Clicking the igniter also works. I’m trying to install a vented gas insert into an existing masonry fireplace with gas stubbed off 3 inches to the right. Before we answer this question, let’s get a better understanding of how your gas fireplace works. Gas fireplace wall switch stopped working 4 weeks ago, but button on the control continued to start and stop the fire. It might take a few attempts. Like any appliance that uses a pilot light, gas fireplaces can have theirs go out as well. If it's while running, it's likely the oxygen safety. Extensive knowledge about Gas, Wood and Pellet hearth products. Answered in 46 minutes by: 2/2/2009. When you flip a wall switch, click on your remote control or the thermostat calls for heat, the gas valve on your fireplace will open. the previous owners installed the fireplace less than 1 year ago. Turn off the pilot and let it cool. Check your pilot light. The blower motor supplements the heat produced by the gas burners by pushing air with a fan. So guessing it's not a heat sensor. Adjust the flame to counter low rumbling noises. Crack a window near the fireplace and see if there's a difference. Gas fires are reliable beasts that rarely break down, but occasionally the odd one might cut out after 10 -20 minutes. My wall switch for my gas fireplace wont work anymore. These problems usually occur when there’s an imbalance of gas and oxygen in your unit. Then, remove the gas logs and use a soft paintbrush to get rid of any dirt or debris. That was a month ago. I recently purchased a home that has a gas fireplace. The blower is typically wired to the thermostat to activate when the fire reaches a certain temperature. The fireplace on the first floor is used alot more than the other but we have never had a problem with either until now. A pilot flame is lit with a manual push button spark ignitor or a handheld lighter while pushing down on the pilot plunger button found on the top of the gas valve. Not all gas fireplaces have this feature. They are the exact same model, 1 is on the first floor and 1 on the second floor. Ask Your Own HVAC Question. In order to find out, simply open the vent. Some panels have a screw on each side that needs to be removed and other panels lower on a hinge. Problem started after Gas to the house had been turned OFF for the day. If it is, simply re-light the pilot with a match or a lighter to see if the fireplace turns back on. With the pilot lit and the fireplace off, observe the pilot. When I turn the switch off, the flame goes out (with the exception of the pilot light, which stays lit). I have a Superior gas fireplace (DVR6 model). but now it won’t light when the switch is activated. After all, messing with gas lines can be a dangerous business for someone who lacks technical expertise. If something seems off with the gas fireplace pilot light, shut off the gas source and twist the screw next to the pilot light to either lift or lower its height. When it goes off it says "Fire" not "CO". Amazingly, stomping once or twice on the floor in front of the mantle like the Fonz usually fixes the outage because after a quick “Whoa, hey” stomp it turns back on. I have a gas fireplace (natural gas) that shuts itself off, the pilot too after it operates for about an hour. I also installed a combo talking alarm that is Fire and CO detector. Every gas fireplace will have a set of instructions, supplied by the manufacturer, to show you how to reignite the pilot light in the case of failure. About 5 minutes after the switch is turned off, there is a loud popping (almost banging) sound that happens every time. (it took quite a while). Vented gas log sets offer a full, authentic-looking flame presentation with plenty of ambiance while ventless gas log sets provide a reliable and efficient heating source.. Vented gas logs are designed to be used in an existing wood burning fireplace with a fully functional chimney. also will not turn off and on, when the wind blows fire goes out and releases gas . If you smell burning wires or an odor you suspect is gas, shut off the fireplace, vent the house and consult a professional. You will be able to determine whether or not the small flame is out. Gas fireplace shut down update Following suggestions, I've cleaned the pilot orifice and made sure all elect connections are tight. Nov 4, 2009 4 Western Washington. Some fireplaces just seem to do that, and they are tough to fix. The color of the flame can be an indicator of the gas flow. (I'll try to fix that) The thermopile/generator (the thing in the foreground) was replaced by the gas mechanic. Heat-n-glo fireplace, fire goes out after a while (after 20 min or sometimes up to 1 hour) but pilot stays on. If you suspect the smell is gas, and the pilot light is on, you may have a gas leak. But when they turn it back on...it would not release gas...until you manually light the pilot. Wind gusts can make it difficult for you to light your gas fireplace, or even to keep it lit. Now while it is true that the amount of property damage, injuries, and deaths have dropped considerably since the early 1980s, there is still tremendous damage that has been wrought by fire. Trouble getting your gas fireplace started? The pilot light for your gas fireplace is an ignition source. A grinding or shrieking noise is usually caused by a fan or blower. Dirty Glass. If the local gas company turns the gas off in your neighborhood to fix a leak, it would go off. When I remove the logs it operates longer, for about two hours before it shuts down. HOW DOES YOUR GAS FIREPLACE START? IF the flame is mostly yellow and is burning very lazy, curling up in an almost vertical manner, it is dirty and needs to be cleaned. The second function of generating that low voltage (.250-.750) is to open an close the main valve...which releases gas to your main burner. Odd Sounds. Now, back to your problem. Light Switch . If this happens you should ask yourself a few questions:- When did you last get the fire serviced? I have a gas fire place (“faux place”) that runs really well for about 10 minutes after I turn it on, but then it goes out (licking flames stop and just the pilot remains on). Q: Jason, I have a gas fireplace that is supposed to light when the light switch is flipped to the ON position. I have a gas fireplace. Because this is a real flame, will not effect like that of electric fireplaces. Pilot lights can go out for a variety of reasons. HVAC Technician: Jim … Any suggestions? However, a skilled and experienced DIYer may be able to handle this job. We turned the gas lines back on and bled out all the air. It’s not unusual for the glass doors on gas fireplaces to develop a cloudy haze. For more information visit http://bit.ly/1OhHPx7 If the smell persists, check that your chimney is not obstructed and is cleaned. Even when turned off, it just goes down to this level of flame. Sometimes gas fireplace won’t stay lit because it is not receiving sufficient gas to keep the flame going. try to turn back knob but it locks have to turn back and forth to unlock knob by a click then start all over. If it goes out and I turn the switch off then on again it starts right up. Step 2 Find the thermocouple, which is located next to the pilot light and looks like a small straight pipe. Pilot lights can be found on furnaces, water heaters, fireplaces, ranges, ovens and other appliances. Most commonly a problem with LP and not so much with NG. Most gas fireplaces list a recommended pilot light height you should adhere to. Newer gas fireplaces with blowers are usually a lot quieter than a lot of older fan systems, which can sometimes be quite noisy. If lighting your fireplace is an issue, listen to the wind gusts and try lighting it between two gusts. It is a vented unit. I have no idea how it even got turned on - it's literally not even plugged in - but now I can't seem to kill it. Finally, turn the gas back on to ensure the pilot light is the correct height and the hissing noise has disappeared. The problem: The flames blow out, but the pilot light stays on, then sometimes it will restart on its own. A gust of wind is all it takes in some cases! Cleaning or replacing a flame sensor is usually a job for a professional, as it requires shutting off electrical power and gas supply. I can smell a slight odor but nothing too alarming. I have a Heat & Glo gas fireplace, I can get a pilot lit but release knob to start and no fire. 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