Most Common Gas Fireplace Problems

Gas fireplaces, on the whole, are pretty trouble free, but once in a while you will come across an issue that needs addressing. Doing this work early helps ensure you continue to benefit from continued energy savings and optimal warmth at minimal expense. Plus, you spend more time enjoying the beauty and coziness of your gas fire.  

Here are some of the top issues that come with owning and using a gas fireplace. Keeping these issues in mind and spotting them early goes long way to making life with a gas fireplace more economical and fun.  

Lack of Maintenance and Cleaning

Like all fireplaces, gas fireplaces require cleaning, service, and annual inspections to operate correctly and efficiently. You should do this work at least once a year. Your gas fireplace manufacturer should have a checklist of instructions you can follow. If so, it's important to follow them closely and repeat the process regularly. If you don't have instructions, here are some specific issues you will face regardless of your fireplace model.

Gas Leaks

Gas leaks can happen. That fact alone can often be a trait that turns off users, but it isn't an issue reserved only for your fireplace; it can also come from other areas of the house.

If you smell gas, immediately open your windows and doors to air out the home and go outside to use your cell phone to call the gas company immediately so that they shut your gas off. You can then address the problem safely.

Carbon Monoxide

All fires emit carbon monoxide, but with gas fireplaces, you don't have the benefit of dark smoke as a visual warning. Typically, older logs or those with blockages are the cause, but it can happen with new fireplaces too, so it's important to safeguard yourself since excessive carbon monoxide can be fatal.

To protect yourself, install a CO alarm near the fireplace, and prioritize one with readings of CO levels so that you spot issues early. Then periodically check the alarm to ensure it is working correctly.

The Pilot Light is Off

There are a few reasons your gas fireplace may not light. Some common examples are that your gas is turned off due to damage or because you turned it off yourself during warmer times of the year. The pilot light may also be off due to a lack of gas in the fuel line.

If the pilot light is off and the gas remains on, you may notice the smell of rotten eggs. This is a purposeful odor added to the gas to alert you that gas is in the air. When this happens, air out the room immediately and light the pilot when the smell is gone.

If you have gas but it isn't entering the unit, you can try holding down the pilot knob to bring gas to it, also called "bleeding the line."

It Won't Light or Stay Lit

You may have a poorly working thermopile (the sensor that aids in igniting the gas a bit like a spark plug.) It can also be an issue with the thermocouple (a metal rod that is used to light the gas.) You can check if either is the cause by cleaning off any dirt deposits. If that doesn't work, you may need to replace them.

Fireplace Remote Not Working

Some common reasons your remote may not work are that the batteries are low or dead or the controller is broken. Keep in mind that your controller may be too far from the fireplace to work with it properly, so test it by getting closer.

Some controller models with low batteries will beep and turn off your fireplace for added safety, which also works as a handy warning to replace them. Not all have this feature, so be sure to check the batteries and parts periodically and replace them if needed.

Aside from the controller, other causes of a non-working fireplace are that the circuit breaker was tripped or if your fireplace was set to manual mode, which blocks communication with the controller.

Burner Issues

If your burner isn't regularly cleaned or maintained, you can have issues with the pilot light, the burner jets, and bad thermostat readings. A simple cleaning is the answer. Then do periodic cleaning to prevent the issue from coming back.

The Fireplace Makes Odd Noises

Your gas fireplace may get noisy, but don't worry - it's common. Whistling can happen when gas flows into the unit. You can reduce it by turning the amount of gas higher or lower.

If you hear a loud or roaring sound, dirty burners are usually the cause, and a simple cleaning is often the answer. If you continue to hear roaring, rumbling, or screeching sounds, the blower may be cuprite and will need replacing.

Flames are Too High or Too Low

Flame variances are typically an issue with gas pressure. You can check the pressure using a manometer, a U-shaped tube with one open end and one closed end filled with liquid. If the liquid level in the two legs of the tube is different, the pressure in the lines is different as well.

The typical cause of the issue is not setting the air shutter properly. This same problem can cause the flame to become too blue or too orange.

Heat Output is Low or Inconsistent

Low heat can be caused by low drafts, poor gas delivery, and inconsistent or low flame. Again, checking the pressure with a manometer will help, as well as checking all airflow to ensure the unit is receiving enough oxygen and venting it out properly.

The Glass Door is Dirty or Cracked

Dirty glass comes from continual use and turning down the stove too often or too early, but it can also be due to a leaking door or gaskets, at which point you should replace the gaskets. Doing this ensures you get the most heat for your dollar while keeping your fireplace from working too hard.

Fireplace Emits Strange Smells

The smell of gas can be bothersome and can create problems for people who are sensitive to gas. This is especially true of gas vent free units. If you are in the market for a gas fireplace, prioritize a vented design.

Flames Don't Appear Natural

This can be due to dust or a lack of oxygen, but both can be avoided with proper ventilation, cleaning, and maintenance.

Spot the Problem, and Solve It Early

As you can see, there aren't very many issues with a gas fireplace, but when they happen, addressing them immediately prolongs the life of your fireplace and all the enjoyment that comes with it. Thankfully the issues are easy to fix.