A gas fireplace is a heating appliance that uses natural gas as fuel. Gas fireplaces are designed to provide homeowners with an efficient and convenient way to heat their homes. However, gas fireplaces can occasionally have problems, and you may ask yourself, “why does my gas fireplace keeps going out?”
While there are several reasons this could happen, a few common culprits are usually to blame. In this blog post, we’ll look at some of the most common reasons gas fireplaces go out and what you can do to fix the problem.
Pilot Light Issue
Your gas fireplace likely turns off repeatedly for many reasons, one of which is probably the pilot light. It is a crucial part of a gas fireplace since it lights the gas fire. You must hold the pilot light in place while you switch on the fire for it to ignite.
Naturally, the pilot light may blame if your fire won’t start or if it keeps dying out. It can result from dust or other material in the pilot light. It will impact how the fire starts, and the produced’s sluggish flame disturbs the direct flame. The fire may then shut off as a result of this having a domino effect.
The pilot light is utilized to start the fire, and it is still on while the fire is being used. Therefore, if the pilot light malfunctions, the fire will be affected.
The flame that is produced should also be blue. While a bit of yellow is occasionally present, a yellow flame implies that the gas utilized has been tainted. It is a problem that has to be fixed right away.
Faulty Oxypilot Sensor
The oxypilot sensor is there to monitor the presence of oxygen in the room. If it senses that there isn’t enough oxygen, it will shut off the gas flow to prevent a fire from happening. However, if the sensor is faulty, it may think there isn’t enough oxygen, and as a result, it will shut off the gas even when it’s not necessary.
A faulty oxypilot sensor is usually the result of a build-up of soot on the sensor itself. The easiest way to fix this problem is to clean the sensor with a cotton swab or a soft brush. You may need to do this more than once to eliminate all the soot.
If the sensor is still not working after you’ve tried cleaning it, then you may need to replace it entirely. It is a relatively easy fix that you can do yourself, but if you’re not comfortable doing it, you can always call a professional.
Dirty or Clogged Burners
Another common reason why gas fireplaces go out is that the burners are dirty or clogged. Over time, dirt and debris can build up on the burners, which can eventually impede gas flow. As a result, the flame will be weak and unable to sustain itself, causing the fireplace to go out.
Fortunately, this is an easy problem to fix. Simply remove the burner and clean it with a soft brush or a cloth. You may need to do this a few times to eliminate all the dirt and debris. Once you’re done, reassemble the burner and try igniting the fire again.
If the burner is severely clogged, you may need to replace it. It is a more complex fix, but it’s something you can do yourself if you’re up to the task.
The Thermocouple Is Damaged
The thermocouple is a safety feature designed to shut off the gas if the flame goes out. However, if the thermocouple is damaged, it may not work correctly, and as a result, the gas will keep flowing even when the flame has gone out. It can be hazardous since it increases the risk of a fire.
If you suspect the thermocouple is damaged, the best thing to do is call a professional. They can properly diagnose the problem and replace the thermocouple if necessary.
Conclusion
There are several reasons your gas fireplace may keep going out, but the most common culprits are dirty or clogged burners, a faulty oxypilot sensor, or a damaged thermocouple. Fortunately, these are all relatively easy problems to fix, so you shouldn’t have too much trouble getting your fireplace up and running again. However, if you’re uncomfortable doing the repairs, you can always call a professional.
