There are a lot of reasons why homes are installed withfireplaces.
For one, it really can become the focal point of any room.
Another is that it makes the home ambient and raises up its aesthetic value.
As such, it comes as quite a hassle if the gas fireplace stops working.
One of the problems of a gas fireplace is when the pilot light is on but would not ignite.
To check this, you must check your homes fuse or breakers.
Here are some of the most common reasons why this is happening to your gas fireplace.
1.Fuse/breaker overload
It is always recommended thatthe gas fireplace be run in its own breaker.
When the circuit breaker is overloaded, your gas fireplace simply would not ignite.
Alwayscheck the main gas if it is turned on.
If it is on and does not work its thing, the gas valve might be faulty.
Ask a technician to come and replace it because a faulty gas valve is a major fire hazard.
4.Gas pressure
There is a required gas pressure for the gas fireplace to maintain its light.
The thermocouple and thermopile troubleshooting is in the succeeding sections so let us just leave it at that.
When it comes to function, both the thermocouple and the thermopile work by converting heat to electricity.
But in terms of electricity generated, the thermopile produces more electricity than the thermocouple.
How do you know if you have a bad thermocouple?
The best measure fordiagnosing a bad thermocouple would be using a multimeter.
If you have a good thermocouple, it will register 25 millivolts or higher.
If it is less than that, it already indicates that you should replace the thermocouple.
If the thermocouple is not the problem, next check the thermopile.
Using the same multimeter, find out if it registers 300 millivolts.
If it is below that, it needs replacement.
How long does a thermocouple last on a gas fireplace?
So, as previously said, the thermocouple is a heat sensor which transfers electricity to the gas valve.
It is in thegas furnaceand keeps the gas valve open through electricity whenever the pilot is on.
On average,the thermocouple lasts for at least 10 years.
Regularly checking your thermocouples gauge should undergo a four-year check cycle to see to it that everything is working.
Related:20+ Types Of Fireplaces and Their Names
Should I replace my thermocouple/thermopile right away?
No, because you’re able to clean them first.
Sometimes, you just need to remove carbon deposits from the TC and the TP.
It is also way cheaper to clean them both first.
Just turn off the gas supply first and then clean it with fine-grit sandpaper and stainless-steel brush.
Take as much soot as you’re able to.
If the cleaning does not work, that is the only time that you replace them.
What is the right pilot light color?
The flame must touch and surround the thermocouple and thermopile.
If ever the flame becomes red or yellow, that could mean that your gas is contaminated.
How much does it cost to replace a thermocouple on a gas fireplace?
If you hire a professional in replacing your thermocouple, you could spend a range of $70-150.
How do you reset the pilot light on a gas fireplace?
Can I manually light my gas fireplace?
So how do you light a gas fireplace without electricity?
Here are the steps to follow.
Here is a visual for you to execute it properly.
Is it dangerous if pilot light goes out on the gas fireplace?
It could be, especially if the pilot light goes out and the gas valve is still pumping.
Should gas fireplaces without a standing pilot light system be turned on every time?
Is it safe to leave the gas fireplace on overnight?
The reasons behind a gas fireplace with the pilot light on that does not ignite are more than one.