Unusual Odors

This common gas fireplace problem can be a source of panic for homeowners – the combination of a gas appliance and a strange odor can be terrifying! Fortunately, it many cases, the odors aren’t as problematic as your initial fears may suggest.

There are several non-threatening sources of gas fireplace odors:
• Pet dander/fur
• Dust
• Dirt

Some things, like objects near the fireplace or even cleaning residue you may have used on the glass can also emit an odor when heated.

That said, there are some smells that are a cause for concern! If you smell gas directly or notice a smell like burning wires or electrical components, immediately shut off your fireplace and contact a professional!

Ignition Failure

Is your fireplace failing to ignite? Depending on the cause, you may be able to fix the problem yourself! If you haven’t used your gas fireplace in a while, there may be air in the tubing. You’ll need to bleed the air out by holding down the pilot button for a minute or two. In many cases, this is all it takes to get the fireplace going again.

Do you notice gas coming out of the pilot, but it won’t ignite? Your spark igniter could be faulty. Check to see if there is any debris that may be causing an issue between the thermocouple and spark igniter.

Lastly, if you have compressed air, it’s possible that blowing the pilot area clean can help restore the proper conditions to ignite again. Use the air and wait a few minutes, then try again.

Soot Build-up

If there is an abundance of soot built up, air flow may be the problem. You may need less gas flow and more air flow. There may be a mixing valve on your fireplace or a vent to allow in more air. Doing this every so often produces a bluish flame, but tends to remove the soot.