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How to Fix a Gas Fireplace that Keeps Turning Off

Having a gas fireplace installed in your home is an intelligent choice. Gas fireplaces warm your home at a lower cost, and they are far safer than wood-burning fireplaces. It also gives you control over the room temperature. There are some drawbacks to a gas fireplace; as minor as they are, they can cause you an inconvenience. The most common issue with gas fireplaces is they shut off by themselves. You may want to know how to fix a gas fireplace that keeps turning off, but you need a qualified chimney inspector to inspect your gas fireplace. Here are some of the problems the inspector will look for while inspecting your gas fireplace.

Gas Fireplace Services Madison, TNLet’s take a look at some of the issues that can cause a gas fireplace to keep turning off.

Pilot Light Issues

If your pilot light doesn’t work, you won’t have a fire; it’s as simple as that. If you are unfamiliar with a pilot light, it is a minute blue flame that ignites with the push of a button; in turn, it ignites the gas in your fireplace. If the flame from your pilot light is not blue, it indicates something is wrong with it. If your pilot light is not blue or doesn’t ignite at all, it is likely caused by dust clogging it or the pilot assembly. It takes a professional to be sure of the cause of a defective pilot light, so having a chimney sweep examine it makes the most sense.

A Defective Thermocouple

Every gas fireplace has what is known as a thermocouple. The thermocouple is the component that measures the gas flow and supplies gas to the pilot light via a valve. It is a sensor that opens the gas valve when turning on the gas in your fireplace. Its purpose is twofold, to allow you to control the room’s temperature and keep your fireplace from overheating and starting a fire. If your thermocouple is malfunctioning, the pilot light will only stay lit for a brief period.

Many gas fireplaces have both a thermocouple and thermopile, which are similar in function. A thermopile, however, has a higher electrical current. It is a safe bet that if either component needs replacement, the other does as well because they are exposed to the same amount of wear and tear.

Burner Ports

The burner ports are perforations in the burner that emit the gas that feeds the flame. As you might imagine, soot, dirt, and dust can individually or together cause clogs in your burner ports. If you start your fireplace’s pilot light and no other flames occur, then it is likely that your burner ports are clogged; but other issues could exist. Dangerous problems such as a gas leak could be why your fireplace isn’t lighting, so it needs to be inspected by a professional who can tell the difference between the two problems.

Gas Fireplace Inspection in Hillsboro, TNAvoiding Issues with Your Gas Fireplace

The best way to deal with a problem in your gas fireplace is to eliminate it before it occurs. Having your gas fireplace inspected and cleaned regularly will help identify an issue with your fireplace before it turns into an expensive problem. Along with your gas fireplace, your chimney should be inspected and cleaned on an annual basis; that way, you can be sure that the top and bottom are clean and in good shape.

Let A-1 Chimney Specialist Inspect Your Gas Fireplace

If your gas fireplace keeps turning off on its own, we can help. Our chimney sweeps are Chimney Sweep Institute of America (CSIA) certified and can quickly identify and fix any issue with your gas fireplace. Call us today and speak with one of our fireplace experts, who will be happy to discuss the possible solutions to your problem.