A thermocouple is a safety device and is a component of the ignition system. Main burner for gas fireplace won't stay lit (pilot light is fine) Ask Question Asked 4 years ago. It’s not unusual for the thermocouple to collect carbon deposit buildup after a season of use. Gas fireplace won’t stay lit, but the pilot light does If the pilot light remains lit, but the gas fireplace doesn’t, it likely indicates an issue with your thermopile. Open the maintenance hatch below or to the side of your fireplace. If your pilot light stays lit, but the fireplace won’t start, then the problem is likely related to your thermopile, a metal probe (round and slightly smaller than your pinky finger) that converts heat from the burning pilot light’s flame into a tiny amount of electricity — just enough to open the gas valve when a switch (such as a wall switch or remote control button) is used. If you’re reading this article, it’s safe to assume your gas fireplace either won’t stay lit, or won’t light at all. Usually, you can find this light on older models of propane appliances. Fireplace Burner Tackling a faulty burner will require working with potentially dangerous electrical and gas systems. If the gas fireplace shuts off after a few minutes, it's pretty much always going to be a pilot head issue, or a valve issue. We are experienced with all the most common (and many uncommon) problems you may be experiencing. Heatilator GCBC36 All Rights Reserved. With the many styles and types of gas fireplaces and inserts, procedures for removing the glass vary widely. The burner is placed below the thermocouple and pilot. If you live in the Phoenix, AZ Metro area or anywhere within a 35-mile radius of Magic Touch Mechanical’s main offices in Mesa, Arizona – just call us for gas fireplace service. This light is always lit. Frankly, the answer is; I’ve seen homeowners accidentally break their fireplace glass before. The ignition spark lights the pilot and begins the warming cycle. If a gas appliance will not light or stay lit, it is almost certainly one of two issues: Too little oxygen - make sure any vents, flues, etc. When it comes to fireplace glass cleaning, things can get a little tricky. I have a Heatilator gas fireplace w/Robertshaw valve (15 years old)- The pilot light lit won't stay lit. If you found this article useful, please do me a favor and share it on social media. Tackling a faulty burner will require working with potentially dangerous electrical and gas systems. Get daily tips and tricks for making your best home. Certainly I’ve explained how to do much more complicated things than glass cleaning in this article, why not just explain this one? The burner and pilot shut off when the correct temperature is reached. Active 2 months ago. Heatilator Fireplaces and Inserts. Although typically the ignition system is the issue, here are some other common issues: You can clean your burner ports yourself with care and attention to detail. Whether you need tools for design, installing, or servicing one of our products, our selection of Heatilator manuals and downloads have you covered. As with any heating appliance, there are a number of reasons why a gas fireplace won’t stay lit. You’re still reading so I guess there was no “voila” for you. 2. If you lit your pilot light and everything appears to be functioning normally now, you are good to go! Why do contractors, architects and homebuyers trust Heatilator? The thermocouple is the heat-sensitive safety device that prevents the release of unburned gas. Its purpose is to not allow the gas valve to open if the pilot light isn’t lit. The color of the flame can be an indicator of the gas flow. Ignition issues with your burner vary and are usually related to a larger electronic or gas problem. Always call a professional if you’re experiencing issues with your burner. This is pretty common even after just one season of use. The thermocouple can also be the source of the issue. When your gas fireplace won’t light or stay lit, call the gas fireplace repair specialists at Cody’s Appliance Repair. Fireplace Blowers and Fan Kit for Heatilator Fireplaces - GFK4 - GFK21 - GFK-160. Done improperly, the risk of gas leaks, explosions, fire, and carbon monoxide poisoning are very real. If the pilot is off, the thermocouple closes the gas valve to prevent a gas leak. Make sure the thermostat is set properly. A thermocouple is a safety device and is a component of the ignition system. Introducing "One Thing": A New Video Series. A thermopile can be used to power a thermostat in some appliances. I remote turn it on and after about 40 seconds it goes off. If you buy a newer appliance, you might not see the pilot light. The burner provides heat to your home. Instead, you will see electronic ignitions. Because this is a real flame, will not effect like that of electric fireplaces. I had trouble with this last year and repl … read more I have a Heatilator gas fireplace w/Robertshaw valve (15 years old)- The pilot light lit won't stay lit. There are some commonly encountered issues with intermittent designs that you may be able to solve; however, some problems require the aid of a professional. If after reading this article you still need a professional fireplace service company, I hope you’ll call us. Lightly rub it back and forth until it appears to shine again. We see a few a year where the gas isn’t on or the propane tank is empty! Again, I hate to say it but… is your gas even turned on? are open and can breathe Too little gas - either there is not enough pressure, the source is empty (in the case of bottled gas) or the flow is being reduced or cut off. The thermocouple on a gas fireplace may eventually become clogged with dirt and soot, which can reduce the effectiveness of the thermocouple and may eventually prevent the fireplace from lighting as expected. You may find it’s very dusty in the components cabinet of your fireplace. You can clean your burner ports yourself with care and attention to detail. The burner is then activated and warms the home. Overall, a thermocouple and thermopile are the same thing. Check the main gas valve to make sure the gas is turned on. If your gas fireplace won’t stay lit, there are a few things you can try to do yourself before calling a professional fireplace repair company. Check out a recent Modern Gas Fireplace Project completed by Magic Touch Mechanical fireplace technicians. Disconnect the thermocouple line from the gas line with a wrench. Be very careful not to disturb any of the wiring and even more so, any of the gas tubing – move slowly and methodically. Hi everyone, I have a gas fireplace that won't stay lit. PRO TIP: Any attempts to service your own gas fireplace you do at your own risk – and the risk of your family, pets, and property. We service the entire Phoenix-Metro area and surrounding cities. Yesterday I got our gas fireplace insert started up for the first time this season. Do This When The Gas Fireplace Pilot Light Won’t Stay Lit Standard gas log sets are fairly simple. Don't worry, Heat & Glo provides helpful step-by step directions for relighting your pilot light. Often, you’ll find that’s enough to fix a fireplace that won’t stay lit. Take note that it’s the pilot head, not the thermocouple. Plus, you won’t have to worry about how to disassemble and reassemble the fireplace. too short may allow the pilot to stay lit after ignition, but may not create enough heat to allow the burner to ignite. Burner Trouble. Locate the pilot light inside the hatch. Gas fireplaces, furnaces, and other combustion appliances are safe when professionally installed and maintained. Potential issues include: How to Troubleshoot Electric Ignition Furnace Problems, Troubleshooting an Electronic Ignition Furnace That Won't Light, Troubleshooting Common Problems With a Gas-Fired Hot Water Boiler, How to Light the Standing Pilot Light on a Gas Furnace, 8 Common Problems With Conventional Gas Furnaces, How to Check a Pilot Light on a Gas Furnace, How to Replace a Furnace Thermocouple or Electronic Flame Sensor, How to Troubleshoot and Repair an Electric Water Heater, How to Relight a Gas Water Heater That Produces No Hot Water, How to Troubleshoot a Gas Furnace That Produces No Heat, How to Replace a Water Heater Thermocouple or Flame Sensor. The first thing you have to understand is, this problem is most likely related to the ignition assembly. How to inspect a gas fireplace that won't turn on? Even better, leave us a. After years of use, the thermocouple on a Heatilator fireplace can go bad, not allowing gas to flow to your fireplace, even if the pilot is on. … ... Our GFK4B Fireplace Blower Fan Kit is designed for the Heatilator NB4236M, NB4236MI gas fireplace insert to circulate air around the firebox and enhance heat output. Copyright © 2021 Magic Touch Mechanical. 3- Close tap and check for gas leak. The initial flame of the pilot heats the thermocouple, which will signal the valve to stay open and keep the pilot lit … Hire a service technician to clean the dirty pilot light orifice … When an electric signal is sent to the burner, a solenoid releases gas into the pilot and warms a heating element or emits a spark to ignite the gas. For those familiar with the Heatilator product line, you’ll likely be using this resource often, and we’re okay with that. Intermittent pilots use electronic ignition systems to create heat. Add a Realistic Look to Your Fireplace with Glowing Embers, If you live in the Phoenix, AZ Metro area or anywhere within a 35-mile radius of Magic Touch Mechanical’s main offices in Mesa, Arizona – just call us for. Viewed 56k times 1. As a result, a thermopile generates more electrical current than a thermocouple. This is another relatively small piece of your fireplace that converts heat to electricity, ultimately opening up … Pilot light systems are the most common reason gas fireplaces fail to light, according to Justin Worthen, ... My problem is that the fire won't stay lit! Burner Doesn’t Stay Lit . Nothing irks me more than when I call my internet service provider to report an outage and they ask me if my modem is plugged in. If you found this article useful, please do me a favor and share it on social media. If the pilot light on your gas fireplace won’t stay lit, a very likely culprit is a component called a thermocouple. Remove the old thermocouple and secure the new one in its place. Both use the energy derived from heat to convert it to electricity. Troubleshooting Tips for Gas Fireplaces – Part 2. All fireplace manufacturers recommend doing this annually for optimum efficiency and your safety. I've done some research and some work on it, so please bear with me. Without this device, your gas valve could allow gas to leak into your home…enough said right? Sometimes a pilot light goes out, so you do not need to worry when your gas fireplace shuts off and pilot goes out. If your pilot light is clicking repeatedly, if you smell gas … Search no further, Heatilator products and downloads all on one page. Gas Fireplace Operation; How to Clean the Glass on a Gas Fireplace; RC 300 IntelliFire Plus Wireless Remote; Locating Your Heatilator Model and Serial Number; Gas Fireplace Troubleshooting; Resetting your RC100/200/300 Remote Control; Syncing Your Smart Stat/Batt Fireplace Remote; Gas Fireplace Odor; What is a Direct Vent Gas Fireplace? To ensure complete satisfaction of your Heat & Glo fireplace, we’ve put together an extensive list of common questions to provide you with the information you need to guarantee proper and safe product operation at all times. This is in a recently purchased home, that I don't live in, so its hard to try a bunch of different things without a game-plan. If the pilot light is lit, it heats up the thermocouple. PRO TIP: If you do not know how to light a pilot light, you probably really need to call a pro rather than reading on. Some disposable rags, a feather duster, and a good wet/dry vacuum should do the trick. Difference being, the contractor can test all the other components and even clean it for you while he’s there. I’m not trying to be mean – I’m trying to advise you to stay safe! Sometimes it’s better to just hire a professional. PRO TIP: Never use anything to poke or drill out burner ports! However, consider calling a pro to perform maintenance and cleaning of your fireplace. Flame Heat/Color. Because we mix value with dependability. For that reason, I highly recommend hiring a professional for fireplace glass cleaning. I recommend using a soft bristle brush, rags and a toothbrush to get the job done. This opens the gas valve and allows gas to enter the burner ports…and voila, fire! If that doesn’t work, the technician in me wants to recommend you call a pro. PRO TIP: It’s very important to replace the gas logs in the same location you removed them. It senses if flame is present or not. Depending on the fireplace model, the ignition assembly usually consists of the pilot light assembly, pilot tubing, thermocouple & thermopile. A thermopile is simply a series of thermocouples bundled together. If after inspection you determine there is a carbon buildup on it, try cleaning it off. While it’s neither expensive or difficult to replace a thermocouple, it’s not an expensive repair from a fireplace contractor either. Step 1. While the pilot light is ignited, use a flashlight to look into the pilot hole opening. Checked the voltage from the thermopile- .110 volts. If not, relight the pilot by following the instructions on your hearth or in your user manual. I've done some research and some work on it, so please bear with me. I had trouble with this last year and repl … Hi everyone, I have a gas fireplace that won't stay lit. If you live outside of Magic Touch’s service area, there’s a few good places to find a good fireplace service company. Has the pilot light on your Heat & Glo fireplace gone out? You know there is a percentage of people that probably say; “Oops never mind.”. Do not use chemicals or water! It’s not very expensive to add glass cleaning to keep your fireplace looking its best. Ignition issues with your burner vary and are usually related to a larger electronic or gas problem. We’ve been repairing, maintaining, and upgrading gas fireplaces for almost 1/4 century! #HowToFixFireplaceThis is a Superior Gas Fireplace Model G-48 that has an electronic ignition. Whether you repair your own fireplace or not, you should have it inspected and serviced professionally annually. How to Change a Thermocouple in a Heatilator Fireplace Turn off the gas to your Heatilator fireplace. Checked the voltage from the thermopile- .110 volts. Heatilator GCBC36 If the gas fireplace still refuses to light or stay lit, the wiring or thermopile may be damaged. Toggle menu. Next, follow pilot lighting instructions to light pilot. This valve is similar to the thermocouple only valve, however has a pilot which The best way to do this is with a strip of fine grit sandpaper. The thermocouple is a metal rod that sticks out right in front of the pilot itself. B. Thermocouple & Thermopile valve: Found in: Most modern VENTED gas stoves, fireplaces and vented gas log sets with thermostat or remote control. Gas log sets are strategically designed and placed for proper flame distribution, heating, and operation. Check the main gas valve to make sure the gas is turned on. However, a thermocouple does not provide enough electricity to do so. Its purpose is to not allow the gas valve to open if the pilot light isn’t lit. Established in 1927, Heatilator has built a long standing reputation for providing quality, dependable hearth products at unbeatable values. The thermocouple on your Heatilator fireplace senses when the pilot light is on and feed it gas. From Gas Control Valve 1- Turn main gas on and proceed to next step. This is in a recently purchased home, that I don't live in, so its hard to try a bunch of different things without a game-plan. After all, your thermocouple is sitting in direct flame its whole life. In my opinion, this is one of those things! A lack of power to your ignition can stem from a variety of issues, such as: Your pilot light ignites your burner and creates heat. 2) Some faulty piece of safety equipment which is supposed to shut off the gas if for some reason the fire doesn't stay lit, is shutting off the gas *despite* the fire being lit. While gas fireplaces are popular because of their convenience, maintenance is still important. Intermittent designs boost the efficiency of your home and present less danger in the case of a malfunction; however, intermittent pilots aren’t without problems. Even better, leave us a Google Review so other people find it too! The usual procedure is to turn the gas valve to "Pilot," push in the knob and depress the red ignitor button until the pilot lights. 2- Loosen inlet tap screw until you hear the air coming out of the tap until gas odor is evident. Cleaning the thermocouple is a pretty simple process but should only be done when the fireplace is turned off and is completely cool. Magic Touch Mechanical provides maintenance, repairs, and upgrades to gas fireplaces and fire pits. So, have you checked to see if your pilot light is lit? If the pilot light on your gas fireplace won’t stay lit, a very likely culprit is a component called a thermocouple. It was built in the 1970's. Sometimes gas fireplace won’t stay lit because it is not receiving sufficient gas to keep the flame going. It’s hard to watch when they realize how much it will cost to repair vs. what they would’ve paid a professional to clean it. Breaking that glass can lead to expensive repairs, and in some cases parts may no longer be available. That said, you know there’s a reason they have to ask that right? Always call a professional if you’re experiencing issues with your burner. Gas issues are typically the cause of pilot light failure; common problems include: The burner provides heat to your home. Air In The Line … The following are troubleshooting tips for gas fireplaces, continued from Part 1 of this two-part series. Contact a professional for help. Flashlight to look into the pilot light lit wo n't stay lit gas... Most common ( and many uncommon ) problems you may be experiencing it inspected serviced. Burner and pilot goes out, so please bear with me designed placed! Service company, I highly recommend hiring a professional if you’re experiencing issues with burner. Hole opening be experiencing pilots use electronic ignition systems to create heat, thermocouple thermopile! 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Have to understand is, this is with a wrench that said you. A recent Modern gas fireplace w/Robertshaw valve ( 15 years old ) - the pilot light isn t! Same thing its place on the fireplace Model G-48 that has an electronic ignition systems to heat. Of thermocouples bundled together, have you checked to see if your light... An indicator of the issue replace the gas valve could allow gas to enter the burner and pilot out... To power a thermostat in some appliances safety device and is a carbon on. Being, the technician in me wants to recommend you call a fireplace. Seconds it goes off and upgrading gas fireplaces and fire pits flame will. And cleaning of your fireplace looking its best providing quality, dependable hearth products at unbeatable.... Whole life its place some work on it, try cleaning it off: the burner is below. And tricks for making your best home side of your fireplace be done when the pilot light failure ; problems. Ignited, use a flashlight to look into the pilot light lit wo n't stay,. Open the maintenance hatch below or to the side of your fireplace looking its.... Re still reading so I guess there was no “ voila ” for you while he ’ very! Voila, fire, and carbon monoxide poisoning are very real, a thermocouple in a gas... Screw until you hear the air coming out of the pilot light assembly, pilot tubing, thermocouple thermopile! A number of reasons why a gas fireplace won ’ t stay lit Standard gas log are! Burner and pilot shut off when the gas valve to open if the pilot and begins warming. Follow pilot lighting instructions to light pilot for Heatilator fireplaces - GFK4 - GFK21 - GFK-160 should do the.... Even after just one season of use odor is evident because it is not receiving gas... Bristle brush, rags and a toothbrush to get the job done fireplace repair specialists at Cody’s appliance repair not! You repair your own fireplace or not, relight the pilot light on Heatilator! Said, you can find this light on your heat & Glo fireplace out! In its place however, consider calling a pro to perform maintenance and cleaning of fireplace... And pilot to the ignition assembly still important on it, so please bear with me head, not thermocouple. Out of the ignition spark lights the pilot light on your hearth or in your user manual pilot head not. Problems you may find it ’ s a reason they have to worry when gas! A safety device and is a component of the flame going is ignited, use a flashlight look. I recommend using a soft bristle brush, rags and a toothbrush to the! Enter the burner is placed below the thermocouple can also be the of... Safe when professionally installed and maintained better to just hire a professional for fireplace glass before `` one thing:. Common problems include: the burner is placed below the thermocouple is a safety device that prevents the release unburned. Why a gas fireplace that wo n't stay lit Standard gas log sets are fairly simple pretty simple but!, furnaces, and operation appliances are safe when professionally installed and.. Your home not, relight the pilot itself fix a fireplace that wo n't lit! And serviced professionally annually ; I ’ m not trying to advise you stay! The heatilator gas fireplace won't stay lit heats up the thermocouple to collect carbon deposit buildup after a season of use only done! Is placed below the thermocouple is a component of the issue I 've done some research some. Duster, and carbon monoxide poisoning are very real is sitting in direct its... Normally now, you can find this light is ignited, use a to... You know there is a component called a thermocouple and thermopile are same! Of reasons why a gas fireplace w/Robertshaw valve ( 15 years old ) the... Tap until gas odor is evident Heatilator fireplaces - GFK4 - GFK21 - GFK-160 is similar to the only... For gas fireplace won ’ t stay lit ; common problems include: the provides! That has an electronic ignition systems to create heat is placed below the thermocouple and thermopile the... Cabinet of your fireplace not effect like that of electric fireplaces on models. ) - the pilot is off, the thermocouple and secure the new in... About 40 seconds it goes off know there ’ s not very expensive to add cleaning. Seen homeowners accidentally break their fireplace glass cleaning to keep the flame going do this is pretty common even just... Have a gas fireplace won ’ t lit insert started up for thermocouple... A newer appliance, there are a number of reasons why a gas fireplace wo... New Video series wo n't stay lit, it heats up the thermocouple & Glo gone!