A push of a button, the flick of a switch, and – voila – instant heat and atmosphere. A gas fireplace can seem like a dream come true. …but when you switch your fireplace on and are left in the cold? Well, then the situation less than ideal.

Don’t worry, though – you don’t have to stay in the dark. There are a number of reasons why your gas fireplace may not be functioning, and all of them can find resolution with the right steps. Let’s shed a little light on why your gas fireplace won’t turn on.

Reasons Your Gas Fireplace Won’t Turn On

Before delving to more specific issues, let’s overview some of the most common reasons why a gas fireplace might not turn on.

original infographic stating reasons your gas fireplace may not be working

1. Gas Supply Issues. This is a fairly obvious place to start. Is there gas reaching the unit? If you’ve recently had service work done to your home, it’s easy to forget to open the valve fully when the work’s complete. Once you’ve checked that the valve is open, verify that the gas supply is working well by seeing whether any other gas appliances you have (like a stove or water heater) are functioning.

What to do: If the gas valve is closed, carefully open it. Beyond that, if you’re unsure about your gas supply issues, it’s best to contact a professional to check for issues.

2. Thermocouple or Thermopile Issues. These components sense heat from the pilot light. If they don’t detect a pilot light, they’ll shut off the gas flow to keep you safe from a potential gas leak. If they’re faulty, though, they can shut off the gas flow unnecessarily and prevent your fireplace from igniting.

What to do: If you have a thermocouple or thermopile and it’s malfunctioning, they’ll need to be cleaned or replaced depending on the damage. A professional technician can test these components and advise you on what needs to be done.

3. Dirty Pilot Assembly. Your pilot light is a small flame that ignites the gas in your fireplace when you turn it on. But as time passes, dirt, dust, or debris can clog up the pilot light, making it too weak (or absent) to do its job.

What to do: Take a soft brush or compressed air and clear out the area surrounding the pilot light. The pilot assembly may also need to be realigned – or in some cases simply replaced – in order to work properly again.

4. Power Supply/Battery Issues (for electronic ignition systems). Newer gas fireplaces might use an electronic ignition system. The system would use electricity to spark the gas when you turn the fireplace on. But if you have an electrical connection issue or dead battery, the ignition system won’t work.

What to do: Check the batteries wherever your system has them – the fireplace remote control, wall switch, thermostat. If the batteries are dead, swap them out. Also check on power connections to make sure they’re plugged in and working.

5. Control Valve Malfunction. The control valve regulates the flow of gas to the fireplace, so if it’s clogged or not working, it might not allow gas to flow through the burner.

What to do: This should be handled by a professional, who can clean up or replace the control valve.

Final stop? The burner. It’s where gas ignites to produce the flame, but if it’s clogged with spider webs or other debris, it won’t ignite the gas well. Inspect the burner area for dirt or blockages, and clean it carefully until it’s obstruction-free and can allow proper gas flow.

My Pilot Is Lit, but My Gas Fireplace Won’t Turn On

You do need that pilot light lit, but sometimes your main burners won’t turn on even if the pilot light seems to be functioning fine. It could be that your thermocouple or thermopile is acting erratically. Fortunately, these parts are usually relatively inexpensive to replace. It could be, too, that your pilot light is weakened by gunk around the pilot tube or misaligned and (although technically present) unable to do its job. Finally, you may need to call in a pro to clean or replace the control valve.

I’m Getting No Spark From the Electronic Ignition

If you have a fireplace that uses electronic ignition, start with the batteries or plug-in. The ignition system relies on a power source, and it may not be getting what it needs. If it’s wired to your home’s power, make sure it’s plugged in and that you have no electrical issues. If it uses batteries, try replacing them.

If addressing the power situation doesn’t solve the problem, the spark electrode could be dirty, damaged, or misaligned and may need to be cleaned or replaced. Finally, scan the system for loose, worn, or damaged wiring that could be compromising power.

Is It the Control Valve?

For any gas fireplace control valve issue, you’re probably going to need professional help. Whether the cause is a blocked valve, faulty gas regulator, or faulty valve, we’ll assess and address the problem.

How Can I Avoid These Issues in the Future?

Sometimes, despite our best efforts, issues will flare up (or in this case, not flare up) in our home systems. But often gas fireplace problems can be avoided with routine inspections and maintenance. In either case, we’re here to help. Our certified, competent technicians will treat your home with as much care as our own, and make sure you can enjoy that cozy home centerpiece to your heart’s content. Call or book online now.