What to do if the gas fireplace does not turn on: possible causes and solutions to the problem

Agree that it is extremely unpleasant to be left without heating equipment in the middle of winter. According to Murphy's law, problems begin in the coldest time of the year, when turning off the device leads to an instant cooling of the coolant, and then the room.

The optimal solution is to call the master. But what to do before his arrival? In addition, the specialist may be delayed. In order not to freeze while waiting, you can try to solve the problem yourself. Below we will tell you what to do if the gas fireplace does not turn on, and we will reveal a list of the most common problems.

Principle of operation and design features

A gas fireplace is a type of heating device. A liquefied mixture of propane with butane or methane (natural gas) is used as fuel, due to which a living flame heats the room and creates the external effect of a wood-burning fireplace.

A device with a power of 2-8 kW is capable of heating a room with an area of ​​up to 40 square meters. The efficiency of such fireplaces is 75-80%.

Heating equipment device

The main element of a gas fireplace is a firebox made of cast iron or heat-resistant steel.

The firebox contains:

• burner;
• reflector reflecting thermal energy;
• firebox with lining;
• screen redistributing gas to the burner.

The firebox is assembled at the factory or at the installation site. In the lower part there is a burner, the type of which determines the design of the fireplace and the shape of the firebox.

Burner types:

• flat;
• linear;
• volumetric.

In an open gas firebox, air is supplied from the room through the supply valve. The combustion products are discharged through a conventional chimney, which also functions as fresh air ventilation. The best option for a chimney is stainless steel.

It must be not only heat-resistant, but also water-resistant, since the combustion products contain water. No more than two 90 ° bends are allowed.

For a closed burner, you can use a conventional and coaxial chimney. Oxygen for combustion comes from the street or from the premises. Due to the fact that the incoming air has time to heat up, the efficiency of the furnace increases.

Materials used in the manufacture

The internal equipment of the device is decorated with artificial logs. The doors are made of heat-resistant glass, which allows you to observe the combustion process.

Since the combustion temperature of the gas is approximately 500 ° C, which is lower than the combustion temperature of wood, the requirements for the heat resistance of the materials are not so strict, which has a positive effect on the cost. The glass of the fireplace door can withstand up to 800 ° C.

Do not use a fireplace with cracked glass. When the fire is extinguished, the gas supply stops automatically. The facing of the gas fireplace is made of heat-resistant materials. The use of the fireplace without cladding is prohibited.

The material is used:

• stone;
• brick;
• tile;
• tiles, etc.

The possibilities for decorating a gas fireplace are wider than that of a wood-burning counterpart.

Varieties of gas fireplaces

A gas fireplace is able to warm up a room, is a source of "live" fire and is devoid of a lot of disadvantages that other models have.

Types of fireplaces:

• wall-mounted or built into the wall with a closed firebox;
• island (there is access from all sides);
• with an open firebox (the air is heated directly).

A variety of fireplace ignition systems:

• gas enters the burner, after which the piezo lighter is automatically turned on;
• after it enters the burner, the gas is ignited with an ignition wick (it burns constantly);
• first of all, the piezo lighter ignites the ignition wick, and after the sensor detects that it is on, gas is supplied to the burner.

The fireplace can be controlled by means of a remote control. With its help, it is proposed to set the operating time of the device, increase and decrease the flame, regulate the amount of heat produced, set the temperature at which it will turn off.

A gas fireplace can heat a room and the surrounding rooms. This requires arrangement air heating - distribution of warm air.

In a well-insulated house of up to 160 m², a gas fireplace can be the main source of heat. In a building with a larger area, it can be used as an additional heating device.

The device of a gas fireplace is advisable where there is a gas distribution network or heating system on the basis of a gas tank. Usage gas cylinders less efficient, since their storage requires the equipment of a special room, and the cylinders themselves need to be refilled.

Safe operation guarantee

Modern equipment is equipped with several automatic security systems. The gas is supplied under constant pressure. The gas supply process is controlled by a special sensor. In the event of a malfunction, the gas supply is automatically cut off.

Also in the gas fireplace there are atmospheric sensors that check the state of the ambient air, assessing the content of carbon dioxide released during combustion.

If the norm is exceeded, the gas supply stops. The presence of infrared sensors allows you to monitor the position of the device. If the fireplace tilts or falls over, the fireplace will stop working.

How to light a gas fireplace?

There are three ways to activate the gas fireplace. For its functionality, you do not need to throw firewood. We will tell you how to turn on a modern gas fireplace below.

Step 1: Open gas access to the fireplace, for this:

• find a gas pipe;
• open the gas (turn the knob to the ON position next to the meter);
• if using a gas can, find the handle on it and turn it.

Step 2: Turn on the gas in the fireplace:

• find the handle near the appliance (most often it is located under the fireplace);
• in the absence of a handle, turn the switch to the working position (it is located on the wall);
• the switch can also be located in the front of the device.

Some models are equipped with red power buttons.

They are located behind a metal panel or grille. If the fireplace does not ignite after the first press, try again after 30 seconds. In the absence of a button, you should use matches. Before doing this, make sure that the gas supply is ensured.

What else can the burner of a gas fireplace go out?

Having learned how you can light a gas fireplace, you should deal with the problems that may arise during ignition. The first reason is that the gas supply is shut off. automation, which is installed on all gas heating equipment.

The burner shuts down if:

• insufficient draft in the chimney;
• reducing the gas pressure in the pipeline;
• no flame in the burner.

Italian valves EuroSIT or American made by Honeywell are used as disconnecting devices. Gas cutoff can also occur due to a breakdown of the heat generator.

Insufficient chimney draft

If a problem occurs, the first step is to check the traction. To do this, bring a lighted match to the viewing window. If the flame is deflected, the draft is normal. If left immovable, the problem has been detected.

Possible actions:

1. By opening the window, ensure the flow of air into the room.
2. Check the draft in the chimney. To do this, disconnect the chimney section that is connected to the fireplace outlet. If everything is in order with the draft, you will have to disassemble and clean the unit itself.
3. If there is no draft in the main channel, the chimney has to be cleaned.

Finally, check the condition of the outer pipe. In summer, birds could build a nest on it, and in winter the cap could freeze.

Decrease in gas pressure

If there is a draft in the chimney, you need to check the fuel supply. Signs of this problem: The igniter continues to burn and the burner has already gone out.

Possible actions:

1. Check gas supply. Open the window and disconnect the supply hose from the connection.
2. Open the tap. If everything is okay, you will hear a loud hiss and smell gas.
3. If the flow is poor, clean the strainer. If the problem persists, call the gas service.

Before performing any manipulation, turn off the gas!

A blockage in the line can be found inside the gas meter. This happens mainly after repair work on external pipelines. Self-cleaning is prohibited in this case. You should call the wizard.

Air intake problems

For normal operation of the fireplace, air must be supplied to the room. Strong drafts are undesirable as the burner may go out. To make sure there is a lack of oxygen, open a window and observe the flame.

Possible reasons:

• air flow is limited by sealed plastic windows;
• a powerful cooker hood consumes most of the oxygen;
• the interior doors were replaced, as a result of which the gap between the sash and the floor was reduced.

Try to provide fresh air. Open a window for ventilation.

Possible malfunctions of a gas fireplace

Over the years of operation, malfunctions may occur in the operation of heating equipment. Common breakdowns:

1. When you try to ignite the fireplace, the igniter immediately goes out. The reason is the wear of the thermocouple, which heats up from the wick and keeps the gas valve open.
2. The fireplace does not light at all. The reason is a problem with the contact of the electrical circuit.
3. The burner ignites, but works intermittently. The flame is colored yellow. This indicates a clogged main fuel jet.

It is not recommended to clean the jet on your own. All gas fireplaces must be repaired by a specialist. If there is no way out, then be sure to turn off the gas, and after completing the repair work, check the tightness of the joints with soapy water.

How to independently check the operation of the device?

Depending on the model of equipment and system, there are some of the most common reasons that affect the optimal performance of the fireplace.

The system is based on a switch. If it fails, it should be replaced. If the pilot is off in the system, then you can flip the switch endlessly, but the fireplace will not ignite. Solution: ignite the pilot.

She's also a reason: a bad flame sensor. If it fails, the system will not be able to keep the gas valve open.

Solution:

• disconnect the thermocouple from the system;
• measure direct current with a multimeter;
• connect the black wire to the thermocouple button;
• connect the red wire to the copper end of the thermocouple;
• heat the thermocouple with a burner.

The reading on the multimeter will appear after the thermocouple warms up. To solve this problem, replace the flame sensor. If the entire system is in working order, but the valve still does not open, it needs to be replaced.

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

Gas fireplace review and comparison with other models.

If there are difficulties with lighting the fireplace, you can identify the problem and fix a minor malfunction yourself. Disconnect the gas supply beforehand. Thus, at no extra cost and in the shortest possible time, you will return the heat to the house. If there is a serious malfunction of the equipment, the repair should be entrusted to a specialist.

Do you have additional information on the topic? Share it in the comments. You can also take an active part in the discussion of this issue, express your opinion and tell about your personal experience. If necessary, you are invited to ask a question to a specialist.