If you’re thinking about installing a new fireplace, you might wonder: How much does it cost to run a gas fireplace? Let’s review the numbers.
If Your Gas Fireplace Won’t Light, Follow These 5 Steps to Fix It
Let’s shed some light on the issue
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A gas fireplace will not light when the pilot light goes out from downdrafts or wear, leaving your home without warmth.
Your gas fireplace pilot light staying lit depends on a functioning thermocouple, which senses heat and controls the gas valve to your fireplace.
Troubleshoot the issue by checking the main gas valve, purging air from pilot tubing, and cleaning debris between the igniter and thermocouple.
Hiring a local fireplace cleaning professional provides reliable help with thermocouple replacements and pilot light repairs, keeping your home warm and cozy.
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Failing fireplaces can ignite your frustration, especially on chilly days when you just want to curl up in front of a warm fire. If your gas fireplace won’t turn on, don’t lose your cool. Here’s how you can troubleshoot the issue and when to call a professional for assistance.
Why Your Gas Fireplace Won’t Light
If your fireplace is one of many appliances on a circuit, you might have an overloaded circuit that’s stopping your fireplace from lighting. Try flipping the breaker on and off to reset it, but you may need to rewire your unit onto its own circuit to keep it functioning properly. If your fireplace operates on batteries or a remote start, double-check the batteries are still in good condition.
If your fireplace doesn't light but you still have a spark, check the pilot light. Downdrafts or a worn-out pilot light will prevent your gas fireplace from turning on. You’ll need a repair pro to install a new pilot light.
How to Troubleshoot a Gas Fireplace
If you suspect your gas fireplace is on the fritz and not lighting, here are some ways to troubleshoot the issue.
1. Make Sure the Gas Is On
The first thing you should do if your gas fireplace won’t turn on is check that the gas is actually on. Yes, this does happen, and more than you might think. Without any gas, your fireplace won’t be able to light. Check the main gas valve to see if the gas is fully operational. If your gas fireplace runs on propane, double-check that the propane tank is still full.
2. Give Your Gas Logs a Thorough Cleaning
While gas fireplaces don’t make as much of a mess as wood-burning fireplaces, you still need to adhere to gas fireplace maintenance and clean them on a semi-annual basis. Gas fireplaces still generate debris from the flames that can cause issues with maintaining a warm fire. Before you start cleaning your gas fireplace, make sure the pilot light is off. Then with a cloth and fireplace cleaner, work through cleaning the interior and exterior walls and logs. End with a quick vacuum inside the firebox.
Cleaning your gas fireplace can help ensure your fireplace works properly and is free of debris. If you want an even deeper cleaning or there is significant buildup, you can get in touch with a fireplace cleaning company near you for a personalized quote.
3. Purge the Air Out of the Pilot Tubing
If the gas is on and the pilot hasn’t been lit in a couple of months, you might need to purge the air out of the pilot tubing. To do this, hold the pilot button down for about one to three minutes while the air bleeds out. If the pilot is lighting but not staying lit, it could indicate a worn-out thermocouple.
4. Test the Thermocouple
A thermocouple is a safety device that controls the gas valve to your fireplace. It senses the temperature of the fireplace and turns on or off depending on what it finds. If it does not sense any heat, it will automatically turn off.
This is typically a good thing, but when it malfunctions, a thermocouple won’t pick up on any flame and your gas fireplace will have trouble staying lit. If you’re able to locate your fireplace’s thermocouple, you can check for any of the following damage:
Restricted or blocked off airflow
No contact with the fireplace flame when turned on
Any damaged tubing or wires
If you see any of the above, call in a professional to upgrade or replace it. While kits are available online, you don’t want to risk incorrect installation of this important safety feature.
5. Check the Spark Igniter
If gas is coming out of the pilot but it still won’t light, the spark igniter could be the problem. You should clear out any debris between the igniter and thermocouple. Blow compressed air into the pilot area, wait a couple of minutes, and then try again to see if this fixes the problem.
When to Call a Professional
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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. Other gas fireplace repairs include loose connections, defective valves, or bad modules in electric ignition units. A pro will be able to pinpoint your problem and get it fixed, stat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Fireplace services reviews from real Angi homeowners in Columbus, OH
4.8★ avg. • 6 total reviews
- Sue B.
Terrible experience. Walls/trim/floors/cabinets/doors all have drip marks, overspray, etc. Tiling at the fireplace had to be redone by another vendor due to incorrect and shoddy install by Profect. Contractor had his children in our house while he was on site without prior authorization or...
Profect painting & exteriors - Alexander W.
Supreme Brick & Chimney did a great job with a cleaning and inspection of the fireplace! He was efficient, on time, and very pleasant. The space was kept very clean, and the fireplace was spotless when he was done. He also performed a thorough inspection, and did a great job talking us...
Supreme brick & chimney - Donald L.
Ace Fireplace Services came to the rescue for my chimney repair. They were quick to pinpoint the issue and worked their magic to fix it. My chimney is now in excellent shape, and I'm a satisfied customer.
Ace Fireplace Services - Chanda L.
Custom Paint Jobs LLCs custom murals brought life to our childrens rooms. They love it!
Custom Paint Jobs, LLC - Hannah T.
Storms Mobile Welding was great to work with. They were prompt, professional and did an overall excellent job on the project. I highly recommend.
- Heather M.
On time, clean and finished fast. Windows seem sturdy and the finish is good. Caulking was done with no smudges. Would recommend.
Window Depot USA of Central Ohio - Tiffany V.
The team is awesome!! I can generally pick up and clean throughout the week, but they CLEAN! Windows, stair rails, microwave. All the things I can’t ever seem to get to regularly. The house looks and smells great after they leave.
- Steven K.
Bought a half a cord of firewood from Pitzer with stacking last month. I waited to report so I could see how the wood burned. <br /> <br /> I have three pet peeves regarding landscapers, but Pitzer scored "A"s regarding all three. First, rather than having customers "leave a message" and...
Pitzer Landscaping - M T.
We decided to update our partially finished basement, with a budget. Gerald worked with me on the lighting and chair rail selections, and produced an end product that was everything we wanted and within our budget. The work was done quickly, and he and his crew were always prompt and...
- Amy T.
Outstanding! The granite and the installation went so well that we had the remaining slabs of the granite put into our new house. The 2ND kitchen/wet bar installation went as well as the 1ST, so we had them put granite on our master bath counter top, shower seat, ledge and kick plate for...
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