Replacing either component requires turning off the gas and electricity. Im referring to new style fireplaces with electronic ignition systems installed on them. And thats for a very good reason. A gas fireplace keeps turning itself on for the following reasons: Remote problems Thermostat issues Broken thermopile firing Bad timer wiring Damaged wall switch In this post, we'll talk about the five primary causes of a gas fireplace that activates on its own and what you can do about it. Mutually exclusive execution using std::atomic? This article discusses why an electric fireplace can turn on by itself and the possible remedies. After you have the glass removed, check your igniter by clicking it a few times, to make sure that its getting a spark. Let me try and explain. But when they turn it back onit would not release gasuntil you manually light the pilot. Two low voltage wires extend from the remote control receiver to the gas valve, and perhaps from a separate toggle switch to the gas valve. Heres a video of my electric fireplace blower operating without This is usually caused by the thermostat being set too low. to turn the dial back until I hear a click. the fireplace off at the main switch on the appliance, or on the wall. Use a wrench or screwdriver to tighten any loose connections. Thanks for putting my mind at ease. Do Bioethanol Fireplaces Need Ventilation (Fresh Air)? Read More Can electric fireplaces be used outdoors? When an electric fireplace keeps shutting off it is likely being caused by one of two problems. In other words, your remote goes crazy and controls the fireplace at its own will. real fire. In this particular case, his radio gear was just below (downstairs) from the fireplace. any problems: Some models of electric fireplace come with Although many electric fireplaces do not require a dedicated circuit to operate, some do. I probably moved the toggle switch when I was down under there. The reset button may be hard to find, as it is often a small red or black button about the size of a dime or nickel. They provide the same cozy ambiance and heat without the hassle and mess of traditional fireplaces. 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. My fireplace has a thermopile, but it also has electronic start added as an option. link to What Kind Of Paint For Garage Walls? The most likely and often simplest cause of your electric fireplace going on and off (even extremely regularly) is your thermostat settings. Listen to find out where in the May tear it out and replace, or just use manually. An electric fireplace is a cost-effective way to heat your home without having to worry about fumes. By clicking Accept all cookies, you agree Stack Exchange can store cookies on your device and disclose information in accordance with our Cookie Policy. In case you want to change to a double-sided fireplace, problems will also occur in that one if not installed correctly. Hiring a CORGI engineer to service the fire involves removing the gas fire and checking the chimney with a smoke pellet. Some electric fireplaces have dimmer switches that allow you to increase or decrease the intensity of the flames and ember beds; yours may be turned down too low. I have a Lenox direct vent insert with only a remote, no wall switch. When the room temperature dips below the comparatively set temperature, it turns on automatically. How can I check before my flight that the cloud separation requirements in VFR flight rules are met? Thermostats are crucial components for gas and electric fireplaces. Electric fireplaces come in many different Once you have an idea of what might be happening, we have a few ideas to help fix the problem for good. It is typically located near the base of the fireplace or on the front or side of the control panel. The high-limit switch shuts off the heater when it is overheated. Trying to understand how to get this basic Fourier Series, Minimising the environmental effects of my dyson brain, How to tell which packages are held back due to phased updates. It does have a remote but the remote has not been pushed. Interested in finding out what shielding was used and how it was installed. both the power and low heat switches must be on. So lets go over how to turn it on. Turn the thermostat up to the highest setting and make sure it is set to heat. To reset your unit, locate the module that has the reset switch setting. electric fireplace may have overheated and gone into overheat protection mode. However, you need to replace the remote or fix its problem for a permanent and long-lasting solution. This does not require any special tools, just follow these simple steps. If nothing seems to be working, you'll want to try to send the product back by using a warranty. If your electric fireplace wont turn on: Ensure Well, its a device that senses the heat in the room and grants permission to the pilot light to remain turned on. Check to see if your fireplace is still The quick answer to this is no, they, Read More Do electric fireplaces get hot to the touch? I could not shut it off with the remote control, had to close the gas valve. We recommend to use caution and seek the advice of qualified professionals. Electric fireplace bulbs won't turn on. Check to make sure the switch is actually in the on position. Next, you must switch on the fireplace and turn on the flame dial. Why Does My Electric Fireplace Turn On By Itself? Once the pilot is on, push in the knob again, and set it to the on position. main switch on the fireplace automatically turns on the flames (I cant turn I was able to correlate keying my amateur radio transmitter with the gas fireplace lighting. Can electric fireplace turns on by itself? If you live in a subdivision, new home owners could move in and their radio/garage door radio frequency "could and has" turned on fireplaces. Before you can find out why the remote causes the fireplace to turn on by itself, youll have to know which part is causing the problem. The second function of generating that low voltage (.250-.750) is to open an close the main valvewhich releases gas to your main burner. Two low voltage wires extend from the remote control receiver to the gas valve, and perhaps from a separate toggle switch to the gas valve. If your Heat & Glo is not working properly, you may need to remove the thermocouple, to either clean it or replace it. Turn it off and unplug the unit. Good luckI hope you can get your fireplace working correctly. The fix for your unit turning on and off may be as simple as resetting the unit. 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. A malfunctioning remote control is another reason why your electric fireplace can spontaneously turn on by itself. Check the igniter. If your fireplace turns on and off by itself, it can be quite frustrating. Alternatively, you can contact the manufacturer directly. Hence, be careful of that. Common problems for an electric fireplace Every one of us at Temperature Master loves researching and writing about the science of temperature. Many electric fireplaces require light bulbs for the fire simulation to function properly, so if they stop working, it may appear that your fireplace has shut off. You will need to remove the decorative logs and place them on the tarp. temperature above the current room temperature, or the fireplace heater wont Additionally, an electric fireplaces light bulbs may have burnt out. turning off, and wont stay on: The Most electric fireplaces are built for indoor use only. Leave the Sometimes things that seem simple, can be hard to figure out. And as the remote and wall switch have the same primary function, the wall switch can also be the culprit. If your fireplace is shutting off because of a thermostat malfunction you need to remove the thermostat and check it for continuity. Also, check to see if the on/off button may be stuck. 3 Common Causes. You should hear a beep. If you place a bulb in your fireplace that has too high a wattage, your electric fireplace will shut itself off for safety reasons. One possibility is that the switch is faulty and is constantly turning the fireplace on. 7. We've added a "Necessary cookies only" option to the cookie consent popup, Gas Fireplace Won't Stay Lit With Fake Logs In Place, Main burner for gas fireplace won't stay lit (pilot light is fine), Gas fireplace flame won't stay on; both flame and pilot go out, Gas fireplace shuts off after a few minutes, Does a fireplace with switch on wall need to have the pilot on constantly. If you check the millivolts when "just" the pilot is lityou may get .250 or better (anything below .100 it will not stay lit). Otherwise, just replace the control board. that any power switches that control the flames are turned on. Home Improvement Stack Exchange is a question and answer site for contractors and serious DIYers. . Most electric fireplaces are equipped with a safety shut-off function in case of overheating. when using a remote to turn the fireplace on or off. 2. switched off and unplugged from the wall. brightness of the flames. Well, dont worry, we have an entire article thatll help you understand the reasons in detail. Do gas fireplaces shut off automatically? The cause can be as simple as the outlet is off, but there are more serious concerns like faulty wiring or tripped breaker. How this works is: The manual ignition pilot engulfs a round piece of metal called a thermo-pile. Turn on the gas and breaker, then turn on the fireplace to ensure it works. If they are shorted together any other place it will also turn the fireplace on. It spins around on a flame illusion rod that has reflective metallic offshoots connected to it. plugged-in Christmas lights in outdoor outlets, Easy DIY Media Cabinet Build with Basic Tools, From Cast-Iron to Stainless-Steel: How to Replace Your Kitchen Sink. Many people enjoy the ambiance that an electric fireplace can provide, as well as the convenience and cost-effectiveness of this type of heater. Problem Electric fireplaces have an on/off switch located in a discreet location, usually near the edge of the fireplace itself. But if you turn it off and on at the beginning and ending of the seasonI have seen them only last 2-4 years. Another mischievous element responsible for the core issue is the wires. Open up the back panel and lubricate using WD-40 or something similar. A tightly bent or over-stretched power cord may be causing the Ensure Our articles, products and services are for informational purposes. I just got tired and scared of coming home from work or waking up to a lit fireplace when no one had turned it on, wall switch was still in off position and the only way to turn the fireplace off was to turn off the gas. When room temperature dips below the set temperature, the fireplace will turn on by itself. You will need a wrench for this. Something as simple as blocking the airflow out of the heater can cause your fireplace to shut off. The igniter needs to have a visible spark, to know that it is working properly. Over time remote control buttons can get stuck because of dirt or damage. We are all familiar with how the remote works but sometimes they can go out of control. Press the flame button several times to reset. Test your fireplaces timer by plugging the appliance directly into the wall without a timer. If When in doubt, call in a qualified professional. ghost. In order to turn the high heat setting on, Very Helpful Thank you so Much. Bystanders could trip or tear cables, leaving volatile electricals exposed. Open up your fireplace and look for loose screws or parts that move around. Another possibility is that there is a problem with the thermostat and the fireplace is turning on automatically in order to try and reach the desired temperature. is on. efficiently. Ive therefore put together this electric fireplace troubleshooting guide together to explain the common problems experienced when using an electric fireplace, as well as outlining the possible solutions for fixing these problems. 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. Lights from underneath hit the spinner spindle, thus creating the appearance of the flame. 2. A flame sensor senses when pilot is lit. You may even want to lightly vacuum the glass panels to remove dust or debris. So I'd start by inspecting those wires. Replace the bolts that secure the glass panels to the fireplace. As you will find out, this is a sporadic problem. Why Does My Electric Fireplace Make a Clicking Noise? Bad wiring can trigger the fireplace when the remote is moved. All electric fireplace run on electricity, Here's what he did: he replaced the switch. The possibility that your neighbors garage door opener could cause your fireplace to turn on is dependent upon the quality of design and build of the remote control system designed into your fireplace. I've made several calls and no one knows what to do, so if you find the answer, please let me know. Turning on by itself means it could potentially start a fire when you are away or asleep. Any other idea what could cause it to come on by itself? First, check your thermostat settings occasionally. space heater to provide heat. An electric fireplace can have a number of The batteries could be dead. In Electric Fireplaces, Indoor Fireplaces by James O'KellyNovember 20, 20197 Comments. They are safe, energy-efficient, and produce no fumes. My electric fireplace has an LED light source which shouldnt need to be changed. You can also check out what fireplaces and stoves Im currently using here. If it's stable, and doesn't continue to slowly drop in voltagethe burner should stay on. components havent come loose and are tightly connected to the fireplace unit. Why Does My Gas Fireplace Smell Like Kerosene. Learn more about Stack Overflow the company, and our products. The radio wasn't on at the time. You could test this by checking for voltage across the solenoid when the switch is off. Restricted inlet airflow is one of the most popular causes of overheating if the thermostat is not the culprit. fireplace should operate almost silently, while the heater component typically makes Remove the faceplate and test the wires with a voltage meter, to make sure that power is getting to the switch. If your electric fireplace won't turn on: Ensure that the fireplace is plugged directly into a wall socket, and that the power switch is turned on. To begin, turn the gas valve located in front to the off position. fireplace has two heat settings. Now that you have it out, you can clean it, and put it back in to test the unit. After you have determined that the sensor is good and that the unit is not overheating, the next step is to replace the thermocouple. Test the thermostat by powering on the fireplace for a few minutes to ensure proper functioning. But yours isn't which tells me you have a weak thermopile and it needs replacing. on, the temperature in the room may have dipped below the temperature set on On my electric fireplace, if the main power switch isnt turned on the heater cant be used. Open the remote up and spray canned air to clean dust and dirt. and your sure the remote is not a t-stat remote, correct? Also, faulty power supply short-circuited wiring leads to this issue. cupboard, which can lead to the fireplace overheating. Resetting an electric fireplace is usually super simple, but if you have your manufacturers instruction manual to hand, do check that for specifics. each heat setting. I can set my preferred room temperature on air from circulating through the heating element and providing warm air to the Continue reading to find out more about this problem and how to fix the issue. If the thermostat is not the culprit, you need to check the heater element for continuity. Close the gas valve leading to the fireplace. An electric fireplace makes a clicking Check for loose wiring and that lightbulbs are getting full power. If you do have a remote control receiver, it's easy to eliminate that as the problem because you can just disconnect it. Ive used my own freestanding electric If that sounds like your fireplace, youll want to read our seven most common reasons why your fireplace isnt cooperating. At first, it may appear like a scene from a horror movie. flickering flames are projected onto the front of the fireplace to imitate a Loose connections or power surges could affect the switchs circuit board, thus making your electric fireplace light up by itself. Twist counter-clockwise, to increase the gas to air ratio. Some gas fireplaces with electric start have a thermopile that generates enough electricity to keep the valve open, even if you disconnect the mains electricity. A better solution is to unplug the fireplace when its not in use. Model is MFB28-2 if that matters. Its essential to use the method below to ensure you dont replace the wrong one, though. Too many things are plugged into it. Some the current room temperature is. If your electric fireplace has a bulb, check to see whether it has been blown and replace as necessary. However,, Read More Electric fireplace smells like burning plastic 3 common causes and how to fix it [2023]Continue, Can electric fireplaces cause fires? 5 Things To Know, Gas Fireplace Keeps Beeping? Mine just started on its own while I was using a dell laptop i n the room. the heater and flame components. 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? The most likely cause of this problem is that wiring is burned or shorted out. This will change the intensity of the flame. The other routes are from the toggle switch to the gas valve. Heat & Glo fireplaces will sometimes turn on and off without signs of why. Glad I was home. Mount the thermostat with the previously removed wires and screws, then close the front panel. Ensure The fireplace mimics the colors of crackling flames and has settings to adjust both the heat and flames from high to low levels. I have an electric fireplace that has 5 A faulty outlet or loose plug can cause a power cord, outlet, or plug to get warm. Once it turned itself on after shutting itself down, but typically it just shuts itself off. Is your remote a thermostat remote,is there a t-stat anywhere in the system? There are number of things that could be occurring with your thermostat or thermostat remote that may be the cause of your gas fireplace turning on or shutting off unexpectedly. the lighting components inside the fireplace for signs of any problems, such a Gas Fireplace Explodes When Starting? You may need to open your fireplace get access to the component (Ive written a guide on how to open an electric fireplace here). Most of the time the gas fireplace lights up because of a faulty thermocouple. that any dials or buttons to control the brightness of the flames are on and Place the new part as recommended by the manufacturer in the corresponding slot, then tighten the loose hardware. The next common issue is problems with the thermocouple. The flames on an electric fireplace arent If the unit is still not working, you will need to replace the thermocouple. that there is nothing blocking the inlet or outlet to the heater component. There is always a scientific reason behind this. Once you have the back open, turn on the fireplace to see what it is doing. To check if your electric fireplace has excess dust, turn off your fireplace at the wall and unplug it from the socket. Why Does My Electric Fireplace Turn On By Itself? The fireplace has separate switches to control For more information about why your electric fireplace keeps shutting off, Ive written another article here. If your flames are not working, but the ember bed is glowing, then the problem will be with your spindle spinner. 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. A broken wall timer randomly triggers the gas fireplace to turn on. It was the loudest explosion I have ever heard in my life. Remember, each electric furnace model has a different build. Ensure Loose hardware is the most common culprit of noisy motors. The thermocouple is the wire that extends from the gas valve of the gas fireplace. Faulty wiring in the plug may cause this and may require an electrician. Faulty Remote Issues Also check that the rotating mirrors are I'm a writer that is passionate about home improvements, remodeling, and renovating. Here is the step by step method to remove the thermocouple. Test the thermostat by powering on the fireplace for a few minutes to ensure proper functioning. A blocked outlet from the fireplace heater Electric fireplaces are becoming increasingly popular among homeowners. overheat protection mode as a safety feature to prevent the fireplace from From what I read it could be a stray signal? The After that, place a tarp in front of the fireplace. However, on a careful analysis, the reasons will appear logical. To subscribe to this RSS feed, copy and paste this URL into your RSS reader. recommends in the manual, and how I would try and fix the problem. We know pretty obvious stuff. This can sometimes lead to appliances like the electric fireplace stopping unexpectedly if there is a power surge or brownout that affects the timer settings. Similar to #1, if there is no voltage, but it is open, it's likely stuck. Radio Frequency Interference (RFI) is my culprit. Lightly hoover any reachable components inside the fireplace, ensuring you are careful around any delicate parts. The remote may not be initialized with the fireplace. These fireplaces require either continuous power or a battery pack to operate. Another option is to have an electrician upgrade the circuit to handle the amperage. Its 7 years old and a year ago it began to shut itself off. An in-depth guide for 2023, Electric fireplace smells like burning plastic 3 common causes and how to fix it [2023]. turn on and give out any heat. difficult to pinpoint where and why a problem is occurring. Incorrect Bulbs Try reconfiguring the remote to limit radio interference and check if there is a fault with the receiver in the fireplace itself. Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers, Outdoor Lighting & Audio/Visual Specialists. As a reference, below are the set of It hasn't lit itself since I shut the gas and pilot of and then relit them myself. the flames and heat may be produced by separate motors. I even tried removing the back panel on the off chance there was obvious damage . My natural gas fireplace has a mind of it's own. Whether theres a loose connection or the thermostat needs to be replaced, it wont go away on its own. Plug something else, like your toaster, into the plug and see if it works. turn on, wont heat or the fan is blowing cold air: Ensure Sometimes, something might fall into the duct, causing it to clog up. motorized components. Related Content:Electric Fireplace Keeps Shutting Off? Check Some models of electric fireplace have a Once its fan sensor switch detects the set temperature, it will turn on the blower. Outdoor conditions such as snow, rain, and mist can create moisture buildup with the electrical fireplaces causing them to short-circuit or wear out. Thats because it saves money and time, which is the ultimate goal. What is a word for the arcane equivalent of a monastery? Where is the thermocouple on a gas fireplace? can become dirty, faulty, damaged or blocked over time and through use. Children and pets may accidentally fiddle with remote settings causing the electric fireplace to run for longer than needed leaving it susceptible to overuse. Now you will need to loosen the screw that holds the thermocouple in place. 1. Why Does My Gas Fireplace Keep Going Out? overheating. I guess the subject line says it all. Faulty Master Switch. Use a flat blade screwdriver to adjust the set screw, on the right side of the gas valve. Why does my electric fireplace turn on by itself? If they read 0 volts, the thermopile needs to be replaced. If your electric fireplace wont light up explaining how to open an electric fireplace). It is always a great idea to keep the fireplace turned off in summer. 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. 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. Turn your electric fireplace off at the Heres what my electric fireplace heating However, we suggest reviewing the users manual for your fireplaces specific instructions. Copyright 2022 Temperature Master | Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions | Contact. Now, set the control knob. My house was either hit by lightning or lightning struck very close by. Thus you can check it for any issues and have it replaced if its the one at fault. Many electric fireplaces also come with a timer or thermostat, so its important to check these settings before deciding to dive deeper into problem-solving. a small amount of noise, particularly from the blower. Its been working fine from when we bought the house 2 1/2 yrs ago. Ensure that the blower is working Once you have it out, look for the indicator light. You can turn the thermostat dial to as low as possible when you are done. Here are four possible reasons for this problem. switch on the electric fireplace is turned on. Overload A power strip will shut off if it is overloaded by a surge of electricity. To troubleshoot if this is the problem, try recreating it by plugging the electric fireplace into another outlet. Start by unplugging everything connected to the circuit breaker, then plug in your electric fireplace and turn it on. for sure. | Gas Fireplace Insert Smells Like Burning Plastic? Ensure that the fireplace is Most people associate an electric fireplace with indoor use only. Check for tripped circuit breakers. We have provided a step by step method for replacing it. It is the safest way to deal with a fireplace that keeps lighting itself. It's a duraflame fake fireplace heater. Fireplace timers are typically replaced by getting a new clock to go between the plug and the outlet. Furnace Not Working After Duct Cleaning? Heres Why (+ How To Fix), Speed Queen Dryer Not Heating? fireplace for a period of time to cool down, and then try using it again. 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. For an electric fireplace to work, you must plug-in power and turn on the socket. Turn off the fireplace and flip the circuit breaker to prevent it from sparking. Now place the glass assembly back into place. that the electric fireplace heater is clean and dust free. problem. How To Turn On A Gas Fireplace With A Wall Switch. on the high heat switch will make the heater blow on the highest heat setting. Heres Why (+ How to Fix), Kenmore Elite Dryer Not Heating? Whatever the situation, youll have your electric fireplace up and working in no time! Therefore, to help keep you safe, here are a few safety tips you should incorporate. Next, make sure the plug is working. Hopefully, you have the answers you need. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. 3. However, starting by itself is not a good thing. Follow these instructions to clean and maintain your electric fireplace so it continues to function optimally: 2. Youll have to determine if the issue lies in the switch or the wiring between the switch and the gas fireplace. 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). Set it to pilot, push in the knob, and hit the igniter multiple times until the pilot light is lit. link to How To Organize A Bathroom Closet. After five minutes have passed, turn everything back on. outlet to the heater arent being blocked. So, as you can see its an essential component of the gas fireplace.