might not be working.  However, the most common issue we see is dead batteries.  Remember to check the batteries in the back of the remote control AS WELL AS the batteries in the receiver box.  The receiver box often takes 4 AA batteries and will be located in or near the fireplace

How can I troubleshoot problems with my gas fireplace?

If you are having problems with your gas fireplace, there are a few things you can do to troubleshoot the problem. First, check to make sure that the fireplace is turned on and that the thermostat is off or set to the correct temperature. If the fireplace is still not working, you can try turning off the gas to the fireplace and then turning it back on.  Make sure to wait a minute after you turn the fireplace off so that the system can reset.  If you have air in the line, this may take multiple attempts.   If this does not work, you will need to call a qualified technician to service or repair you gas logs. 

Casual Furniture World is pleased to service most major brands of gas logs and gas fireplaces.  You can contact our service department at 336-397-4917.