How to Troubleshoot Fire Logs
With increasing frequency, homeowners are using gas or electric fireplace inserts rather than fuss with the more traditional wood-burning fireplace. Not only are these inserts cleaner than a traditional wood-burner, but you can save time, money and energy by not having to amass and store enough wood to last the winter. While electric logs still have a ways to go in terms of authenticity, today's gas logs are extremely realistic-looking. There are some basic things to look for when troubleshooting a malfunctioning unit. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Flashlight
- Voltmeter
- Carbon monoxide detector
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Instructions
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Electric Logs
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Turn off the circuit breaker before beginning any work. Electric logs are made of ceramic and heated by electricity. The appearance of flames comes from a series of lights underneath the logs.
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Check that the bulbs are screwed in correctly. Turn the circuit breaker back on.
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Turn on the "On/Off" switch. This is the main switch that supplies power to the unit. It allows the lights to flicker with no heat being produced. Check to see that all the bulbs light up.
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Reset the temperature cutoff switch by turning the unit off for five minutes and then back on. This switch protects the unit from overheating. If the firebox is metal instead of brick, the unit may overheat and cut off on a regular basis. If this continues, you may need to install a new firebox.
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Test the "Low Heat" and "High Heat" switches, which supply power to the heater and the fan.
Gas Logs
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Clean and inspect the chimney each year using a professional chimney cleaner. The vent cap should be checked to make sure it's not damaged in any way, and the flue should be opened before lighting the logs. Gas logs need a working chimney, just like a wood-burning fireplace.
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Check the gas line if the flame is low. The line may be too narrow, loosely connected or blocked. If the pilot light or the flame goes out on a regular basis, other gas appliances may be drawing gas away from the fireplace unit, indicating that you need a wider line.
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Check the draft spill switch if the pilot light goes out. If the switch is open, reset the flame manually. Make sure the pilot light is positioned over the burner pan. Adjust the flame by adjusting the valve on the pilot control.
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Check the thermopile generator by testing it with a voltmeter. If the reading is less than 500 millivolts, the generator will need to be replaced. The unit has a life expectancy of five years.
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Open the shutter to the burner inlet if you see black soot in the fireplace. Soot is an indication that the flame is burning too rich and you have a poor air-to-gas ratio. Opening the shutter will increase the air flow.
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Check the heat sensor if the flame ignites but won't stay lit. It may need to be replaced. If the firebox is metal rather than brick, the pilot light may be overheating.
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Tips & Warnings
Always install a carbon monoxide detector near a gas fireplace. Gas fireplaces emit a large amount of carbon monoxide, most of which goes harmlessly up the chimney, but it's best to be safe.
Make certain you are using the proper type of gas for your unit. Propane and gas units are not interchangeable.
References
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Comstock/Getty Images
