Having a gas fireplace in your home is a perk that many homeowners love, so it’s frustrating when your cozy fireplace starts malfunctioning. In some cases, gas fireplaces shut off on their own due to underlying issues.
Why Does My Gas Fireplace Shut Off by Itself?
Is your gas fireplace shutting off by itself? This is a frustrating situation for any homeowner, but the good news is that it’s often simple to get to the bottom of the issue.
From the pilot light to a remote control malfunction, there are several reasons why your gas fireplace shuts off by itself. Keep in mind that working with a fireplace repair professional is the best way to find a solution.
Problems With Your Pilot Light
When you turn on your gas fireplace, the first thing you should see is your pilot light. It’s a small flame that burns continuously and ignites your main burners. If it goes out, the rest of the fireplace will go out with it.
Many homeowners ask, “Why won’t my pilot light stay lit?” There are several things that could cause a pilot light malfunction, such as dirtiness, misalignment, and a weak flame. A professional can test your pilot light to see if it stays on or goes out. If it goes out, they can try cleaning it and testing it again.
A fireplace repair professional can assess the issue and find the root cause of the pilot light failure. From there, they can offer a solution that will get your gas fireplace burning again.
Thermocouple or Thermopile Failure
Gas fireplaces either have a thermocouple or a thermofile. These are safety devices that sense heat and measure temperature. If they don’t sense enough heat, they’ll shut off your fireplace to prevent gas from building up.
A faulty thermocouple or thermopile will shut off your gas fireplace even though heat is present. This often happens because the component has gotten dirty. While these parts can be cleaned with fine sandpaper, it’s best to leave this to a professional.
Pilot light misalignment can also block heat from reaching the thermocouple or thermofile. A pro can make sure that the pilot light flame directly hits the sensor so that it can do its job.
Gas Line Issues
Low pressure, a leak, or a blockage in your gas supply can shut off your fireplace unexpectedly. However, this is a good thing because it shuts off as a safety precaution to avoid a dangerous gas leak.
If you smell gas, turn off your fireplace immediately and leave the area. Contact a professional to address the leak before you turn your fireplace on again.
If the gas line issue is not due to a leak, it could be a blockage. Make sure your gas valve is fully open when you turn on your fireplace.
For safety reasons, it’s crucial to work with a professional when you’re experiencing gas line issues. Do not try to solve the problem yourself.
Thermostat Connection Problems
Some gas fireplaces are connected to thermostats and shut off simply because the room has reached the set temperature. To test if this is the issue, try adjusting the temperature on the thermostat and see if your fireplace responds.
If this doesn’t work, a faulty thermostat could be the culprit. Call in a fireplace repair pro to see if it needs to be replaced or rewired.
Airflow or Vent Issues
If your home doesn’t have proper airflow, your gas fireplace can overheat and automatically shut off as a safety precaution. Luckily, this often has an easy solution.
Start by checking that your outdoor vent cap isn’t blocked by debris or anything else. Next, make sure that your fireplace isn’t blocked or enclosed on the inside. If this doesn’t fix the issue, call in an expert to inspect your vents and fix any air flow issues you discover.
Remote Control or Wall Switch Malfunction
Is your fireplace controlled by a remote control or a wall switch? If your electronics are malfunctioning, it could cause your gas fireplace to randomly shut off.
If you have a remote, start by replacing the batteries. If you can, reset the wall switch. You can also check remotes or wall switches for loose wires or connections.
If the issue persists, you may need to replace your remote control or have your wall switch replaced.
What Causes Thermocouples to Go Bad?
One of the major differences between a gas and a wood fireplace is that gas fireplaces have thermocouples. If the thermocouple becomes damaged, it can shut off your fireplace.
There are several reasons why thermocouples can go bad and shut off your gas fireplace. Corrosion is a common issue that can develop over time as moisture, combustion byproducts, and air wear down the metal parts of the thermocouple.
If a thermocouple becomes corroded, it cannot properly detect heat. This causes it to shut off the gas as a safety precaution automatically.
Another common issue is mechanical damage. Thermocouples are made with fine wire and other sensitive components that can become easily bent, broken, or pinched. If done incorrectly, the thermocouple can sometimes be damaged during installation.
Attempting to clean or realign a thermocouple can also damage it, so it’s best to leave this job to the professionals. If you suspect that your thermocouple is damaged, do not try to repair it yourself. Call in the help of a fireplace repair professional.
Next, thermal stress can take a toll on thermocouples. Years of burning gas fires can wear down the thermocouple, causing it to become unresponsive. If your gas fireplace is old, talk to an expert about repairing or replacing the thermocouple.
Thermocouples may stop working if they’re too dirty to detect heat. Residue from gas combustion, cleaning chemicals, or paint can build up on the thermocouple and interfere with how it works.
In many gas fireplaces, the thermocouple is tucked deep inside the unit, so homeowners shouldn’t try to inspect or fix it themselves. It’s best to call in a fireplace repair professional instead. An expert can identify the root of the issue and advise you on the next steps so you can enjoy your gas fireplace again.
How Long Does a Thermocouple Last on a Gas Fireplace?
Most thermocouples are designed to last between 2 and 10 years. This may seem like a big range, but it’s helpful to remember that the amount of wear and tear a thermocouple undergoes depends on how much it’s used.
Generally, the more often you use your gas fireplace, the quicker your thermocouple will wear down.
Another factor is whether you maintain your thermocouple properly. Regular professional cleanings can play a big role in extending the lifespan of your device. You should also have an expert check your thermocouple for signs of corrosion and misalignment at least once a year.
The other thing that can dictate how long your thermocouple lasts is how well it was made. Some models are higher quality than others, and a professional can tell you more about the quality of your thermocouple.
To help your thermocouple last longer, talk to a professional about proper cleaning and maintenance.
Can I Replace a Thermocouple Myself?
You should not attempt to replace your thermocouple by yourself. Most homeowners do not have the knowledge or experience to handle a thermocouple. Keep in mind that your fireplace contains pressurized gas lines and delicate parts that can be easily damaged.
If you’re experiencing issues with your thermocouple and gas fireplace, contact a professional to handle the problem. They know how to handle the equipment gently to avoid further damage and can get to the bottom of it for you.
Capitol Chimney Is An Expert on Gas Fireplaces
If you’re having issues with your gas fireplace, it’s best to call in a professional. A fireplace repair professional can assess the issue and make any needed repairs. At Capitol Chimney, we can assure you that your gas fireplace will be well taken care of.
