Gas fireplaces are practical, easy to use, and a beautiful addition to any home.
They’re not so good when they have problems for many reasons, especially if your gas fireplace keeps going out. Experiencing problems with your gas fireplace can be very annoying!
In this WarmthPedia article, we’ll start by getting familiar with the inner parts of your gas fireplace. Then, we’ll go over how to troubleshoot and fix your gas fireplace yourself and when it’s the best time to get professional help.
What is Gas Fireplace?
A gas fireplace doesn’t emit any smoke, and it vents its waste gases through a tube in the wall as opposed to up a chimney. It also has air-flow channels that help increase the amount of heat delivered to your home.
The fireplace is made of non-combustible logs that cover gas vents, while the fireplace itself burns behind glass doors. It produces heat that is both radiant and convectional and creates an environment similar to that of an open fire.
Basic Components of a Gas Fireplace
It’s helpful to know the basic parts of a gas fireplace if you want to understand why gas fireplace keeps going out. WarmthPedia has collected the main four components of the gas fireplace:
1. Pilot Light
Pilot lights are usually found in gas fireplaces. A small blue flame appears when you turn on your fireplace using a button or switch. A pilot light may also even be key-operated, allowing it to operate as long as the key in it and the gas is turned on.
2. Thermocouple
The thermocouple measures the temperature of the fireplace. It keeps the opening of the tube that supplies gas to the pilot. It must always be close to the pilot light flame in order to operate.
3. Thermopile
A thermopile controls the gas flow to a fireplace and performs a similar function to a thermocouple. It can be used with a thermostat to control the heat because it produces more power than a thermocouple does.
4. Oxypilot
The Oxypilot detects a decrease in oxygen levels if it gets clogged. As a result, the flame changes in shape and draws farther away from the thermocouple, and the fireplace shuts down by cutting off the gas flow.
Why Gas Fireplace Keeps Going Out?
And now you can start checking the main parts to know the reason why gas fireplace keeps going out.
1. Pilot Light
First, check the pilot light. All you may need to do is to solve the problem if you find it broken.
2. Thermocouple, Thermopile, and Oxygen Sensor
Then, check each of these sensors to make sure they are all working properly. Start checking the thermopile to determine whether the valve is allowing gas to enter.
Use your multiuser to check for thermocouple problems. Finally, check to see if the oxygen sensor is turning the system off automatically.
3. Heating Elements
Any dirty ports or those that have surface-level blockages will prevent the fireplace from operating. You could have found the problem if they were really broken.
What to Do When Gas Fireplace Keeps Going Out?
WarmthPedia has covered the most common reasons why gas fireplace keeps going out:
1. Pilot Light
Checking the pilot light is one of the most common solutions for a temperamental gas fireplace. If it’s not lit, you might have found the main cause of the problem.
A control panel or a key is used to turn on or off the pilot light, which can be found behind the logs or on a wall inside the fireplace.
You can find replacement keys in the stores if you can’t find yours. Check your owner’s manual to know what kind of key works in your fireplace.
If Your Fireplace Has a Key
1. Place the key into the knob of the gas valve.
2. Use a long lighter to light the burner.
3. Use the key to turn the gas valve counter-clockwise (One-half turn).
4. The pilot light should now turn on, and the gas should be released.
If Your Fireplace Has a Control Panel
1. Switch the control knob to Off, then give the gas 5 minutes to clear.
2. Make sure the shutoff valve is parallel to the gas line by rotating it.
3. Turn the control knob to the Pilot option when you’re ready to light the pilot light.
4. Press the control knob, and the ignition switch as well.
5. The ignition switch is often red. You may have to press it many times.
6. Hold the control down for at least 30 seconds or longer to give the thermocouple enough time to heat up and detect that the pilot is on.
7. Turn the control knob to “On”. Now, the pilot light should stay lit.
Once it’s on, check the color of your pilot. The healthy pilot light should s have dark blue edges and a light blue center. The gas is tainted if you notice the flame is red or yellow.
Tainted gas can be produced by burning rust, an excessive amount of air, debris, oil, or soot. Each of these may emit dangerous substances. A yellow flame may potentially be a sign of carbon monoxide.
If you notice a yellow flame, turn off the unit immediately with a carbon monoxide detector to make sure the air is safe to breathe.
Clean the Pilot Light
And here are easy steps to clean the pilot light:
1. Turn off the fireplace’s gas supply.
2. Remove the pilot light, then clean up any buildup with a wire brush.
3. Use compressed air to access hard-to-reach areas.
Try lighting it once more after cleaning it. The thermocouple will probably need to be fixed if the pilot doesn’t remain lighted. If the pilot is lit but the fireplace is not, the thermopile can be the problem here.
2. Thermopile and Thermocouple
If you have a multimeter, you may need to check the voltage on the thermopile and thermocouple.
The manufacturer’s instructions should be followed when connecting the multimeter leads to the TH/PT and PT electrical wiring. Replace the thermopile if the voltage is less than 300 millivolts. But if the voltage is less than 25 millivolts, the thermopile needs to be replaced.
Follow these WarmthPedia easy and simple steps if it has to be replaced:
1. Clean the device before replacing it.
2. The thermocouple or thermopile is placed next to the pilot light.
3. Restart the fireplace. Your problem could be solved now. If the fire goes out, check the oxy pilot and turn the gas off.
4. Turn the oxygen pilot screw. Then, use a straw or compressed air to blow through a clean hole in the oxy pilot. Once all holes have been closed, reinstall the device.
5. Light the fire again. If the problem remains, you can try using compressed air or a cloth to clean the pilot light’s gas entry.
6. If everything else fails, try to replace your sensors and oxy pilot.
Check out this YouTube video below of why gas fireplace keeps going out and how to fix this problem.
Other Reasons Why Your Gas Fireplace Keeps Going Out
In this article, WarmthPedia has covered the most common problems, but there are other problems that could be the cause. If you followed the solutions we’ve explained above and are still having trouble, we recommend contacting a repair service to check for any of the following problems.
1. Gas Pressure
Your fireplace won’t function well if your gas fireplace is not set properly. The required adjustments must be made by a professional technician.
2. Faulty Gas Valve
Gas valve failure is uncommon, but it poses a fire risk when it happens and needs professional valve replacement.
3. Drip Loop
Moisture in the gas line may be the reason for a drip loop failure. For that, your fireplace may not stay lit. Moisture can dilute natural gas.
4. Blocked Burner Ports
Oxidation, soot, and grime can build up on burner ports, restricting gas flow and igniting a fire.
Summary
Whether the fixes were effective or not, keeping your gas fireplace properly maintained helps prevent fireplace problems so you can ensure everything is working well. When your fireplace is clean and maintained regularly, it burns evenly and prevents dirt and grime from damaging its functioning.
Whether the fix was effective or not, maintaining your gas fireplace properly helps prevent future stress and ensures that it continues to work. When the fireplace is clean and has got regular maintenance, it burns evenly and keeps dirt from damaging its functioning.
Still don’t know why your gas fireplace keeps going out? Explain your problem in the WarmthPedia comments box below, and we’ll help you.