But when they turn it back onit would not release gasuntil you manually light the pilot. How Can I Tell if My Fireplace Damper is Open? components are clean and working efficiently. If your electric fireplace doesn't turn on at all, there are many possible culprits. rev2023.3.3.43278. explaining how to open an electric fireplace). You may also want to open up the back of the unit and clean the fan of any dust and dirt build-up that may impede the unit from self-cooling. The most likely and often simplest cause of your electric fireplace going on and off (even extremely regularly) is your thermostat settings. Check to ensure the heater blower or wherever the heat is dispersed into the room is not blocked by anything. Check your remote-control status and switch the batteries or replace them if needed. Why Does My Gas Fireplace Have a Small Flame? On most fireplaces I've seen (non-electronic start), a thermocouple provides enough power, along with the initial press/hold of the solenoid, to keep the solenoid open for the pilot light to remain lit. The air take opening is an integral part of the device, which needs to be unrestricted at all times. Heat & Glo fireplaces will sometimes turn on and off without signs of why. When an electric fireplace keeps making a This includes dust or dirt build-up as well as more obvious to spot objects like carpet. buttons and dials that control both the flames and heater components. Similar to #1, if there is no voltage, but it is open, it's likely stuck. One more reason for the problem can be the remote control. that the fireplace is plugged directly into a wall socket, and that the power So the first and most apparent check is to make sure its plugged in. Fitting an L-Shaped Couch? If they are shorted together any other place it will also turn the fireplace on. Loose hardware is the most common culprit of noisy motors. clean. This causes miscommunicating between the remote interface and the fireplace receiver. Mount the thermostat with the previously removed wires and screws, then close the front panel. The engineer should also clean the fire and clean and/or replace the pilot assemblyor take the burner tray out to get at the thermocouple to change it. Did the technician remove the switch wires from the unit when it shut off finally? 3. Get free, zero-commitment quotes from pro contractors near you. Check for other causes before reaching this conclusion such as dirt and debris or incorrect thermostat settings. But yours isn't which tells me you have a weak thermopile and it needs replacing. The other night my electric heater turned itself on. If you place a bulb in your fireplace that has too high a wattage, your electric fireplace will shut itself off for safety reasons. Radio Frequency Interference (RFI) is my culprit. A malfunctioning remote control is another reason why your electric fireplace can spontaneously turn on by itself. 4. 6. main switch on the fireplace automatically turns on the flames (I cant turn A few possible causes that are responsible for your Dimplex electric fireplace remote not working are: Improper operation An outside source may be causing a radio frequency disturbance. Would a Fireplace surround like this be a difficult DIY? temperature. If you still cannot locate it after . My house was either hit by lightning or lightning struck very close by. At first, it may appear like a scene from a horror movie. Check to make sure the switch is actually in the on position. I also have an additional dial on the fireplace that I used to adjust the my electric fireplace by turning the thermostat dial past the current room that the fireplace is plugged in and turned on at the wall. 7. Thank you SeattlePioneer. If your Heat & Glo is not working properly, you may need to remove the thermocouple, to either clean it or replace it. But if it is damaged by any means it can cause serious trouble to the gas fireplace. on: If you are within your warranty period, its worth contacting the manufacturer for any other possible causes and solutions. God Bless. To the best of our knowledge it has not happened again. Check the thermostat for settings that are too high, then adjust accordingly 3. Replace the bolts that secure the glass panels to the fireplace. Thank you. noise when the thermostat dial is turned to the current temperature in the Ensure that the fireplace is Having cords lying under chairs, rugs, and carpets is dangerous. Heat & Glo fireplaces will sometimes turn on and off without signs of why. I have had the exact same problem for two years, however I do not have a remote, only wall a switch. If your electric fireplace wont turn on: Ensure Tile Color and Brick in Kitchen and Dining Room. However, there are a select few models that are suitable for both indoor and outdoor use and they come in plenty of different styles to suit your garden area. 5 Things To Know, Gas Fireplace Keeps Beeping? The spindle spinner is the mechanism that creates the illusion of flames in your electric fireplace. Sort by: Oldest jca1 15 years ago Is your remote a thermostat remote,is there a t-stat anywhere in the system? Try reconfiguring the remote to limit radio interference and check if there is a fault with the receiver in the fireplace itself. We added some shielding and the problem went away. Why Does My Electric Fireplace Make a Clicking Noise? Home Improvement Stack Exchange is a question and answer site for contractors and serious DIYers. Ensure Generally, however, the way to reset your electric fireplace is to turn all switches on your fireplace to the off position and unplug it from the wall for at least five minutes. Check for tripped circuit breakers. Other times, some wiring issues or switch problem arises that cause the fireplace to light on its own. 4. Check that the batteries are fresh in your remote control. Fireplace timers are typically replaced by getting a new clock to go between the plug and the outlet. Once it turned itself on after shutting itself down, but typically it just shuts itself off. I guess the subject line says it all. Therefore, ensure to check your remote control status and switch the batteries or replace it if needed. The devices electric component could have either burnt out or short-circuited. We've never had this issue before either.Thanks for your response. temperature set on the thermostat. component looks like from inside: If your electric fireplace heater wont Leave the Allow a couple of minutes to see if the heat comes on; once it does, reset the thermostat for the desired temperature. It can be common to have an electric Ensure Electric fireplaces are becoming increasingly popular among homeowners. A faulty outlet or loose plug can cause a power cord, outlet, or plug to get warm. If your fireplace is plugged into an extension cable, try putting the power cable straight into the wall socket and see if it will turn on. However,, Read More Electric fireplace smells like burning plastic 3 common causes and how to fix it [2023]Continue, Can electric fireplaces cause fires? How can I check before my flight that the cloud separation requirements in VFR flight rules are met? Ensure room. Like if the oven turns on its own or if the fireplace lights up automatically. Once you have an idea of what might be happening, we have a few ideas to help fix the problem for good. with each model of electric fireplace can also vary, and so it can sometimes be Thats because it saves money and time, which is the ultimate goal. Faulty Master Switch. When troubleshooting, always start with the easiest thing first, to avoid replacing pricey parts that werent broken in the first place. Like many other electric fireplaces, my When an electric fireplace shuts off by itself there are usually five main issues: Overheating, a faulty thermostat, an incorrect bulb, restricted airflow, or a blocked inlet. If your fireplace is shutting off because of a thermostat malfunction you need to remove the thermostat and check it for continuity. each heat setting. Check the igniter. Witnessing your electric fireplace spontaneously light up can be a spooky experience. From what I read it could be a stray signal? plugged in at the wall and turned on. Once you have it out, look for the indicator light. Do Bioethanol Fireplaces Need Ventilation (Fresh Air)? So how did the problem get fixed?? This is usually caused by the thermostat being set too low. In order to turn the high heat setting on, The other routes are from the toggle switch to the gas valve. Thus for a temporary solution, you can remove the batteries from the remote. If your fireplace turns on and off by itself, it can be quite frustrating. And your gas fireplace will be working like its usual self again. Copyright 2022 Temperature Master | Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions | Contact. If the unit is still not working, you will need to replace the thermocouple. A flame sensor senses when pilot is lit. Open up the back panel and lubricate using WD-40 or something similar. Sticky buttons sometimes stay pushed in, turning on the fireplace. 3. The most common reason that a circuit breaker trips is because the circuit is overloaded. Why is there a voltage on my HDMI and coaxial cables? These motorized components can wear out The most common cause of your fireplace turning on by itself is a dirty chimney. These fireplaces require either continuous power or a battery pack to operate. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn a small commission. Loose connections or power surges could affect the switchs circuit board, thus making your electric fireplace light up by itself. Could that have fixed the problem or should we call a technician, do you think?Thanks for taking the time to help us problem solve!Chris. remote, change the batteries and see if you can turn your electric fireplace Disconnect the two to four wires on the back of the switch, labeling them for correct placement. For more information about why your electric fireplace keeps shutting off, Ive written another article here. If your burner drops out after a few minutes or sobut the pilot stays litit is "cycling". I've just tried replacing the bulbs with 2 different sets of 40W 120V bulbs as specified in the manual, but no luck. Check your fuse box or breaker When room temperature dips below the set temperature, the fireplace will turn on by itself. Locate the control knob on your unit. Many electric fireplaces also come with an Youll need to decide what isnt necessary to be plugged into the same load-bearing circuit. Its 7 years old and a year ago it began to shut itself off. To reset your unit, locate the module that has the reset switch setting. Everything you NEED to know to stay safe [2023]Continue, Do electric fireplaces need their own circuit? In other words, it you blow it outyou would hear a "click" which means the gas supply to the pilot just stopped. Turn the thermostat up to the highest setting and make sure it is set to heat. air from circulating through the heating element and providing warm air to the The second function of generating that low voltage (.250-.750) is to open an close the main valvewhich releases gas to your main burner. Any other idea what could cause it to come on by itself? Most people associate an electric fireplace with indoor use only. Disconnect between goals and daily tasksIs it me, or the industry? This is to let you know what the current temperature in the At the same time, other wires can also cause this problem. Too many things are plugged into it. If they read 0 volts, the thermopile needs to be replaced. Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers, Outdoor Lighting & Audio/Visual Specialists. What is a word for the arcane equivalent of a monastery? Let me try and explain. So, shall we take a peek at it then? Faulty Remote Issues Why did Ukraine abstain from the UNHRC vote on China? 5. the current room temperature is. As you will find out, this is a sporadic problem. 6 Reasons Why Your Electric Fireplace Keeps Shutting Off. Why do small African island nations perform better than African continental nations, considering democracy and human development? Make a habit of regulating your thermostat settings to ensure that the fireplace doesnt waste electricity when there shouldnt be a reason for it to be on. located in a confined space, is free of any obstructions and the components are It has been working properly until today--it decided to come on by itself. Although many electric fireplaces do not require a dedicated circuit to operate, some do. The first and most important consideration when looking at the functioning of an electric fireplace is whether or not the device is on a timer or has a clock. FireplaceUniverse.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Test your fireplaces timer by plugging the appliance directly into the wall without a timer. An in-depth guide for 2023Continue, Electric fireplaces are a common feature in many homes these days. I have a Lenox direct vent insert with only a remote, no wall switch. Turn the wall switch into on position, and your fireplace will light up. Change batteries in the remote. Once you have done this, allow some time for the unit to cool down. One possibility is that the switch is faulty and is constantly turning the fireplace on. can include: The type and number of controls that come The high-limit switch shuts off the heater when it is overheated. A broken wall timer randomly triggers the gas fireplace to turn on. If your electric fireplace trips the circuit breaker all on its own, you may need to find a different circuit to plug it into. Try replacing the remote control if none of this works. Gas fireplaces are more efficient than traditional wood-burning fireplaces, but some mechanical concerns can hinder their performance. Heres Why (+ How to Fix), Kenmore Elite Dryer Not Heating? and so must have a source of mains electrical power to operate. Why Does My Gas Fireplace Keep Going Out? Mutually exclusive execution using std::atomic? The most likely cause of this problem is that wiring is burned or shorted out. temperature above the current room temperature, or the fireplace heater wont Also, ensure that airflow is good to the back area for good ventilation while it is on. keep your room at a constant set temperature. And by now, you might have already guessed one. Use a flat blade screwdriver to adjust the set screw, on the right side of the gas valve. Well, dont worry, we have an entire article thatll help you understand the reasons in detail. Radio interferrence? Our fireplace has a remote, and an electric igniter. a $3 switch was the solution to a fireplace that keeps turning itself off. The main reason behind this is always the faulty parts. To reset the unit, move the switch to the middle (off) position, and leave it for 5 minutes. The light will blink from red to green, if the unit is locked out, and needs to be reset. So, as you can see its an essential component of the gas fireplace. That's it. The batteries could be dead. I have an electric fireplace that has 5 Your Do You Need Brick or Stone Fireplace Repair? Now place the glass assembly back into place. clicking noise as the temperature in the room rises above and falls below the Like many other freestanding electric Similar to #1, if there is no voltage, but it is open, it's likely stuck. Open up your fireplace and look for loose screws or parts that move around. For instance, if you set the thermostat dial at 29C (84F) in winter, the fireplace will keep warming the room until that temperature is attained. More seriously, a short circuit may happen when the breaker instantly trips after being reset. I even tried removing the back panel on the off chance there was obvious damage . They come in a wide range of styles and designs and can be used for both heating and aesthetic purposes. If there is no heat, the sensor may be malfunctioning and could need replacing. Stack Exchange network consists of 181 Q&A communities including Stack Overflow, the largest, most trusted online community for developers to learn, share their knowledge, and build their careers. Ensure This causes miscommunication in the wiring system. So if the fireplace is stuck on, I would think it's one of two things: There is a short in the controller and power is always being provided to the solenoid. This will sort out the problem. Likewise, the fireplace will automatically light itself if the room temperature falls below a pre-set threshold. Remove the mounting screws from the switch. A Thermostat DialB Main On and Off Switch (turns on the flames)C Low Heat Setting On and Off SwitchD High Heat Setting On and Off SwitchE Flame Effect Dimmer Dial. trouble when using the electric fireplace for the first time. The service tech said I needed a new switch, didn't work. I'm a writer that is passionate about home improvements, remodeling, and renovating. But the good news is, it can be fixed! 2. I enjoy learning new skills and techniques and sharing them with others. Heres Why (+ How To Fix), Whirlpool Cabrio Dryer Not Heating? I was able to correlate keying my amateur radio transmitter with the gas fireplace lighting. The latest models of gas fireplaces are equipped with an automated switch to act as a safety feature in case of any troubles. They can be tested for power with a multimeter. I created this website to help others learn about all types of fireplaces and how they can make the most of them. The problem could be something as simple as needing to reset the unit. Something as simple as blocking the airflow out of the heater can cause your fireplace to shut off. Heres Why, Do Gas Fireplaces Have a Flue? Houses consume more power when people are sleeping, so many timers are set to turn off or reduce power to various appliances during this time. Turn the thermostat up to the highest setting and make sure it is set to heat. Now, most people dont have a remote controller for their fireplaces. Direct contact with heat or electricals could ignite the liquids. If your Dimplex electric fireplace won't turn on, the first thing to check is the power source. Plug something else, like your toaster, into the plug and see if it works. that the main power switch on the fireplace is turned on. Replacing either component requires turning off the gas and electricity. It is always a great idea to keep the fireplace turned off in summer. The energy generated by this device is somewhere around .750-.250 millivolts (DC). Your electric fireplace turns on by itself because an incorrectly calibrated thermostat can automatically power it up if the room temperature has dropped below the setting on the thermostat. According to the repairman, over time, a tiny amount of corrosion (or even just plain wear) will affect the connection inside the switch, creating increased resistance. I hope this helps explain whats going on. With both switches on, turning The toggle switch and remote control receiver turn the fireplace on by connecting those two wires together. Why Does My Electric Fireplace Turn On By Itself? Heres a helpful tutorial to identify and test your fireplaces thermopile and thermocouple: If your gas fireplace is attached to a wall timer (through an outlet or internal wiring), the timer might be at fault. the fireplace off at the main switch on the appliance, or on the wall. overheating. Until the problem is solved, I recommend unplugging your electric fireplace from the wall socket. Allow your electric fireplace time to cool down if you have been using it. They are relatively easy to install, do not require a chimney, and can be used in places where wood-burning fireplaces are not practical. Heres Why (+ How To Fix), Cold Water Not Working on a Washing Machine? that any power switches that control the flames are turned on. Luckily, most of the issues are common issues, that can be resolved. need to be changed if the squeaking noise doesnt go away. Whatever the situation, youll have your electric fireplace up and working in no time! Give sufficient time for the heater to cool. Radio frequencies (not infrared) can penetrate walls/structure up to 100 ft. awaylike a garage door remote. Remove the glass panels from the front and sides of the fireplace to clean them. It's a safety system. over time and use, and cause an electric fireplace to make a squeaking noise. The reset button on your electric fireplace will depend on the specific model you have. If you can't relearn to a new frequency, you only option may be to buy and install a new remote/receiver where you can "learn" it to several frequencies. It is late summer. Gas Fireplace Explodes When Starting? fireplace, turn on any switches that control the heater. So, checking up on all the wires is a good idea. This is a "Sure heat" savanna, purchased thru home depot a few years ago. In Electric Fireplaces, Indoor Fireplaces by James O'KellyNovember 20, 20197 Comments. How this works is: The manual ignition pilot engulfs a round piece of metal called a thermo-pile. The best answers are voted up and rise to the top, Not the answer you're looking for? Are you having trouble with your Heat & Glo fireplace turning on and off? The heater element will be located inside the electric fireplace. Then you may need to troubleshoot the switch or remote control. First, check your thermostat settings occasionally. Many components on an electric fireplace arent serviceable (the manual for my electric fireplace states that there are no user-serviceable parts) and so you may be offered a replacement fireplace. It was the loudest explosion I have ever heard in my life. After you have determined that the sensor is good and that the unit is not overheating, the next step is to replace the thermocouple. There is also a thermopile that provides enough power to open/close the solenoid that controls the main burners (on it's own, without requiring you to first manually hold the solenoid in place like the pilot). Allow a couple of minutes to see if the heat comes on; once it does, reset the thermostat for the desired temperature. Remember all fireplaces have automatic safety shut off because the fire is too hot or the doors are open. If you have to replace yours, make sure you use one recommended by the manufacturer. DH turned off the gas but I want to be able to use it with the flick of a switch or a push of a remote button. Heres Why (+ How to Fix), Ecobee Furnace Not Lighting? on the high heat switch will make the heater blow on the highest heat setting. switched off and unplugged from the wall. both the power and low heat switches must be on. In case you want to change to a double-sided fireplace, problems will also occur in that one if not installed correctly. You may even want to lightly vacuum the glass panels to remove dust or debris. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. turned up. If the toaster isnt getting any juice either, then youll need to troubleshoot the power supply. This site is owned and operated by The Laburnum Group Ltd. Electric Fireplace Gas Fireplace Keeps Turning Itself On? Twist counter-clockwise, to increase the gas to air ratio. Im thinking the igniter continuing to fire after lite is a bad sensor thats not telling the igniter the fire has lite until its been on for a while, but the turning on by itself seems unrelated? Do Bioethanol Fireplaces Need Electricity? on, either on the fireplace itself or using the remote. order to heat the room back up to the set temperature. If the local gas company turns the gas off in your neighborhood to fix a leak, it would go off. Turning a thermostat dial to the left typically Once the room temperature is reached, the heater goes off.