What to do if the gas fireplace does not turn on: possible causes and solutions to the problem

Agree that being left in the middle of winter without heating equipment is extremely unpleasant.According to Murphy's law, problems begin in the coldest time of the year, when turning off the device leads to an instant cooling of the coolant, and then the room.

The best solution is to call a specialist. But what to do before he arrives? In addition, the specialist may be delayed. To avoid freezing while waiting, you can try to solve the problem yourself. Below we will tell you what to do if your gas fireplace does not turn on and reveal a list of the most common problems.

Operating principle and design features

A gas fireplace is a type of heating appliance. A liquefied mixture of propane and butane or methane (natural gas) is used as fuel, thanks to which a living flame heats the room and creates the external effect of a wood-burning fireplace.

A device with a power of 2-8 kW is capable of heating a room of up to 40 square meters. The efficiency of such fireplaces is 75-80%.

Gas fireplaces are the ideal choice between eclectic counterparts and wood-burning models

Heating equipment design

The main element of a gas fireplace is the firebox, made of cast iron or heat-resistant steel.

In the firebox are:

• burner;
• reflector that reflects thermal energy;
• firebox with lining;
• a screen that redistributes gas to the burner.

The furnace is assembled at the manufacturer or at the installation site. At the bottom there is a burner, the type of which determines the design of the fireplace and the shape of the firebox.

Burner types:

• flat;
• linear;
• volumetric.

In an open gas firebox, air enters from the room through the supply valve. Combustion products are discharged through a conventional chimney, which also functions as fresh air ventilation. The best option for a chimney is stainless steel.

It must be not only heat-resistant, but also water-resistant, since combustion products contain water. No more than two 90° bends are allowed.

For a closed type burner, you can use conventional and coaxial chimney. Oxygen for combustion comes from the street or from the premises. Due to the fact that the incoming air has time to heat up, the efficiency of the furnace increases.

A gas fireplace must be registered with the gas industry. Installation of equipment is carried out only by specialists in accordance with all SNiP standards and fire safety rules

Materials used in production

The internal equipment of the device is decorated with artificial logs. The doors are made of heat-resistant glass, which allows you to observe the combustion process.

Since the combustion temperature of gas is approximately 500 °C, which is lower than the combustion temperature of firewood, the requirements for heat resistance of materials are not so strict, which has a positive effect on the cost. The glass of the fireplace door can withstand up to 800 °C.

Operating a fireplace with cracked glass is prohibited. When the fire goes out, the gas supply stops automatically. The cladding of a gas fireplace is made of heat-resistant materials.Operating the fireplace without cladding is prohibited.

The materials used are:

• stone;
• brick;
• tile;
• tiles, etc.

The possibilities for decorating a gas fireplace are wider than those of its wood-burning counterpart.

Before purchasing a fireplace, check for CE certification, which guarantees safety and indicates that the equipment has been tested

Types of gas fireplaces

A gas fireplace is capable of warming up a room, is a source of “live” fire and does not have many of the disadvantages that other models have.

Types of fireplaces:

• wall-mounted or built into the wall with a closed firebox;
• island (access from all sides);
• with an open firebox (the air is heated directly).

Types of fireplace ignition systems:

• gas enters the burner, after which the piezo lighter automatically turns on;
• after entering the burner, the gas is ignited with a igniter wick (it burns constantly);
• First of all, the piezo lighter ignites the pilot wick, and after the sensor detects that it is burning, gas is supplied to the burner.

The fireplace can be controlled using a remote control. With its help, it is proposed to set the operating time of the device, increase and decrease the flame, regulate the amount of heat produced, and set the temperature at which it will turn off.

A gas fireplace can heat the space and surrounding rooms. This requires arrangement air heating - warm air distribution.

In a well-insulated home up to 160 m², a gas fireplace can serve as the main source of heat. In a larger building it can be used as an additional heating device.

The equipment requires regular maintenance. Inspections are carried out once a year

The installation of a gas fireplace is advisable where there is a gas distribution network or heating system based on a gas tank. Usage gas cylinders less efficient, since their storage requires equipment in a special room, and the cylinders themselves need to be refilled.

Safe operation guarantee

Modern equipment is equipped with several automatic security systems. Gas is supplied under constant pressure. The gas supply process is controlled by a special sensor. In case of failure, the gas supply is automatically stopped.

Also in a gas fireplace there are atmospheric sensors that check the state of the ambient air, assessing the content of carbon dioxide released during combustion.

When choosing a fireplace, you should pay attention to the fact that European-made equipment is designed for higher pressure than is supplied in domestic systems

If the norm is exceeded, the gas supply is stopped. The presence of infrared sensors allows you to monitor the position of the device. If the fireplace tilts or tips over, the fireplace will stop operating.

How to light a gas fireplace?

There are three ways to activate a gas fireplace. There is no need to add firewood for it to function. We will tell you below how to turn on a modern gas fireplace.

Step 1: Open gas access to the fireplace, to do this:

• find the gas pipe;
• open the gas (turn the knob to the ON position next to the meter);
• When using a gas cylinder, find the handle on it and turn it.

Step 2: Turn on the gas in the fireplace:

• find the handle near the appliance (most often it is located under the fireplace);
• if there is no handle, move the switch to the working position (it is located on the wall);
• the switch can also be located in the cladding of the device.

Some models are equipped with red power buttons.

Don't forget to open the gas supply to the fireplace before turning it on.

They are located behind a metal panel or grille. If the fireplace does not light after the first press, try again after 30 seconds. If there is no button, use matches. Before doing this, make sure that the gas supply is ensured.

Why can a gas fireplace burner go out?

After learning how to light a gas fireplace, you should understand the problems that may arise during ignition. The first reason is that the gas supply is cut off automation, which is installed on all gas heating equipment.

Burner extinguishment is not immediately noticeable. Most often, the problem is discovered after the room temperature drops.

The burner turns off in the following cases:

• insufficient draft in the chimney;
• reducing gas pressure in the pipeline;
• lack of flame in the burner.

Italian EuroSIT valves or American-made Honeywell valves are used as shut-off devices. Gas shutdown can also occur due to a breakdown of the heat generator.

Insufficient draft in the chimney

If a problem occurs, the first thing to do is check the traction. To do this, you need to bring a lit match to the viewing window. If the flame deviates, the draft is normal. If it remains motionless, the problem has been detected.

According to the operating rules, it is prohibited to place umbrellas over chimney pipes.Only narrowing nozzles can be used

Possible actions:

1. By opening the window, provide air flow into the room.
2. Check the draft in the chimney pipe. To do this, disconnect the section of the chimney that is connected to the fireplace outlet. If everything is in order with the draft, you will have to disassemble and clean the unit itself.
3. If there is no draft in the main channel, the chimney will have to be cleaned.

Finally, check the condition of the outer pipe. In summer, birds could build a nest on it, and in winter, the cap could freeze.

Reduced gas pressure

If there is draft in the chimney, you need to check the fuel supply. Signs of this problem: the pilot light continues to burn, but the burner has already gone out.

Possible actions:

1. Check gas supply. Open the window and disconnect the supply hose from the pipe.
2. Open the tap. If the supply is OK, you will hear a loud hiss and smell gas.
3. If the flow is poor, the strainer should be cleaned. If the problem is not resolved, call your gas service.

Before performing any manipulations, turn off the gas!

A clogged line may be found inside the gas meter. This happens mainly after repair work on external pipelines. Self-cleaning is prohibited in this case. You should call a specialist.

Air supply problems

For normal operation of the fireplace, air must flow into the room. Strong drafts are undesirable, as the burner may go out. To make sure there is a lack of oxygen, open a window and watch the flames.

Possible reasons:

• air flow is limited by sealed plastic windows;
• a powerful kitchen hood consumes most of the oxygen;
• The interior doors were replaced, as a result of which the clearance between the door and the floor was reduced.

Try to provide a flow of fresh air. Open the window for ventilation.

Possible malfunctions of a gas fireplace

Over the years of operation, malfunctions may occur in the operation of heating equipment. Common breakdowns:

1. When you try to light the fireplace, the pilot goes out immediately. The reason is wear of the thermocouple, which heats up from the wick and keeps the gas supply valve open.
2. The fireplace does not light at all. The reason is a problem with the contact of the electrical circuit.
3. The burner ignites, but operates intermittently. The flame is yellow. This indicates that the main fuel jet is clogged.

It is not recommended to clean the jet yourself. All gas fireplace repairs must be carried out by a professional. If there is no way out, be sure to turn off the gas, and after performing repair work, check the tightness of the joints with a soap solution.

How can I check the operation of the device myself?

Depending on the model of equipment and system, there are several common reasons that affect the optimal operation of the fireplace.

For a gas fireplace to function, the pilot must be lit.

The operation of the system is based on a switch. If it fails, it should be replaced. If the system does not have a pilot light, you can flick the switch endlessly, but the fireplace will not light. Solution: light the pilot.

Another reason: a bad flame sensor. If it fails, the system will not be able to keep the gas valve open.

Solution:

• disconnect the thermocouple from the system;
• measure direct current with a multimeter;
• connect the black wire to the thermocouple button;
• connect the red wire to the copper end of the thermocouple;
• heat the thermocouple with a burner.

The readings on the multimeter will appear after the thermocouple is heated. To solve this problem, the flame sensor must be replaced. If the entire system is in working order, but the valve still does not open, it needs to be replaced.

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

Review of a gas fireplace and comparison with other models.

If you experience difficulties igniting the fireplace, you can identify the problem and fix a minor malfunction yourself. Be sure to turn off the gas supply first. Thus, at no extra cost and in the shortest possible time, you will return heat to your home. If a serious equipment malfunction occurs, repairs should be entrusted to a specialist.

Do you have additional information on the topic? Share it in the comments. You can also take an active part in the discussion of this issue, express your opinion and talk about your personal experience. If necessary, you are encouraged to ask a question to a specialist.