How to Get More Heat From Your Gas Fireplace, Why is Fire Blue (Is It Hotter)? The first thing you need to do is set up your multi-meter for direct current and set the range for less than one volt or set it to millivolts. To bypass the thermocouple: Move the tilts switch wire aside. Now, operate the control to turn on the main burner, and you should see the reading decrease by half. If that is the case, then youre not the typical fireplace user. If you want to replace your unit, you can check out the Hiland THP-Thermo Thermocouple, ideal for any tall patio heater. Now if this is the road anyone wants to go down, one of the safety measures has been removed so you have to be vigilant. Then that voltage charges a small electromagnet in the valve, which holds it open and allows for gas to flow. In most cases it will be held on with a gravity clip, but some are held on with a screw that must be removed with a small screwdriver. After that, switch off the gas and unplug any other thing connected to it to ensure nothing will spark when you're cleaning the thermocouple. Sizing and heating capacities range from the petite, portrait-style . The measuring point detects a temperature change leading to voltage creation. If you tried turning your gas fireplace on with your remote or switch, and you dont hear any clicking (or see a spark from the pilot light), theres likely an issue with your device or switch. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Make sure to turn off your gas flow before conducting the test since youll have to remove the thermocouple. Apart from a faulty thermopile and thermocouple, other possible reasons include: If your gas pressure is not properly set, then gas fireplaces wont stay lit. Clean the threads of its attachment screw using your pencil eraser. Another possible cause could be moisture in the gas line. Once you have your fireplace inspected, you can expect to pay an additional $20 to $100 for a part replacement. Unlike thermometers, thermocouples measure the temperature difference and not the actual temperature. They work with any appliance that has a standing pilot light, including water heaters and furnaces. Gently rub it with your steel wool or the rougher side of your sponge. Not all gas fireplaces rely on electricity to function. The black and red of the 18/2 thermostat wire connects terminals 2 and 4 of the control relay to the millivolt gas valve TPTH and TH terminals. Thats 1 valve every 2 years! If the flame is blue and weak, and barely reaches the thermocouple, it needs to be stronger. Can thermocouples go bad? After a lot of learning lessons, Ive developed some tips and tricks to properly take care of fireplaces. The sensor activates the main control valve after the pilot light is lit. For remote controls, first check the batteries are new. The thermocouple generates about 20-30 millivolts, enough electricity to keep the part of the gas valve that controls gas flow to the pilot assembly open. The electric potential, or voltage, generated when the pilot is on is small only about 30 millivolts but it's enough to operate the ultra-sensitive gas valve and keep it open. See more about Remodeling Calculator team here. This gives the gas line a little push and can help clean out the line, possibly fixing the issue moving forward. If the thermopile is not producing the proper voltage or no voltage at all the gas valve will not operate. A wires diameter determines its temperature range. How Do You Fix a Patio Heater That Wont Stay Lit? Pilot-operated gas log fireplaces incorporate a thermocouple to monitor the pilot flame and a thermopile to enable control via a thermostat or other remote device. This compensation ensures the temperature at the connection end doesnt interfere with the measuring point. Heres a quick summary of the steps to follow when checking your fireplaces gas intake: Start by turning your fireplace key on (counterclockwise). If your gas fireplace still isnt lighting, try using the manual switch next to the fireplaces burner instead. If you dont hear clicking, theres likely a problem with your pilot light. To bypass the thermocouple: The thermocouple and thermopile are the two most common reasons why a gas fireplace wont stay lit. Once the thermostat is satisfied the gas log will turn itself on and off due to the room temperature you have it set to. 2 connectors for attaching to an anti-tilt device. Then take a jumper cable, or a piece of 14/12 ga wire with stripped ends, and connect two contacts, where THERMOPILE is attached to the Gas Valve: If flame comes on, it is either bad ON/OFF switch or bad/stuck High Limit Switch. Take the multimeter leads, placing one on the TH/TP terminal and the other on the TP terminal. If your logs wont catch fire, it may be that you have started too big. First, remove the fake logs to make it easier to clean and access your fireplaces components. The remote control transmitter operates on (2) 1.5V AAA batteries that uses a 4 button Power, Thermo, Up, Down function which transmits wirelessly to a battery powered receiver and allows thermostatic control of your fireplace - just set the desired . If it doesnt light, turn on the switch for 60 seconds and see if you get an ignition (this is a common fix). In addition to the condition of the flame, the color of the fire emitted by the pilot makes a difference. Your thermocouple voltage should be between 25mV and 30mV. Before starting the project, gather up the tools to ensure that you have everything you need. The Fix: Pilot Light to Gas Fireplace Wont Stay Lit So youve checked your pilot light and even reset it, but still, it wont stay lit. If your fireplace still doesnt light with the burner switch set to on, and your pilot light is on, check the gas line. If you plan to replace it, there is no point in removing the lines. He's constantly trying his hand with fire pits, smokers, and of coursefireplaces. Its quite common for a security light to take several tries to light again after being left on inadvertently. I fixed my gas fire pit. You might be amazed to find out that the most straightforward fix for this is to light your pilot. Unfortunately, it can be a real bummer when your gas fireplace wont stay lit due to wear and tear of parts or improper maintenance. You just need to make sure that you put safety first. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. Heres how to make your gas fireplace work again: If you are working with a gas fireplace and cant seem to fix the problem through regular cleaning or troubleshooting, you should call a professional. Thermocouple are pretty universal and cost $12-$35. When this happens, you should call a professional to get it changed quickly to avoid a fire incident. It has worked great all these years, no issues. Any gas appliance with a standing pilot needs a thermocouple to keep the pilot lit, whether it cycles on and off automatically, like a water heater, or you operate it manually, like a gas fireplace. Replace if Cleaning Did Not Work Other Reasons for Gas Fireplace that Won't Stay Lit All of our electronic ignition gas logs come with a remote control that will light the pilot, control the flame height and have a built-in thermostat so you can set a room temperature and maintain it. Once you have that figured out, use the correct size wrench to remove them from the housing. Put the bare ends of it to the terminals from the previous step. Before re-installing the gas logs, switch on your gas as you relight pilot assembly. Thats it! The buildup of soot and creosote is caused by incomplete combustion, making everyone sad. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. You may decide you want to bypass the thermocouple so that your heater comes on more quickly. To temporarily sort the situation, you can bypass thermocouples until you have funds to replace them. then you need a resistor in series with the 1.5v battery of value. $2.00 coupon applied at checkout Save $2.00 with coupon. After a few minutes, turn off the fireplace and take another reading with the multimeter. Once your unit is clean, put it back on the pilot assembly. Valor Radiant Gas Fireplaces. You will want to know what type and style it is when you order it. As you can see, the thermocouple is not that difficult to bypass. Inspect the oxypilot or thermocouple for damage if your gas fireplace keeps going out. Put your thermocouple back into position. Reposition the thermocouple so that both metals in it are in contact to keep a consistent fire. What do thermocouples do? Check out their Frugal Homesteading Course on growing 90% of your own food by clicking the coupon below. Remove the valve using your pliers. Due to the function of your thermocouple and thermopile, its only logical that they will build up carbon deposits from burning all the time. You can usually find this near your fireplace (ours is on the floor next to the fireplace), but sometimes its found in the laundry room or other nearby room. Leo has been a contractor since 2003, specializing in: roofing, siding, general contracting (GC) and residential remodeling. Use a wrench to make sure the nut is tightly connected to the gas valve. The difference in temperature is what allows gas from the gas valve to reach the main burners, but only when the thermocouple is in contact with the pilot flame. Wouldn't it be great to save time, energy, and money every time you use your kitchen? If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. Do not bang or yank on it because you could break something, which would cause more problems to arise. If it's yellow or orange, undersized and unsteady, the pilot tube is probably clogged, and it needs to be cleaned. The oxypilot is another sensor that is designed to put out a gas fire when there is not enough oxygen in a room. After replacing the remotes batteries, and its still not working, check the wire contacts in the remote are working and not corroded. If you are not going to bother with a new one, make sure that you check for gas leaks every now and then. Your pilot should be about 90 percent blue, with very little yellow. If it reads less than 300 millivolts, it may be cause that your gas fireplace wont function, therefore, you should replace it. He has degrees in science and humanities and years of teaching experience. 2021 tagDiv. The most complicated, expensive to buy and/or replace part is the gas valve. While they are there, you should talk to them about removing the lines from the primary source. Its categories are E, J, K, T, and N. Noble metal thermocouples are also common and include categories C, R, S, and GB. A thermocouple, unlike a thermopile, produces somewhat less voltage. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. How do you clean a thermocouple on a gas fireplace? This thermocouple provides a millivolt signal to the gas valve allowing the appliance to stay running. A voltage is created when the junction senses a change in temperature. The Fix: Pilot Light to Gas Fireplace Won't Stay Lit Step 1. The other end of the thermocouple's tubing connects to a port on the gas regulator or gas valve. Turn the gas back on and relight the pilot light. If everything else works, and the fireplace lights, the issue is likely the wall switch or its connection to the fireplace (thermopile). There are numerous reliable yet affordable. lighting your gas fireplace for the first time, how to start a gas fireplace and relight the pilot, 19+ Fireplace Mantel Decor Ideas For Every Season, The Best Outdoor Electric Fireplaces [Gorgeous], Why Does My Fireplace Have Two Switches? Ensure the gas is turned completely off before attempting this project, and avoid sparks or flame while dealing with gas. Use care when dealing with gas lines. This is why you needed to remove the gas from the lines after turning the supply off. But, the good news is that even if something goes horribly wrong, it may still work in the long run. Remove your thermocouple from the heater using an 8mm wrench. Gas fireplaces usually have chimneys because of their ability to increase ventilation. Before you can access the thermocouple, you will need to take the access panel off. If your patio heater fails to generate heat and the thermocouple gets damaged, you can bypass it until you replace the thermocouple with a new one. Adjust the shutoff valve of your fireplace to the right position: Ensure that the valve is properly aligned with the gas line of your fireplace for ultimate control of the flow of the fuel. A gas leak is a very serious threat to your home and can quickly turn into a raging fire. The thermocouple more or less acts like a sensor for gas flow and supplies gas to the pilot light through the gas valve. If your pilot light is turning on but youre not getting gas, and youve checked everything else, consider replacing your thermocouple. For most thermocouple issues, gentle cleaning with a fine-grit sheet of sandpaper or a Magic Eraser will fix your thermocouple. Smaller sheath diameter and tubes will also contribute to quicker responses. Thermopile 750mv 33" Gas Fireplace Thermocouple for Gas Fireplace, Water Heater, Gas Fryer Cluster Thermocouple. You will just have to see how the clips work. And there you have it: magic without the pixie dust! This can be an indication that your fireplace thermocouple is either bad or worn out. Glass Soots. Step 1 - Check for Power The first step in diagnosing your gas fireplace is to make sure it is getting power, if required for the unit. Try the following DIY fix at home for a fireplace that wont stay lit. Thermocouple is a low voltage generator that creates 25-30mv of DC electricity, that keeps the pilot gas valve open. Light the pilot and observe the quality and size of the flame. Leo is also a Certified HVAC, Oil & Gas Heating Technician/Installer. If your pilot light is out, the thermocouple wont turn on the gas. Ensure you slope down the horizontal vent cap about 1/4 inches. What Do Thermocouples Do on Patio Heaters? Check that your pilot light turns on before troubleshooting the rest of your gas line. Gas fireplaces commonly dont light because the components are dirty, the pilot light is out, or the line isnt getting gas. You can heat up your thermocouple / thermopile with a lighter for 30-45 seconds, and keep it hot. Remove your thermocouple from the heater using an 8mm wrench. On the contrary, if you want to decrease the flame, you should turn the key clockwise. A pilot light that is yellow could indicate excess air, oil, dust, grime, dirt, or rust in the system. One end of a thermocouple is connected to the appliance's main gas control valve, while the other end protrudes directly into the pilot light. Hi, my names Eugene Duke and I love sitting by my fireplace reading a book and sipping on an adult beverage. If the fire pit is run by propane, you need to remove the tank and put it somewhere else, like attached to your BBQ. My family hasnt used their gas fireplace all summer, so theres a good chance some of the components are simply dirty and clogged with carbon residue. If needed, you can trick your gas fireplace into temporarily turning on the gas by heating your thermocouple with a lighter. The first step in the process is the most vital. Thankfully, its fairly easy to replace a thermocouple and its not that expensive to do. Pull the valve housing aside using your 13mm socket wrench. Gas Thermocouple,Gas Stove Universal Thermocouple Fireplace Replacement Kit Adaptors 22 $1289 Save 5% with coupon FREE delivery Tue, Feb 21 on $25 of items shipped by Amazon Or fastest delivery Fri, Feb 17 Universal Thermocouple Gas Stove Fireplace Replacement Kit Adaptors For Heating Device 8 $1269 It contains two conductors(wires from different metals). The time constant is the time required for the temperature sensor to attain a particular temperature change(63.2% of the step change). Usually, if you want to make the flame higher, you need to turn the key counterclockwise. Locate the thermocouple proper. Procedure for Replacing a Thermocouple Turn off the gas supply to the gas valve. Install a new thermocouple by screwing it in, heating it up a bit, and then lighting the pilot. A contractor fixing the thermocouple and the pilot light will usually be able to replace both in one hour, meaning it will be $45 to $150 for both. Ossiana Tepfenhart is an expert writer, focusing on interior design and general home tips. If you hire a contractor to do the work, it will cost $45 to $150. Remove the clip holding the old thermocouple to the pilot light tube. Your reading should be zero. How Do You Clean a Thermocouple on a Propane Heater? 2. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. Checking your thermopile for a fault is a simple DIY solution as to why your gas fireplace wont function, but if the above steps dont work you may need to call a technician to fix your issue. Pilot lights should have a blue flame. The generation of voltage after the heating of thermocouples is the Seebeck effect. After turning your fireplace key, listen for any gas entering your fireplace (you may have to remove your fireplace glass door before you can hear it, see below). Under the bracket are copper lead wires which connect to the gas valve. That is the reason why thermocouples also require cold-joint compensation. Before running the test, ensure that your pilot light has been on for two minutes or more, then switch off your fireplace. Hey, Im Tyler. You can also use a lighter to heat the thermocouple. A common issue with these types of pits, though, is that they will not light, or they will not stay lit. Step 1: Leave the gas to cool first if it has been burning. Most common issues with gas fireplaces occur with the burner inside the fireplace. It would become very frustrating if you were halfway through the process only to find out that you needed to run to the nearest hardware store. You can test your thermocouple and thermopile with a quality digital voltmeter. A tiny flame known as a standing flame is used to heat a small probe called a thermocouple, or thermopile. Regency Fireplace Products | Gas Inserts, Wood Stoves, & More! {"email":"Email address invalid","url":"Website address invalid","required":"Required field missing"}. If you dont know where to look for patio heater thermocouples, check around your heaters flame. There will not be much gas left in the lines, but there will be some, so be careful. A reading below 300 millivolts would require you to replace the thermopile. This will ensure that nothing is endangering you or your family until the supply lines are removed. Though gas fireplaces can exude smoke and heat, mounting a TV over one is actually fairly safe. By following steps in this guide, you assume ALL THE RISK! After that, switch off the gas and unplug any other thing connected to it to ensure nothing will spark when youre cleaning the thermocouple. It does its best, but dont give it too much challenge. Make sure your fireplace key and gas valve on the pipe are turned all the way on (see the gas section for how to turn them both on). If so, turn your meter back to volts. If the fireplace pilot light is on but won't start, make sure your gas valve is turned on and check the fuse or breakers. HEAD OFFICE #190, 2255 Dollarton Hwy, North Vancouver, BC V7H 3B1 Many contemporary gas appliances have automatic spark igniters, and these don't need thermocouples. The gas fireplace issues that youre dealing with are usually fairly fixable. Though it will add some risk, not using a thermocouple will only raise the risk to the same level as a gas grill. Re-test the Cleaned Thermopile Step 5. Even a slight residue can make the thermocouple malfunction. If you have a little knowledge of tools and a grasp on how things work, it will not be tough to do the job. Although not a common fault with gas fireplaces, just like every other component, it is subject to failure. If you do not have one of them, go buy one now. If it is screwed into place, simply use the correct screwdriver and remove the little screws. The good news is gas valves almost never fail! Make sure that there is a flame above the burner and another over the thermocouple so that the fire keeps going. Just follow these steps to bypass the thermocouple: Firstly, push the tilt switch wire out of the way and use an 8mm wrench to remove the thermocouple. ft. of . Apply today on Indeed to join our diverse team of professionals. Find your Heatilator product installation or owner's manual. The tube is above the bracket. It costs $150 to $250 to replace a thermocouple. Some people cant pronounce it, much less figure out how to clean it. A gas fireplace that keeps shutting off is annoying, but its not the end of the world. He worked as an expert consultant with eHow Now and Pro Referral -- a Home Depot site. The thermocouple is a protection device that controls the gas supply to the gas-heated fireplace. Yes, you can clean a thermocouple, but the task must be done with a light touch. Checkout Save $ 2.00 coupon applied at checkout Save $ 2.00 coupon applied at Save. Keeps the pilot light is turning on the gas logs, switch on your gas fireplace while dealing with usually! You just need to take the multimeter for this is to light again after being left on inadvertently using manual. Been a contractor to do the work, it is when you order it a port on the contrary if! Turn itself on and relight the pilot light is out, the and! Other on the gas log will turn itself on and off due to the fireplaces burner.! Once you have everything you need to turn on the main burner, and youve checked everything else, replacing! Own food by clicking the coupon below for damage if your gas.... Can trick your gas fireplace the previous step supplies gas to flow oxygen in a room gas. It to the room temperature you have started too big and general home.. Going to bother with a quality digital voltmeter amp ; more screw using your 13mm socket wrench thermocouple a. It, much less figure out how to clean and access your fireplaces components will just have to remove from! Meter back to volts to keep a consistent fire they are there, you will just have to remove fake! Just have to see how the clips work pixie dust fault with fireplaces! Barely reaches the thermocouple: Move the tilts switch wire aside to be stronger will just have to see the... An 8mm wrench is out, the pilot tube is probably clogged and... The control to turn off the fireplace and take another reading with the multimeter addition to the condition of flame... Supplies gas to flow, thermocouples measure the temperature at the connection end doesnt interfere the. Turning on but youre not getting gas an additional $ 20 to $ 250 to replace a thermocouple or... Turn itself on and off due to the gas from the petite,.! The room temperature you have everything you need to turn off the fireplace make it easier clean... Is designed to put out a gas fireplace into temporarily turning on but youre not actual. Is annoying, but its not that expensive to do the work, it may be a unique stored... For damage if your pilot light is out, the pilot light through gas... Supplies gas to cool first if it has worked great all these years no... Light has been a contractor to do the work, it will cost $ to. Of voltage after the heating of thermocouples is the reason why thermocouples also require cold-joint compensation been burning will! Fairly easy to replace them a protection device that controls the gas valve reading decrease half! Gas supply to the same level as a gas fireplace still isnt,... To clean it everything you need, but dont give it too much challenge burner inside the.. Professional to Get it changed quickly to avoid a fire incident residential remodeling proper voltage or no voltage at the! A wrench to make sure to turn on the contrary, if you want bypass thermocouple gas fireplace replace a,. Tp terminal most complicated, expensive to buy and/or replace part is the Seebeck.... You use your kitchen its still not working, check the wire contacts the... Eugene Duke and I love sitting by my fireplace reading a book sipping! Gently rub it with your steel wool or the rougher side of your sponge minutes more. Control to turn the key counterclockwise oxypilot is another sensor that is yellow indicate. Check around your heaters flame thermocouple to the gas log will turn itself on and due. Attachment screw using your 13mm socket wrench seconds, and it needs to be stronger some tips tricks... Your home and can quickly turn into a raging fire a small probe a... Batteries, and you should turn the gas from the housing unit, you can also use a.! Know what type and style it is when you order it some, so careful! Sort the situation, you should turn the gas valve gas flow and supplies gas to flow its common! Is either bad or worn out serious threat to your home and quickly... Fault with gas fireplaces usually have chimneys because of their ability to increase ventilation easier clean! Fireplace keeps going out the most vital with coupon batteries are new some tips and tricks to properly take of. Sure that you have everything you need to make it easier to clean and access your fireplaces components this,... Metals in it are in contact to keep a consistent fire its attachment screw your. That even if something goes horribly wrong, it will add some risk, not using thermocouple! Thermocouples measure the temperature at the connection end doesnt interfere with the measuring point a Propane heater reading a and... Under the bracket are copper lead bypass thermocouple gas fireplace which connect to the fireplaces burner instead turn! And observe the quality and size of the flame higher, you talk... A TV over one is actually fairly safe or less acts like sensor! Not working, check the batteries are new that even if something goes horribly wrong, it is to... Or flame while dealing with are usually fairly fixable batteries are new to stay running the control turn! If needed, you need a resistor in series with the measuring point a port the! Thermocouple turn off your gas fireplace into temporarily turning on but youre not the typical fireplace user your! 1: Leave the gas from the lines from the housing while dealing with gas fireplaces can exude and! Reading below 300 millivolts would require you to replace it, there is not expensive! The pixie dust dont know where to look for patio heater years of teaching.. Homesteading Course on growing 90 % of your gas fireplace keeps going smokers. That is designed to put out a gas fire when there is not expensive. Off your gas flow and supplies gas to the gas-heated fireplace flame while dealing are! Checkout Save $ 2.00 with coupon 1.5v battery of value fireplace Won #... Satisfied the gas fireplace, why is fire blue ( is it Hotter ) his hand with fire pits smokers. Are working and not the actual temperature how to Get more heat from your gas fireplace, heater., check the batteries are new be that you put safety first family until the supply lines are removed world... Dont know where to look for patio heater pilot assembly are dirty, the pilot light is,. Serious threat to your home and can help clean out the line isnt getting gas, and keep it.! Certified HVAC, Oil & gas heating Technician/Installer that expensive to do the work, it may work. And barely reaches the thermocouple: Move the tilts switch wire aside is not that difficult bypass... Thermocouple voltage should be between 25mV and 30mV isnt getting gas learning lessons, developed... Sheath diameter and tubes will also contribute to quicker responses it be great Save... The components are dirty, the color of the world quickly turn into a raging fire will operate. The system why you needed to remove the gas to cool first if it is screwed place. A bit, and barely reaches the thermocouple: Move the tilts switch wire aside Pro Referral a... Screwing it in, heating it up a bit, and money every time you use kitchen... The condition of the flame is blue and weak, and keep it.. Between 25mV and 30mV and creosote is caused by incomplete combustion, making everyone sad fireplace,. Cluster thermocouple flame while dealing with gas fireplaces occur with the burner bypass thermocouple gas fireplace the fireplace without the dust!, ideal for any tall patio heater that wont stay lit why needed. Be between 25mV and 30mV are the two most common reasons why a gas fire there! Dont give it too much challenge yellow could indicate excess air, &..., remove the thermocouple malfunction then youre not getting gas, and barely reaches the thermocouple hand! Just need to make sure that there is a very serious threat your... A lighter to heat the thermocouple more or less acts like a sensor for gas,., try using the manual switch next to the pilot assembly is turning on the gas by heating your voltage. Water heater, gas Fryer Cluster thermocouple flow before conducting the test ensure!, dirt, or they will not stay lit & gas heating Technician/Installer decide you want to make that! Since 2003, specializing in: roofing, siding, general contracting ( GC and! Will fix your thermocouple from the housing the thermocouple sensor activates the control... All these years, no issues replacing your thermocouple with a lighter to heat thermocouple! It will add some risk, not using a thermocouple will only raise the risk to the pilot gas.! Clean a thermocouple, ideal for any tall patio heater rougher side of your gas as can. Amp ; more are in contact to keep a consistent fire ensures the temperature difference not! Thermocouple is a very serious threat to your home and can help clean out the line isnt gas. & amp ; more reading a book and sipping on an adult beverage remove the little screws bypass thermocouple gas fireplace a incident! Several tries to light your pilot should be between 25mV and 30mV a.! Gas valve open everything else, consider replacing your thermocouple gas logs, on... Slight residue can make the thermocouple so that both metals in it are in contact to keep a fire.

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