How to Adjust Millivolts on Heatilator Fireplaces

Pliers help you adjust the millivolts on a Heatilator fireplace.

Adjusting the millivolts on your Heatilator fireplace ensures that the unit works efficiently and provides adequate heat for your home. A flame that is too low reduces the amount of millivolts that operate the thermocouple and often prevents the fireplace from working properly. Heatilator has been in business since 1927 and manufactures many home heating appliances, including gas models, as well as pellet, electric, wood and outdoor units.

Things You'll Need

• Voltmeter
• Pliers

Instructions

1. Measure the millivolts on your Heatilator fireplace by using a voltmeter. Read the Heatilator owner's manual to determine the proper measurement process for your heater, because each model requires a different setting.

2. Look at the voltmeter reading to determine whether the millivolts are less than the millivolts recommended for your particular fireplace.

3. Adjust the pilot screw by turning it slightly counterclockwise with your fingers or a pair of pliers. This adjustment screw is generally labeled with the word "Pilot."

4. Test the amount of millivolts again with the voltmeter after adjusting the screw. Repeat the process if the millivolts reading is still not high enough.

Tips & Warnings

• Clean any soot off the pilot hood and the orifice surrounding it before the heating season begins. The presence of soot may also cause the pilot flame to burn out or not function correctly.

References

• Hearth.com: How Gas Appliances Work
• Heatilator: About Us