Dead batteries
Remotes, receivers and many electronic-ignition fireplaces run on batteries. Weak batteries are a common reason a fireplace won't respond.
Gas fitting problem
Gas fireplace won't turn on?
When a gas fireplace won't start, the cause is often simple: a dead battery in the remote or receiver, a switch, or a pilot that's gone out, especially after it's been off all summer. Here's what's safe to check, and where to stop.
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What's likely going on
These are typical causes, not a diagnosis. A pro looking at yours can tell you which it is.
The pilot is out
On standing-pilot models, many owners turn the pilot off for summer. It has to be relit by following the instructions for your unit.
A switch or power issue
Many fireplaces have a wall switch and a switch on the unit, and some need power for the fan or ignition. Any one being off can stop it.
A weak thermopile or thermocouple
If the pilot lights but the main burner won't, the part that powers the valve may be weak or dirty. That needs a licensed gas fitter.
The gas supply is off
If other gas appliances aren't working either, the supply may be the issue. That's one for your gas utility.
Safe things to check yourself
- Smell before anythingIf you smell gas near the fireplace or anywhere in the house, stop. Don't touch switches. Leave and call your gas utility or 911 from outside.
- Swap the batteriesReplace the batteries in the remote, and in the receiver if there is one, often behind the lower grille. Some remotes need re-pairing after; your manual shows how.
- Check every switchCheck the wall switch, the ON / REMOTE / OFF switch on the unit (often behind the lower grille), and the breaker if the fireplace has a fan or plugs in.
- Look for the pilotLook through the glass for a small flame. If it's out, relight it only by following the instructions in your manual or on the label behind the lower grille.
- Check other gas appliancesIf your furnace, stove or water heater isn't working either, the gas supply may be off. Call your gas utility.
Stop and leave it to a licensed gas fitter
- You smell gas. Leave the house and call your gas utility or 911 from outside.
- A carbon monoxide alarm sounds. Get everyone out and call 911.
- The glass is cracked, or there's black soot on the glass or around the unit.
- The pilot won't stay lit, or the burner lights with a loud whoomp.
Don't remove the glass or touch the gas valve, gas line or burner. Those are jobs for a licensed gas fitter, and a Hollr pro won't walk you through them on a call.
Show a licensed gas fitter on video
Point your phone at it and a licensed gas fitter tells you what's likely going on, what's safe to try next and whether it needs someone on site. $34 for 15 minutes or $59 for 30, and you only pay when a pro connects. Hollr is launching across Canada, so join the waitlist for your invite.
Questions
Advice only: Hollr pros diagnose and guide over video, and refer anything that needs hands on site. Live electrical panels and gas lines are never walked through on a call. Hollr checks every gas fitter's licence with the provincial body that issues it. How we check.
Why won't my gas fireplace turn on with the remote?
Weak batteries in the remote or receiver are a common cause. After that, check that the switch on the unit is set to REMOTE and that the pilot is lit. Some remotes need to be re-paired after a battery change.
Is it safe to relight a gas fireplace pilot myself?
If you don't smell gas and you follow the lighting instructions for your unit exactly, many homeowners relight their own pilot. If you smell gas, or you're unsure, don't. Call a licensed gas fitter.
Why does the pilot light but the fire won't come on?
Often the thermopile, which powers the gas valve, is weak or dirty, or a switch is off. Check the switches first. If they're fine, it needs a licensed gas fitter.
Can a gas fitter help over video?
Yes, for working out what's wrong. On a Hollr call, a licensed gas fitter can look at your switches, pilot and label with you and tell you whether it needs a visit. They never walk you through work on a gas line, valve or burner.