If you have a gas fireplace, you know how convenient and enjoyable they can be. But like any other appliance in your home, gas fireplaces require regular maintenance and occasional repairs.
In this article, we’ll take a look at eight common gas fireplace problems and what you can do to fix them.
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The flame is too low or won’t stay lit
There are a few possible causes for this problem. First, check to make sure that the gas valve is fully open. If it is, then the problem may be with the pilot light.
If the pilot light is out, you’ll need to relight it. This can usually be done by following the instructions in your owner’s manual.
If the pilot light won’t stay lit, there may be a problem with the thermocouple. This is a safety device that senses when the pilot light is lit and shuts off the gas if it goes out.
If the thermocouple needs to be replaced, you should call a qualified technician or schedule gas fireplace repair in Guelph, ON to do it.
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The fireplace produces soot or smoke
If your fireplace produces soot or smoke, it is likely that the problem lies with the flue. The flue is the part of the fireplace that carries away smoke and other gases. If the flue is blocked, these gases can build up and cause soot or smoke to come back into the room.
There are a few things you can do to clear a blocked flue:
– Use a chimney brush to scrub the inside of the flue
– Check for animals nesting in the flue and remove them if present
– Make sure that there are no objects blocking the flue from the outside
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There is a draft coming from the fireplace
A drafty fireplace is not only annoying, but it can also be dangerous. If you notice a draft, it’s significant to take action right away.
One common cause of a drafty fireplace is a faulty damper. The damper is the metal plate that covers the opening of the fireplace. When it’s not working properly, it can allow cold air to enter the fireplace and up through the chimney.
To fix a faulty damper, you’ll need to hire a professional chimney sweep or mason to replace it. Another potential cause of a drafty fireplace is an improperly sized flue liner. The flue liner is the metal pipe that runs up the inside of the chimney. If it’s too small, it can create a draft.
Again, you’ll need to hire a professional to fix this problem. In some cases, the only way to fix a drafty fireplace is to seal off the chimney altogether. This should be done by a professional and is usually only necessary as a last resort.
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The fireplace makes strange noises
If your gas fireplace starts making strange noises, it could be due to different problems. One possibility is that the pilot light is dirty. Over time, grime and fragments can develop on the pilot light, causing it to make a hissing or popping noise.
The easiest way to clean a dirty pilot light is to blow it out with a can of compressed air. You can also try using a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol.
Another possible cause of strange noises from the gas fireplace is an obstruction in the flue. As we mentioned earlier, the flue is the part of the fireplace that carries away smoke and other gases. If something is blocking the flue, it can cause the gases to build up and make a noise.
The best way to remove an obstruction from the flue is to hire a professional chimney sweep. They have the tools and experience necessary to safely remove whatever is blocking the flue.
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The fireplace won’t turn on
If your gas fireplace won’t turn on, the first thing you should do is check the gas valve. The gas valve is usually located behind the fireplace. If it’s not fully open, gas will not be able to flow to the fireplace and it won’t turn on.
If the gas valve is open, then the problem may be with the pilot light. As we mentioned earlier, if the pilot light is out, the gas fireplace won’t turn on. So, if the pilot light is dirty or something is blocking the flue, it could prevent the fireplace from turning on.
If you can’t seem to get the fireplace to turn on, it’s best to call a professional. If possible, you can also search for oil to gas conversion companies near me in Guelph, ON as they may be able to help. B.A.P Heating and Air Conditioning are experts in gas fireplace repair and can help you get your fireplace up and running again.Now that you know some of the most common gas fireplace problems and their solutions, you can keep your fireplace in good working condition for years to come. Contact B.A.P Heating and Air Conditioning at (519) 835-4858 for more information.
