If your gas fireplace isn’t working correctly, you may be wondering what’s wrong and whether you need to repair or replace it. While we can’t diagnose the issue without looking at your fireplace, we can provide you with some general guidelines so you can choose the right next step.
Common Gas Fireplace Issues and When to Repair or Replace
Nonfunctional Pilot Light
When the pilot light on a gas fireplace doesn’t ignite, you won’t get any flames. If you are following all the directions and the pilot light still isn’t staying lit, you should call a fireplace repair professional for help.
Sometimes, pilot lights are impacted by a strong draft in the chimney. If you experience this problem, you may need to secure the vent cap more firmly or even replace it. Other common issues are damaged wiring or a faulty thermopile, which is the metal probe that converts heat from the pilot light into the electricity needed to open the gas valve.
Strange Odors
You shouldn’t have anything more than a very faint gas smell when you use your fireplace. If you are experiencing a stronger smell or an odor you can’t identify, the first thing you should do is clear the area around the mantel and clean the fireplace and flue. Sometimes odors are caused by accumulated dust and dirt or nearby objects that emit odors when heated.
If you still experience a strong odor or think you smell burning wires, shut off the fireplace, vent the house, and call a fireplace repair professional to take a look at the problem.
Unusual Noises
Your gas fireplace should not make a lot of noise. Different noises have different causes:
- Roaring sounds that occur when the pilot light is on usually mean you need to adjust the flame.
- Rumbling noises that occur when the burners are on typically dissipate after you have your burners cleaned.
- Grinding or shrieking noises are often a sign that your blower needs to be repaired.
Too Much Soot
If there is a lot of soot around your fireplace, there may be an imbalance of oxygen and gas or a chimney blockage. Try adjusting the airflow according to the manufacturer’s instructions to increase the oxygen flow and decrease the gas. If that doesn’t fix the problem, have a chimney professional come in to inspect the chimney for birds’ nests or other blockages. You most likely will not need any repairs or replacement parts.
Old and Inefficient Fireplaces
If your fireplace is old and doesn’t produce much heat, there might not be anything wrong with it. Older fireplaces are often less efficient and newer models, so if you use your fireplace a lot, you may want to consider replacing it. You will reap the savings and benefits of a newer model right away.
Other Fireplace Problems
Wood, gas, and other fireplaces are complicated. Even a trained technician can’t always accurately diagnose the issue without looking at it. Whether you are experiencing odd odors, ignition problems, or some other issue, your best bet is to call a fireplace professional who can locate the source and advise you on any repairs or replacements that are needed.
Fireplace Repair in Western Washington
Four Day Fireplace in Marysville, WA provides fireplace repair and service to homeowners throughout the Puget Sound region. Our technicians are factory-trained to provide you with professional-quality service in a timely manner.
We assess each customer’s individual situation through a comprehensive cleaning and safety inspection. At the end of the inspection, we provide you with a full 24-point report on the condition of your fireplace, a safety checklist including any potential factory recalls, a clean fireplace, and a solid quote for any needed parts or repairs.
Looking to Install a New Fireplace?
At Four Day Fireplace, our mission is to make fireplace installation easy and fast for every customer. We handle every step of the installation process from concept to creation and make sure the project is completed within four days. Where other sellers might leave it to the homeowner to coordinate contractors for the design, framing, energy supply changes, and decorative masonry, we do it all for you.
Combining 30 years of experience with a showroom-less, direct-to-customer service model, Four Day Fireplace makes fireplaces affordable for many homeowners. We bring everything you need to make an educated decision for your home improvement. Our goal is to exceed your expectations and give you a fireplace you love.
