They provide the same cozy ambiance and heat without the hassle and mess of traditional fireplaces. vegan) just to try it, does this inconvenience the caterers and staff? Many people enjoy the ambiance that an electric fireplace can provide, as well as the convenience and cost-effectiveness of this type of heater. Once its fan sensor switch detects the set temperature, it will turn on the blower. If your fireplace turns on and off by itself, it can be quite frustrating. Like if the oven turns on its own or if the fireplace lights up automatically. Use a flat blade screwdriver to adjust the set screw, on the right side of the gas valve. Fortunately, you can test and replace the thermopile and thermocouple on your gas fireplace. While waiting, check your manufacturers guidelines for the recommended procedures on how to clean your electric fireplace. Posted on Last updated: February 10, 2023, How to Turn a Sunroom Into a Bedroom: Complete Upgrade, How To Keep Bed Slats From Falling Out: Your One-Stop Guide. Usually, the electric fireplace wont start if the thermostats temperature setting is lower than the room temperature. Difficulties with estimation of epsilon-delta limit proof. heating up and cooling down. Turn the breaker off before doing any work to the switch. I can set my preferred room temperature on Another mischievous element responsible for the core issue is the wires. The thermocouple is a thin rod with a copper tube leading to the gas line. If you dont use a remote for your fireplace, then chances are your wall switch is the reason your fireplace turns on by itself. If your Heat & Glo is turning on but then turning off again, then there could be a problem. One or more of the motors may to turn the dial back until I hear a click. I have an electric fireplace that has 5 Tighten up or replace wiring if necessary. However, they are not immune to problems. An electric fireplace may also make a They are safe, energy-efficient, and produce no fumes. Outdoor conditions such as snow, rain, and mist can create moisture buildup with the electrical fireplaces causing them to short-circuit or wear out. Now, its turning itself on in the middle of the night? Luckily, most of the issues are common issues, that can be resolved. 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. 4. Sometimes, something might fall into the duct, causing it to clog up. Are you having trouble with your Heat & Glo fireplace turning on and off? You may even want to lightly vacuum the glass panels to remove dust or debris. Check the thermostat for settings that are too high, then adjust accordingly. Much like a wall timer, a wall switch can become problematic. a thermostat to help keep the room at a constant temperature. If your electric fireplace doesn't turn on at all, there are many possible culprits. 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. Home Improvement Stack Exchange is a question and answer site for contractors and serious DIYers. We added some shielding and the problem went away. stays at this temperature. The toggle switch and remote control receiver turn the fireplace on by connecting those two wires together. Do NOT touch any of the parts while the fireplace is plugged in. It can turn on with a switch at the wall, one for blower and second one for flame or the remote for just the flame. plugged in at the wall and turned on. On this site, you'll find information about how temperature works, how to stay warm or cool in all types of situations, and guides on choosing (and fixing) the best temperature-related appliances. You will need to remove the decorative logs and place them on the tarp. TV remote, garage door openers, lighting controls the list goes on. mdx42 Having a "wall switch" means that you have a "thermo-pile" driven system/valve not to be confused with a thermocouple system. Heres Why (+ How to Fix), Kenmore Elite Dryer Not Heating? The lightning actually ignited the gas fireplace? 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. the thermostat dial, which can cause the fireplace heater to turn back on in Keep volatile substances far away from your electric fireplace. I've just tried replacing the bulbs with 2 different sets of 40W 120V bulbs as specified in the manual, but no luck. However, if you have an electrical issue, it may be best to have an electrician come in if you suspect a more serious electrical problem. Ensure the fireplace is plugged in and switched on at the wall Don't plug an electric fireplace into an extension cable. Great post! Fireplace timers are typically replaced by getting a new clock to go between the plug and the outlet. and your sure the remote is not a t-stat remote, correct? However, one of the most important questions to ask when purchasing an electric fireplace is how much square footage it can heat. Site design / logo 2023 Stack Exchange Inc; user contributions licensed under CC BY-SA. Unplug your electric fireplace and unscrew the back panel. The fireplace was blazing and it must have been 90 degrees downstairs. Sometimes things that seem simple, can be hard to figure out. Maybe it doesnt turn on at all, or perhaps its working but making a horrible noise that is far from relaxing on your first cold fall night on the couch. 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. that the heater element is clean and the blower is working efficiently. that the fireplace is plugged in and turned on at the wall. Is it possible to rotate a window 90 degrees if it has the same length and width? A loosely plugged-in cord can spark, causing a risk of fire or electrocution. Yes, it automatically turns the fireplace on. controls for my electric fireplace. Check to see if your fireplace is still If In order to turn the high heat setting on, As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. fireplace for a period of time to cool down, and then try using it again. Faulty Remote Issues This is usually caused by the thermostat being set too low. There are numerous causes for overheating including a malfunctioning thermostat, dust and dirt build-up, and blocked inlet or outlets. Ensure that the inlet and To replace the glass panels, replace them leaving them down a bit so they can sit flat against the fireplace. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hi, Im James, Ive been using traditional open fireplaces and wood burning stoves for many years, and Ive also recently bought a bioethanol fireplace. We've never had this issue before either.Thanks for your response. In fact, our own electric fireplace has no user serviceable parts meaning well have to get a new one if anything stops working.See our electric fireplace buying guides for the best electric fireplaces you can buy right now. The energy generated by this device is somewhere around .750-.250 millivolts (DC). 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. You don't have ghosts,,,,just a "sick" thermopile. Isnt it spooky when a gas fireplace turns on by itself? Hopefully, you have the answers you need. Here's what he did: he replaced the switch. The spindle spinner is the mechanism that creates the illusion of flames in your electric fireplace. If your gas fireplace is wired to a faulty wall switch, follow these steps: If you have additional questions about your gas fireplace, one of these articles might be able to help: 7 Ways to Keep Food Warm Without Electricity, Furnace Not Starting? No pets here. that there is nothing blocking the inlet or outlet to the heater component. Let me try and explain. A faulty outlet or loose plug can cause a power cord, outlet, or plug to get warm. To help maintain your Heat & Glo Fireplace, you will need to clean the glass. This site also participates in other affiliate programs and is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. You see, they can cause all sorts of problems. If your room has bad insulation, your room can lose heat extremely quickly, so you might find that your electric fireplace turns on and off frequently. If your timer is set to turn off the fireplace after a certain amount of hours, or you have your thermostat set to a temperature that the room has already reached, your fireplace will automatically shut off. Learn more about Stack Overflow the company, and our products. If the thermostat is set to a lower temperature, turn the settings either higher or lower to achieve a more reasonable setting then power on your fireplace. Something as simple as a replaced bulb can cause your electric fireplace to shut off unexpectedly. Ive used my own freestanding electric real, and so theyre produced by a light source run on electricity. Once you have it out, look for the indicator light. In case you want to change to a double-sided fireplace, problems will also occur in that one if not installed correctly. with each model of electric fireplace can also vary, and so it can sometimes be Place the new part as recommended by the manufacturer in the corresponding slot, then tighten the loose hardware. Loose connections or power surges could affect the switchs circuit board, thus making your electric fireplace light up by itself. Check to ensure that the spindle is still connected to the motor and that nothing is blocking the spinner spindle from moving. fireplace should operate almost silently, while the heater component typically makes GL. Remove the ornamental logs and set them on the tarp. If your electric fireplace wont light up can become dirty, faulty, damaged or blocked over time and through use. More seriously, a short circuit may happen when the breaker instantly trips after being reset. To subscribe to this RSS feed, copy and paste this URL into your RSS reader. Why do small African island nations perform better than African continental nations, considering democracy and human development? 2023 householdair. The fireplace has separate switches to control When in doubt, call in a qualified professional. 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). Downstairs some items on the mantle were knocked to the floor. Over time remote control buttons can get stuck because of dirt or damage. which case it would need replacing. So lets go over how to turn it on. Remove any dirt or dust from Its 7 years old and a year ago it began to shut itself off. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), electrical malfunctions are the second leading cause of home fires. alerting you to an issue that needs addressing. Thank you SeattlePioneer. One possibility is that the switch is faulty and is constantly turning the fireplace on. An electric fireplace makes a clicking Maybe it got unplugged during the summer, and you just forgot. Plug something else, like your toaster, into the plug and see if it works. The timer thinks its at the correct setting, temperature, or time, but its not. No, it doesn't have a thermostat at all. 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. fireplace, turn on any switches that control the heater. Replacing either component requires turning off the gas and electricity. The second possible cause is radio interference or a problem with the remote. If it does not light right away, wait a few minutes and then try again. These remotes are made for convenience, but bad batteries, faulty wiring, and sticky buttons can quickly turn them into a nuisance. and so must have a source of mains electrical power to operate. No, no t-stat in the remote.We turned the gas and pilot off after it had happened several days in a row. This causes miscommunicating between the remote interface and the fireplace receiver. Here are four possible reasons for this problem. turn on, wont heat or the fan is blowing cold air: Ensure Every one of us at Temperature Master loves researching and writing about the science of temperature. Follow these instructions to clean and maintain your electric fireplace so it continues to function optimally: 2. The thermostats job is to trigger the fireplace whenever the temperature gets too low. If it's not this, I'd start looking for ghosts. Heres Why (+ How to Fix), Kenmore Elite Dryer Not Heating? Allow your electric fireplace time to cool down if you have been using it. Make certain bulbs are screwed in tight. Remember, each electric furnace model has a different build. Yes, it automatically turns the fireplace on. Did the technician remove the switch wires from the unit when it shut off finally? Once the pilot is on, push in the knob again, and set it to the on position. How To Turn On A Gas Fireplace With A Wall Switch. Instead, they use a wall switch. However,, Read More Electric fireplace smells like burning plastic 3 common causes and how to fix it [2023]Continue, Can electric fireplaces cause fires? Browse other questions tagged, Start here for a quick overview of the site, Detailed answers to any questions you might have, Discuss the workings and policies of this site. Is your pilot light on, but the unit is not turning on? The glass piece stays in place with springs and pops out by putting pressure downward and removing it. Most people associate an electric fireplace with indoor use only. It spins around on a flame illusion rod that has reflective metallic offshoots connected to it. Take the batteries out of the remote transmitter and see if it stops. And by now, you might have already guessed one. An in-depth guide for 2023, Can electric fireplaces be used outdoors? fireplaces thermostat. Check your fuse box or breaker sizes, shapes and designs, and have a number of electrical components, which 4 Common Causes (and What To Do). Also is it electronic ignition or standing pilot. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Why Does My Gas Fireplace Have a Small Flame? screen from a rotating rod that has strategically placed mirrors along it. Check your remote-control status and switch the batteries or replace them if needed. The next common issue is problems with the thermocouple. If your gas fireplace includes a remote, it could be the source of your problems. Where is the thermocouple on a gas fireplace? Need help with fireplace decisions- my fireplace is so boring! We have provided a step by step method for replacing 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. So if the fireplace was on already and you disconnect the main power, I would expect the fire to stay on. Since the switch is delaing with millivolts . In other words, it you blow it outyou would hear a "click" which means the gas supply to the pilot just stopped. Give sufficient time for the heater to cool. Common problems with the heater can include not 2. 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. Hence, be careful of that. This will sort out the problem. On this site, you'll find information about how temperature works, how to stay warm or cool in all types of situations, and guides on choosing (and fixing) the best temperature-related appliances. Common problems for an electric fireplace Sometimes, either turning the unit to manual mode or setting the thermostat to a higher setting can solve the issue of the thermostat turning on and off. decreases the temperature setting, while turning it to the right increases it. Once the room temperature is reached, the heater goes off. One of the main concerns people have with electric fireplaces is whether or not they get hot to the touch. Do Bioethanol Fireplaces Need Electricity? my electric fireplace by turning the thermostat dial past the current room These two wires mesh-up and create havoc. If this doesn't fix your problem, turn all of the switches off position and unplug the unit. Troubleshooting things like this can be extremely frustrating. The air take opening is an integral part of the device, which needs to be unrestricted at all times. The master switch can also be faulty which will lead to the TV remote turning on the fireplace. Recently when we start it, the igniter continues to fire for a minute or so after the gas has lite? This does not require any special tools, just follow these simple steps. Restricted inlet airflow is one of the most popular causes of overheating if the thermostat is not the culprit. Use another wall outlet. Make sure the batteries are working on the remote control. A broken wall timer randomly triggers the gas fireplace to turn on. Ensure However, with the growing use of electric fireplaces, many people are concerned about the potential fire hazards, Read More Can electric fireplaces cause fires? turned up. The good news is that there are several causes and solutions to repair your gas fireplace. Thus you can check it for any issues and have it replaced if its the one at fault. Regardless, owning an electric fireplace shouldnt be a fire hazard for you and your family if you avoid making common mistakes. An electric fireplace can have a number of Check the thermostat for settings that are too high, then adjust accordingly 3. Sometimes it can also get difficult to plug the wires into the outlet. You could test this by checking for voltage across the solenoid when the switch is off. These fireplaces require either continuous power or a battery pack to operate. At first, it may appear like a scene from a horror movie. is on. When the sun goes down on cold winter days, the first thing most people do is turn on that electric fireplace. I've seen them last 20 plus yearsif you leave your pilot on "all the time"even the off season. thermostat dial will make a clicking sound when turning to let you know what The thermocouple is the wire that extends from the gas valve of the gas fireplace. Check for other causes before reaching this conclusion such as dirt and debris or incorrect thermostat settings. However, you need to replace the remote or fix its problem for a permanent and long-lasting solution. Make sure nothing is blocking where the heat is coming out. Also, check to see if the on/off button may be stuck. To check if your electric fireplace has too much dust, turn it off and unplug it. Check for tripped circuit breakers. Press the flame button several times to reset. I'm a writer that is passionate about home improvements, remodeling, and renovating. Youve given me a bucketful of knowledge that has helped me tremendously. cupboard, which can lead to the fireplace overheating. Ensure that the fireplace isnt However, we suggest reviewing the users manual for your fireplaces specific instructions. Most of the time the gas fireplace lights up because of a faulty thermocouple. As for the solution, all you have to do is change the thermocouple. But if it is damaged by any means it can cause serious trouble to the gas fireplace. That lets you know it is back on. Resetting an electric fireplace is usually super simple, but if you have your manufacturers instruction manual to hand, do check that for specifics. If its clogged or the gas isnt going through it, its time to replace it. Ensure As such, all repairs and maintenance should be handled by someone who knows their way around a furnace. If that sounds like your fireplace, youll want to read our seven most common reasons why your fireplace isnt cooperating. This is a common problem with Heat & Glo fireplaces. when using a remote to turn the fireplace on or off. 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. any problems: Some models of electric fireplace come with Problem Electric fireplaces have an on/off switch located in a discreet location, usually near the edge of the fireplace itself. clean. that the inlet or outlet to the electric fireplace heater arent blocked. If the noise you are hearing is squeaky, you may need to lubricate the flame illusion log. over time and use, and cause an electric fireplace to make a squeaking noise. on: If you are within your warranty period, its worth contacting the manufacturer for any other possible causes and solutions. We have been using it fairly regularly at night but the past three days, at least, we noticed that it will randomly ignite by itself. current room temperature or the fireplace heater will keep shutting off. Need help for my kitchen - keep my white tile floor. An electric fireplace uses a conventional that the main power switch on the fireplace is turned on. components havent come loose and are tightly connected to the fireplace unit. This energy does two things: one, it charges the valve to allow the pilot to stay lit. Well, its a device that senses the heat in the room and grants permission to the pilot light to remain turned on. And as the remote and wall switch have the same primary function, the wall switch can also be the culprit. The most likely and often simplest cause of your electric fireplace going on and off (even extremely regularly) is your thermostat settings. The fix for your unit turning on and off may be as simple as resetting the unit. Radio frequencies (not infrared) can penetrate walls/structure up to 100 ft. awaylike a garage door remote. 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. Loose hardware is the most common culprit of noisy motors. within warranty and contact the manufacturer. Children and pets may accidentally fiddle with remote settings causing the electric fireplace to run for longer than needed leaving it susceptible to overuse. And today well explain why a gas fireplace turns on by itself. If the unit is still not working, you will need to replace the thermocouple. Model is MFB28-2 if that matters. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn a small commission. If the local gas company turns the gas off in your neighborhood to fix a leak, it would go off. now keep the room at this temperature. Change batteries in the remote. motorized components. It was the loudest explosion I have ever heard in my life. Therefore, even if you dont use the remote control, the fireplace could randomly turn on itself. An in-depth guide for 2023Continue, Electric fireplaces are a common feature in many homes these days. To the best of our knowledge it has not happened again. If you are looking for an electric fireplace, I recommend Touchstone Sideline Recessed from Amazon.com. If your fireplace came with a I guess the subject line says it all. switched off and unplugged from the wall. Next, put a tarp down, in front of the fireplace. Similar to #1, if there is no voltage, but it is open, it's likely stuck. After you have determined that the sensor is good and that the unit is not overheating, the next step is to replace the thermocouple. So, even when you dont press the remote to switch on the fireplace it automatically lights up like plugged-in Christmas lights in outdoor outlets. The other routes are from the toggle switch to the gas valve. If they are shorted together any other place it will also turn the fireplace on. Electric fireplaces are becoming increasingly popular as an alternative to traditional fireplaces for heating homes. When the room temperature dips below the comparatively set temperature, it turns on automatically. Heat & Glo fireplaces can be intimidating to work with at first. 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. If the temperature on the thermometer is within a reasonable range, proceed to clean and inspect the fireplace for issues. You can also check out what fireplaces and stoves Im currently using here. Check power cord for issues. the flames and heat may be produced by separate motors. efficiently. order to heat the room back up to the set temperature. This causes miscommunication in the wiring system. Once it turned itself on after shutting itself down, but typically it just shuts itself off. Whatever the situation, youll have your electric fireplace up and working in no time! I have a Lenox direct vent insert with only a remote, no wall switch. Find the inlet to your electric fireplace and check that nothing is blocking it. Your electric fireplace may be making a Why Does My Gas Fireplace Smell Like Kerosene. Thus for a temporary solution, you can remove the batteries from the remote. Set it to pilot, push in the knob, and hit the igniter multiple times until the pilot light is lit. Bad wiring can trigger the fireplace when the remote is moved. It has three positions, pilot, on, and off. Inspect the fuse on the Do not put your hand on anything, just get it close, to see if there is an unusual amount of heat. unit, and turn it off and unplug the power cable at the wall socket. Set it to about 150 degrees to see if the fireplace shuts off after that setting. Next, you must switch on the fireplace and turn on the flame dial. It has been working properly until today--it decided to come on by itself. Everything in this fireplace SEEMS to function properly except the lights. real fire. Check to make sure the switch is actually in the on position. Heres Why (+ How To Fix), Whirlpool Cabrio Dryer Not Heating? Ensure How to notate a grace note at the start of a bar with lilypond? The most common issue is the overheating shutoff sensor, which will cause the unit to shut off, and then back on after it has cooled. You may need to open your fireplace get access to the component (Ive written a guide on how to open an electric fireplace here). It is typically located near the base of the fireplace or on the front or side of the control panel. Its been working fine from when we bought the house 2 1/2 yrs ago. How do you ensure that a red herring doesn't violate Chekhov's gun? And, you should probably. Some electric fireplaces have timers that are set to shut off after a certain amount of time. fireplace as an example for each problem, showing what the manufacturer thermostat that keeps the room at a certain temperature. Purchase and install a similar wall switch, wiring the two to four wires to the corresponding locations. However, one . This is a serious fire hazard, and you should discontinue using the plugs until you are certain you have tracked down the problem. By clicking Accept all cookies, you agree Stack Exchange can store cookies on your device and disclose information in accordance with our Cookie Policy. fireplace to provide heat on the highest setting, all three switches must be 7. Test the thermostat by powering on the fireplace for a few minutes to ensure proper functioning. They are relatively easy to install, do not require a chimney, and can be used in places where wood-burning fireplaces are not practical. This is under the fireplace, where the other electronic pieces are located. However, a faulty electric fireplace poses a severe risk to the occupants of the house. Once my preferred temperature in the room has been reached, I need we re-lit it 2 nights ago. My service man came and disconnected the control valve from it's electrical source and the fireplace remained on--strange at best. As for the solution, all you have to do is change the thermocouple. I would look at two components: the control board the the thermopile and solenoid connect to, or the remote control receiver. Did that puzzle up your brain? Why does my electric fireplace turn on by itself? storey3.some remotes/receivers have a "learn" button that you can "re-learn" the frequencysome have several frequencies you can marry up to the remote. Would a Fireplace surround like this be a difficult DIY? 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? 6. Do Bioethanol Fireplaces Need Ventilation (Fresh Air)? 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. Having cords lying under chairs, rugs, and carpets is dangerous. The most likely cause of this problem is that wiring is burned or shorted out. Gas Fireplace Explodes When Starting? Allow a couple of minutes to see if the heat comes on; once it does, reset the thermostat for the desired temperature.