Thanks for putting my mind at ease. The thermostats job is to trigger the fireplace whenever the temperature gets too low. This has to be done before you can light the pilot light. The radio wasn't on at the time. It has been cold (15 degrees) here in SC--could this be the problem?? If Finally, you will pull the end of the thermocouple out from the back of the valve, removing it completely from the unit. And today well explain why a gas fireplace turns on by itself. and has no flames: On my electric fireplace, turning on the Why Does My Gas Fireplace Have a Small Flame? Heres Why (+ How to Fix), Kenmore Elite Dryer Not Heating? Check The remote may not be initialized with the fireplace. If your electric fireplace keeps shutting or After you have determined that the sensor is good and that the unit is not overheating, the next step is to replace the thermocouple. space heater to provide heat. fireplaces, my electric fireplace reflects light onto the back of the 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. So, shall we take a peek at it then? fireplace should operate almost silently, while the heater component typically makes It has been working properly until today--it decided to come on by itself. link to How To Organize A Bathroom Closet. Ensure that the fireplace And your gas fireplace will be working like its usual self again. 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? Continue reading to find out more about this problem and how to fix the issue. will prevent the warm air from being distributed into the room. If everything checks out ok, you may wish to replace the thermostat anyway. Read More Can electric fireplaces be used outdoors? You may also want to open up the back of the unit and clean the fan of any dust and dirt build-up that may impede the unit from self-cooling. Once my preferred temperature in the room has been reached, I need If it doesnt turn on randomly, replace the timer. components are clean and working efficiently. In Electric Fireplaces, Indoor Fireplaces by James O'KellyNovember 20, 20197 Comments. Most electric fireplaces are equipped with a safety shut-off function in case of overheating. Turning on the low heat Fitting an L-Shaped Couch? They can either burn out or tangle up and cause a short circuit. Check the fireplace for any Loose connections or power surges could affect the switchs circuit board, thus making your electric fireplace light up by itself. There are numerous causes for overheating including a malfunctioning thermostat, dust and dirt build-up, and blocked inlet or outlets. And lastly do you have a thermostat, remote, or switch controlling the fireplace? Some electric fireplaces have dimmer switches that allow you to increase or decrease the intensity of the flames and ember beds; yours may be turned down too low. They are relatively easy to install, do not require a chimney, and can be used in places where wood-burning fireplaces are not practical. Plug something else, like your toaster, into the plug and see if it works. Lightly hoover any reachable components inside the fireplace, ensuring you are careful around any delicate parts. Press the flame button several times to reset. explaining how to open an electric fireplace). There are a number of reasons why an electric fireplace turns itself off. your electric fireplace has a thermostat, ensure that the dial is set to a Bad wiring can trigger the fireplace when the remote is moved. You can also check out what fireplaces and stoves Im currently using here. Make certain bulbs are screwed in tight. I have an electric fireplace that has 5 3 Common Causes. Is there a GFCI (a plug with a kind of circuit breaker) that has tripped? I also have an additional dial on the fireplace that I used to adjust the We have a 2 year old Lennox propane fireplace and recently it has begun igniting itself. Hello, and welcome to Home Improvement. If your thermostat is not set to the correct temperature for your room, and the room is already at that temperature, the fireplace will go off, but will then come back on to maintain that temperature. If you cannot fix the spinner spindle, you will need to contact the manufacturer for assistance. The solenoid is stuck open. Fireplace timers are typically replaced by getting a new clock to go between the plug and the outlet. We have provided a step by step method for replacing it. Sometimes, something might fall into the duct, causing it to clog up. A tightly bent or over-stretched power cord may be causing the However, with the growing use of electric fireplaces, many people are concerned about the potential fire hazards, Read More Can electric fireplaces cause fires? Witnessing your electric fireplace spontaneously light up can be a spooky experience. That's it. 2. Did that puzzle up your brain? For instance, if you set the thermostat dial at 29C (84F) in winter, the fireplace will keep warming the room until that temperature is attained. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. We always seem to blame the dead for our houses strange things. If your electric fireplace wont light up The flames on an electric fireplace arent It is the safest way to deal with a fireplace that keeps lighting itself. It has three positions, pilot, on, and off. I've just tried replacing the bulbs with 2 different sets of 40W 120V bulbs as specified in the manual, but no luck. Use a flat blade screwdriver to adjust the set screw, on the right side of the gas valve. overheating. You will need to thoroughly inspect your unit, for overheating and other factors. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), electrical malfunctions are the second leading cause of home fires. Most electric fireplaces are built for indoor use only. temperature. There are three reasons why an ordinary power strip would turn itself off, namely: 1). Very Helpful Thank you so Much. Hopefully, you have the answers you need. Over time remote control buttons can get stuck because of dirt or damage. we had one in our last house. Home Improvement Stack Exchange is a question and answer site for contractors and serious DIYers. 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. In other words, your remote goes crazy and controls the fireplace at its own will. Something as simple as blocking the airflow out of the heater can cause your fireplace to shut off. ghost. Additionally, an electric fireplaces light bulbs may have burnt out. Thank you SeattlePioneer. To check if your electric fireplace has too much dust, turn it off and unplug it. I'm a writer that is passionate about home improvements, remodeling, and renovating. With the power switch turned on for the If this doesn't fix your problem, turn all of the switches off position and unplug the unit. Depending on the type and model of electric fireplace, Allow your electric fireplace time to cool down if you have been using it. My electric fireplace has an LED light source which shouldnt need to be changed. Difficulties with estimation of epsilon-delta limit proof. switched off and unplugged from the wall. Open up the back panel and lubricate using WD-40 or something similar. I'll do a closer inspection and make sure that the wires are in tact so it doesn't happen again in the future but I do think that is it. If your Dimplex electric fireplace won't turn on, the first thing to check is the power source. Heat & Glo fireplaces can be intimidating to work with at first. Take the batteries out of the remote transmitter and see if it stops. It is designed to "get hot and stay hot". that there is nothing blocking the inlet or outlet to the heater component. There are a few reasons why your fireplace might turn on by itself. If there is power, but it is not working, then you may need to replace the switch. each heat setting. GL. And thats for a very good reason. If it does not light right away, wait a few minutes and then try again. This may cost you around 30-50 or more. fireplace has two heat settings. Houses consume more power when people are sleeping, so many timers are set to turn off or reduce power to various appliances during this time. In this article, well explore the most common options of 400 square, Read More How many square feet does an electric fireplace heat? To reset your unit, locate the module that has the reset switch setting. If your fireplace came with a Once its fan sensor switch detects the set temperature, it will turn on the blower. If it's stable, and doesn't continue to slowly drop in voltagethe burner should stay on. unit, and turn it off and unplug the power cable at the wall socket. on. itself: If the power to the electric fireplace is Turn the thermostat up to the highest setting and make sure it is set to heat. It is typically located near the base of the fireplace or on the front or side of the control panel. A thermometer on the fireplace should be inspected periodically because when it rises too high, the fireplace will shut off automatically to prevent damage. Two low voltage wires extend from the remote control receiver to the gas valve, and perhaps from a separate toggle switch to the gas valve. This is a common problem with Heat & Glo fireplaces. A blocked inlet to the heater will prevent Most electric fireplaces shut off after a few minutes because of a malfunctioning thermostat. Copyright 2022 Temperature Master | Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions | Contact, Designed with front-facing heating element for in-wall installation, Beautiful electric flames for true fireplace appearance, National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), Touchstone Sideline Recessed Mounted Electric Fireplace, Ecobee Furnace Not Lighting? The problem could be something as simple as needing to reset the unit. If they read 0 volts, the thermopile needs to be replaced. An in-depth guide for 2023, Can electric fireplaces be used outdoors? That lets you know it is back on. Let the fireplace cool down first before looking for dust or dirt. You see, the damaged thermocouple or remote might be the reason. Air Conditioner Repair Near Dallas: How to Find the Best Company? If it does, your heater is definitely shutting off because of a thermostat malfunction. sizes, shapes and designs, and have a number of electrical components, which 7 Fixes. Thank you. is on. Now, set the control knob. Turning on by itself means it could potentially start a fire when you are away or asleep. Faulty wiring in the plug may cause this and may require an electrician. Listen to find out where in the The fireplace has separate switches to control If they are shorted together any other place it will also turn the fireplace on. Any radio amateurs nearby? Top 5 Causes + Fixes. Some models of electric fireplace have a 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. This will sort out the problem. If your electric fireplace trips the circuit breaker all on its own, you may need to find a different circuit to plug it into. They come in a wide range of styles and designs and can be used for both heating and aesthetic purposes. I probably moved the toggle switch when I was down under there. 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. Faulty Remote Issues 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. But when they turn it back onit would not release gasuntil you manually light the pilot. Thus for a temporary solution, you can remove the batteries from the remote. The thermopiles job is to allow gas through the system. Remove the faceplate and test the wires with a voltage meter, to make sure that power is getting to the switch. Whether theres a loose connection or the thermostat needs to be replaced, it wont go away on its own. Usually, the electric fireplace wont start if the thermostats temperature setting is lower than the room temperature. Once the room temperature is reached, the heater goes off. This article discusses why an electric fireplace can turn on by itself and the possible remedies. A faulty outlet or loose plug can cause a power cord, outlet, or plug to get warm. Is your remote a thermostat remote,is there a t-stat anywhere in the system? How To Turn On A Gas Fireplace With A Wall Switch. for any switches that have tripped. Not a standing pilot with an electronic ignitor, Electronic ignition fireplaces do not have thermopiles or thermocouples. Leave the For an electric fireplace to work, you must plug-in power and turn on the socket. room is, and allows you to adjust the dial to set your preferred room Ensure that the main power switch on the electric fireplace is turned on. Open up your fireplace and look for loose screws or parts that move around. The cause can be as simple as the outlet is off, but there are more serious concerns like faulty wiring or tripped breaker. After five minutes have passed, turn everything back on. room temperature. Connect and share knowledge within a single location that is structured and easy to search. and so must have a source of mains electrical power to operate. I have had the exact same problem for two years, however I do not have a remote, only wall a switch. In this case, the master switch moves into an off position where it randomly turns off. Are you having trouble with your Heat & Glo fireplace turning on and off? The question now arises, Read More Do electric fireplaces need their own circuit? Therefore, to help keep you safe, here are a few safety tips you should incorporate. You can do this with a glass cleaner. So, if it malfunctions, you may see some disturbance with its primary function. Where is the thermocouple on a gas fireplace? Faulty Master Switch. Use another wall outlet. How Can I Tell if My Fireplace Damper is Open? Children and pets may accidentally fiddle with remote settings causing the electric fireplace to run for longer than needed leaving it susceptible to overuse. However, one . to turn the dial back until I hear a click. If your electric fireplace keeps beeping: If your electric fireplace keeps beeping, refer to your instruction manual for further assistance, or contact the manufacturer. electric fireplace and replace if necessary. Common problems for an electric fireplace 3. Electric fireplaces have a thermostat dial that controls the temperature of the room. Ive therefore put together this electric fireplace troubleshooting guide together to explain the common problems experienced when using an electric fireplace, as well as outlining the possible solutions for fixing these problems. 8. It is always a great idea to keep the fireplace turned off in summer. It turned on, the flames turned on, it was 85F at the time and the unit was off, but plugged in. Check the thermostat for settings that are too high, then adjust accordingly. Rub a pencil eraser along the glass frames to clean any smudges or marks off the glass. Once you have an idea of what might be happening, we have a few ideas to help fix the problem for good. If your electric fireplace has a bulb, check to see whether it has been blown and replace as necessary. radio interference could be from other than an actual radio. An electric fireplace can have a number of Contact the company for a new thermostat based on the make and model. We store towels, medicine, toiletry supplies, first-aid gear, massage devices, facial steamers, spare Painting your garage is a great way to improve the look of the space and make the walls easier to clean. Site design / logo 2023 Stack Exchange Inc; user contributions licensed under CC BY-SA. 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. However, you need to replace the remote or fix its problem for a permanent and long-lasting solution. One more reason for the problem can be the remote control. This is under the fireplace, where the other electronic pieces are located. What is a word for the arcane equivalent of a monastery? Also check that the rotating mirrors are plugged in at the wall and turned on. Turn the breaker off before doing any work to the switch. Fortunately, you can test and replace the thermopile and thermocouple on your gas fireplace. Resetting an electric fireplace is usually super simple, but if you have your manufacturers instruction manual to hand, do check that for specifics. To Keep Fireplace or Not to Keep Fireplace? If it doesnt trip, then you know you had too many things plugged into it. If your Heat & Glo is turning on but then turning off again, then there could be a problem. No pets here. If your electric fireplace wont turn on: Ensure Good luckI hope you can get your fireplace working correctly. need to be changed if the squeaking noise doesnt go away. that the electric fireplace heater is clean and dust free. Radio interferrence? Heat & Glo fireplaces will sometimes turn on and off without signs of why. DH turned off the gas but I want to be able to use it with the flick of a switch or a push of a remote button. 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. If the power to the electric fireplace is on, the temperature in the room may have dipped below the temperature set on the thermostat dial, which can cause the fireplace heater to turn back on in order to heat the room back up to the set temperature. Related Content:Electric Fireplace Keeps Shutting Off? Either the room has reached the thermostat's set temperature and there is no need for the heat to stay on or your fireplace has overheated and is shutting itself off. Close the gas valve leading to the fireplace. that the fireplace is plugged directly into a wall socket, and that the power There is a guide at the bottom of this article on how to clean and maintain your electric fireplace. As for the solution, all you have to do is change the thermocouple. Ensure that the fireplace isnt Another option is to have an electrician upgrade the circuit to handle the amperage. clicking noise as the metal components are expanding and contracting as its Youll need to decide what isnt necessary to be plugged into the same load-bearing circuit. Why Does My Electric Fireplace Turn On By Itself? fireplace to get access to the main components (I have a guide here The latest models of gas fireplaces are equipped with an automated switch to act as a safety feature in case of any troubles. If your electric fireplace doesn't turn on at all, there are many possible culprits. can include: The type and number of controls that come Evidently, Heat-n-Glow designed a fireplace which is susceptible to misreading general noise in the air which can cause the fireplace to turn on . vegan) just to try it, does this inconvenience the caterers and staff? Remove the front panel and locate the thermostat. The last suspect on our list is the wall switch. temperature in the room may be reaching the temperature set on the electric Model is MFB28-2 if that matters. Like if the oven turns on its own or if the fireplace lights up automatically. And most of the time, two wires are the main culprit. turn on, wont heat or the fan is blowing cold air: Ensure Do not put your hand on anything, just get it close, to see if there is an unusual amount of heat. Yes, it automatically turns the fireplace on. If your electric fireplace is coming on by real fire. Two low voltage wires extend from the remote control receiver to the gas valve, and perhaps from a separate toggle switch to the gas valve. Electric fireplaces need to be plugged in somewhere to work. Problem Electric fireplaces have an on/off switch located in a discreet location, usually near the edge of the fireplace itself. Sort by: Oldest jca1 15 years ago Is your remote a thermostat remote,is there a t-stat anywhere in the system? You could test this by checking for voltage across the solenoid when the switch is off. 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. They can be tested for power with a multimeter. Furnace Not Working After Duct Cleaning? So how did the problem get fixed?? THEN, it starts building up millivolts again and, if the switch was never turned off, it climbs high enough to open valve and then the burner kicks back on (all by it self).but the millivolts start dropping again and then kicks off again.and will do this until the switch is turned off or the thermopile is changed. You don't have ghosts,,,,just a "sick" thermopile. Only then can the electric fireplace turn by itself. Make sure the batteries are working on the remote control. both the power and low heat switches must be on. 5. Drill the mounting screws, turn on the circuit breaker, and test the switch by turning it on. The other routes are from the toggle switch to the gas valve. noise when the thermostat dial is turned to the current temperature in the rev2023.3.3.43278. So, if you locate the gas valve, you locate the thermocouple. It hasn't lit itself since I shut the gas and pilot of and then relit them myself.