Check As such, all repairs and maintenance should be handled by someone who knows their way around a furnace. The high-limit switch shuts off the heater when it is overheated. a thermostat to help keep the room at a constant temperature. Why did my fireplace turn on by itself? Therefore, in order for my electric that any power switches that control the flames are turned on. Make sure there's nothing blocking the vents. ghost. space heater to provide heat. Do not put your hand on anything, just get it close, to see if there is an unusual amount of heat. My service man came and disconnected the control valve from it's electrical source and the fireplace remained on--strange at best. If the noise you are hearing is squeaky, you may need to lubricate the flame illusion log. 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. If you have to replace yours, make sure you use one recommended by the manufacturer. Did that puzzle up your brain? Turn your electric fireplace off at the Here are four possible reasons for this problem. vegan) just to try it, does this inconvenience the caterers and staff? The spindle spinner is the mechanism that creates the illusion of flames in your electric fireplace. Check to make sure the switch is actually in the on position. If nothing seems to be working, you'll want to try to send the product back by using a warranty. Does a switch control the plug? Check for tripped circuit breakers. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. I've just tried replacing the bulbs with 2 different sets of 40W 120V bulbs as specified in the manual, but no luck. fireplace should operate almost silently, while the heater component typically makes 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. Find the inlet to your electric fireplace and check that nothing is blocking it. It is late summer. 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. You could also troubleshoot the problem by removing your remote batteries and see if it still turns on itself. Bystanders could trip or tear cables, leaving volatile electricals exposed. Site design / logo 2023 Stack Exchange Inc; user contributions licensed under CC BY-SA. If you check the millivolts when "just" the pilot is lityou may get .250 or better (anything below .100 it will not stay lit). This can sometimes lead to appliances like the electric fireplace stopping unexpectedly if there is a power surge or brownout that affects the timer settings. Keep volatile substances far away from your electric fireplace. Ensure | Gas Fireplace Insert Smells Like Burning Plastic? Another mischievous element responsible for the core issue is the wires. Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on: Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. The thermocouple is the wire that extends from the gas valve of the gas fireplace. cupboard, which can lead to the fireplace overheating. thermostat dial will make a clicking sound when turning to let you know what 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? You can turn the thermostat dial to as low as possible when you are done. Let the fireplace cool down first before looking for dust or dirt. that the electric fireplace isnt located in a confined space, such as in a Get free, zero-commitment quotes from pro contractors near you. Heat & Glo fireplaces will sometimes turn on and off without signs of why. I even tried removing the back panel on the off chance there was obvious damage . The best answers are voted up and rise to the top, Not the answer you're looking for? How Can I Tell if My Fireplace Damper is Open? For more information about why your electric fireplace keeps shutting off, Ive written another article here. Thank you. The second function of generating that low voltage (.250-.750) is to open an close the main valvewhich releases gas to your main burner. Well, dont worry, we have an entire article thatll help you understand the reasons in detail. The flames on an electric fireplace arent Now, back to your problem. can become dirty, faulty, damaged or blocked over time and through use. I have a Lenox direct vent insert with only a remote, no wall switch. They are safe, energy-efficient, and produce no fumes. If your electric fireplace overheats, you may need to reset the fireplace. Ensure Do NOT touch any of the parts while the fireplace is plugged in. Thank you SeattlePioneer. 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. Turn the breaker off before doing any work to the switch. Is there a GFCI (a plug with a kind of circuit breaker) that has tripped? A loosely plugged-in cord can spark, causing a risk of fire or electrocution. Then, he wanted to just start replacing parts, I said no thank you. Regardless, owning an electric fireplace shouldnt be a fire hazard for you and your family if you avoid making common mistakes. Try reconfiguring the remote to limit radio interference and check if there is a fault with the receiver in the fireplace itself. beeping noise its a sign that something isnt functioning properly, or its It is an easy replacement and being aware that everything works but the thermostat can saveyou a ton of time and trouble later on. Heres Why (+ How to Fix), Kenmore Elite Dryer Not Heating? Now, its turning itself on in the middle of the night? The fireplace was blazing and it must have been 90 degrees downstairs. When it triggers, the gas goes through and lights with a spark. Your electric fireplace may be making a An in-depth guide for 2023Continue. If they are shorted together any other place it will also turn the fireplace on. 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. To check if your electric fireplace has excess dust, turn off your fireplace at the wall and unplug it from the socket. Finally, you will pull the end of the thermocouple out from the back of the valve, removing it completely from the unit. Start by unplugging everything connected to the circuit breaker, then plug in your electric fireplace and turn it on. Has this been solved by anyone? Wear gloves, to make sure you do not get any residue on your hands. 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. 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. You will need to thoroughly inspect your unit, for overheating and other factors. The most likely and often simplest cause of your electric fireplace going on and off (even extremely regularly) is your thermostat settings. switch is turned on. temperature accordingly. [Everything you need to know for a safe install in 2023], How many square feet does an electric fireplace heat? Many problems with your electric fireplace are pretty easy to troubleshoot and fix on your own. Make sure nothing is blocking where the heat is coming out. However, you need to replace the remote or fix its problem for a permanent and long-lasting solution. 3. When the sun goes down on cold winter days, the first thing most people do is turn on that electric fireplace. If they are shorted together any other place it will also turn the fireplace on. I would look at two components: the control board the the thermopile and solenoid connect to, or the remote control receiver. Make a habit of regulating your thermostat settings to ensure that the fireplace doesnt waste electricity when there shouldnt be a reason for it to be on. Ensure 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. Sometimes, a stuck button or a damaged remote interface could be the reason the device powers itself. If your fireplace is plugged into an extension cable, try putting the power cable straight into the wall socket and see if it will turn on. If your fireplace came with a Check the thermostat for settings that are too high, then adjust accordingly. While waiting, check the manual with your electric fireplace to see how it should be cleaned. Ensure that the main power switch on the electric fireplace is turned on. This site is owned and operated by The Laburnum Group Ltd. Electric Fireplace Gas Fireplace Keeps Turning Itself On? And your gas fireplace will be working like its usual self again. Tile Color and Brick in Kitchen and Dining Room. Its always advisable to check with your manufacturers instructions before attempting any maintenance on your electric fireplace so that you have accurate information. To find the problem, you will have to do a little bit of troubleshooting. An electric fireplace thermostat helps to flickering flames are projected onto the front of the fireplace to imitate a Ensure that the fireplace is 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. The flame effect on a new electric The remote may not be initialized with the fireplace. If your electric fireplace keeps beeping: If your electric fireplace keeps beeping, refer to your instruction manual for further assistance, or contact the manufacturer. There is a guide at the bottom of this article on how to clean and maintain your electric fireplace. switches wont work and the heater wont turn on unless the main power switch It is always a great idea to keep the fireplace turned off in summer. A gas fireplace keeps turning itself on for the following reasons: In this post, well talk about the five primary causes of a gas fireplace that activates on its own and what you can do about it. rev2023.3.3.43278. Common problems with the heater can include not room. Next, put a tarp down, in front of the fireplace. The most common reason that a circuit breaker trips is because the circuit is overloaded. Sometimes, something might fall into the duct, causing it to clog up. There are a number of reasons why an electric fireplace turns itself off. Ive used my own freestanding electric Once the pilot is on, push in the knob again, and set it to the on position. Check the igniter. Test your fireplaces timer by plugging the appliance directly into the wall without a timer. They provide the same cozy ambiance and heat without the hassle and mess of traditional fireplaces. The toggle switch and remote control receiver turn the fireplace on by connecting those two wires together. 8. Remove the front panel and locate the thermostat. It was the loudest explosion I have ever heard in my life. Now you will need to loosen the screw that holds the thermocouple in place. Maybe it got unplugged during the summer, and you just forgot. link to What Kind Of Paint For Garage Walls? is on. This includes dust or dirt build-up as well as more obvious to spot objects like carpet. Reason 2: Some wiring problem Another mischievous element responsible for the core issue is the wires. Reset the circuit breaker to restore power. Disconnect between goals and daily tasksIs it me, or the industry? Isnt it spooky when a gas fireplace turns on by itself? Until the problem is solved, I recommend unplugging your electric fireplace from the wall socket. Check the electric fireplace's fuse. It is designed to "get hot and stay hot". Locate the control knob on your unit. Let me try and explain. This can be a bit of a mystery, however, weve got a few answers, that might solve your problems. Therefore, even if you dont use the remote control, the fireplace could randomly turn on itself. If your electric fireplace trips the circuit breaker all on its own, you may need to find a different circuit to plug it into. But if it is damaged by any means it can cause serious trouble to the gas fireplace. doesnt come on by itself, set the thermostat to its lowest setting, or turn The other routes are from the toggle switch to the gas valve. If it happens again, then you need to contact the manufacturer. Faulty Remote Issues After 5 minutes, switch it to the right, back into the remote position. And most of the time, two wires are the main culprit. Now place the glass assembly back into place. Turn the thermostat up to the highest setting and make sure it is set to heat. Fortunately, you can test and replace the thermopile and thermocouple on your gas fireplace. A broken wall timer randomly triggers the gas fireplace to turn on. fireplace for a period of time to cool down, and then try using it again. If the thermostat is not the culprit, you need to check the heater element for continuity. Unplug your electric fireplace and unscrew the back panel. Try replacing the remote control if none of this works. How to notate a grace note at the start of a bar with lilypond? Purchase and install a similar wall switch, wiring the two to four wires to the corresponding locations. A regular fireplace only heats the air that is directly in front of it, but a blower will continually circulate warm air around . on: If you are within your warranty period, its worth contacting the manufacturer for any other possible causes and solutions. fireplace, turn on any switches that control the heater. This will sort out the problem. My dad used to have a gas fireplace and when he went down to his radio shack and started transmitting, the fireplace would often kick on. The fireplace heater will We may also earn commissions if you purchase products from other retailers after clicking on a link from our site. You see, they can cause all sorts of problems. Like all electrical devices, they can have some faulty components. Heat & Glo fireplaces will sometimes turn on and off without signs of why. If you have it wired to an on and off switch, then you will need to test the switch. for sure. the flames and heat may be produced by separate motors. When troubleshooting, always start with the easiest thing first, to avoid replacing pricey parts that werent broken in the first place. On my electric fireplace, the heater Like many other freestanding electric I guess the subject line says it all. overheat protection mode as a safety feature to prevent the fireplace from temperature above the current room temperature, or the fireplace heater wont Turning on by itself means it could potentially start a fire when you are away or asleep. I think you nailed it. You could test this by checking for voltage across the solenoid when the switch is off. Check the fireplace for any Open up the back panel and lubricate using WD-40 or something similar. 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. a $3 switch was the solution to a fireplace that keeps turning itself off. A flame sensor senses when pilot is lit. You should hear a beep. 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. The last suspect on our list is the wall switch. Faulty wiring in the plug may cause this and may require an electrician. As for the solution, all you have to do is change the thermocouple. 5 Things To Know, Gas Fireplace Keeps Beeping? If that sounds like your fireplace, youll want to read our seven most common reasons why your fireplace isnt cooperating. How can I check before my flight that the cloud separation requirements in VFR flight rules are met? Untrue. problem. 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. The fireplace mimics the colors of crackling flames and has settings to adjust both the heat and flames from high to low levels. Other times, some wiring issues or switch problem arises that cause the fireplace to light on its own. By that we mean the toggle switch can team up with the receiver and turn on the fireplace whenever the two wires touch each other. If the toaster isnt getting any juice either, then youll need to troubleshoot the power supply. 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. Trying to understand how to get this basic Fourier Series, Minimising the environmental effects of my dyson brain, How to tell which packages are held back due to phased updates. In case you want to change to a double-sided fireplace, problems will also occur in that one if not installed correctly. At the same time, other wires can also cause this problem. After five minutes have passed, turn everything back on. Pet stepping on the remote? However, one . The cause can be as simple as the outlet is off, but there are more serious concerns like faulty wiring or tripped breaker. My fireplace has a thermopile, but it also has electronic start added as an option. Check our guide at the bottom of this article for how to reset your electric fireplace. This is a serious fire hazard, and you should discontinue using the plugs until you are certain you have tracked down the problem. 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. One possibility is that the switch is faulty and is constantly turning the fireplace on. 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. It is typically located near the base of the fireplace or on the front or side of the control panel. Over time remote control buttons can get stuck because of dirt or damage. The question now arises, Read More Do electric fireplaces need their own circuit? It essentially works like the AC. This energy does two things: one, it charges the valve to allow the pilot to stay lit. So how did the problem get fixed?? It can be common to have an electric fireplace to provide heat on the highest setting, all three switches must be All Rights Reserved. main switch on the fireplace automatically turns on the flames (I cant turn As you will find out, this is a sporadic problem. The timer thinks its at the correct setting, temperature, or time, but its not. However, ghosts are usually never the reason. Is your remote a thermostat remote,is there a t-stat anywhere in the system? These fireplaces require either continuous power or a battery pack to operate. You will need a wrench for this. your electric fireplace has a thermostat, ensure that the dial is set to a There are a few reasons why your electric fireplace may turn on by itself. This causes miscommunication in the wiring system. Therefore, ensure to check your remote control status and switch the batteries or replace it if needed. Turn the thermostat up to the highest setting and make sure it is set to heat. Once its fan sensor switch detects the set temperature, it will turn on the blower. How To Turn On A Gas Fireplace With A Wall Switch. 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. The thermostats job is to trigger the fireplace whenever the temperature gets too low. If your electric fireplace wont light up I've made several calls and no one knows what to do, so if you find the answer, please let me know. Most people associate an electric fireplace with indoor use only. The remote may need replacement. Why Does My Electric Fireplace Turn On By Itself? The light will blink from red to green, if the unit is locked out, and needs to be reset. If your electric fireplace is coming on by 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. You could test this by checking for voltage across the solenoid when the switch is off. They can either burn out or tangle up and cause a short circuit. If your Heat & Glo is turning on but then turning off again, then there could be a problem. The term cycling comes from this scenario: pilot is on, you turn the main burner on (switch), it lightsbut the millivolts are slowly dropping and then burner drops out. and has no flames: On my electric fireplace, turning on the 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. You can do this by putting your hand close to the bottom area, where the switches are. turning off, and wont stay on: The each heat setting. Faulty Master Switch. The most common cause of your fireplace turning on by itself is a dirty chimney. fireplace to get access to the main components (I have a guide here itself: If the power to the electric fireplace is Here is the step by step method to remove the thermocouple. Listen to find out where in the 4. 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. In order to turn the high heat setting on, If your electric fireplace still wont turn Put down a tarp, so that you do not get any residue on the floor. If it's not this, I'd start looking for ghosts. By clicking Accept all cookies, you agree Stack Exchange can store cookies on your device and disclose information in accordance with our Cookie Policy. Why Does My Electric Fireplace Make a Clicking Noise? that the inlet or outlet to the electric fireplace heater arent blocked. Replacing broken pins/legs on a DIP IC package. Should you turn off the gas fireplace in the summer? Any other idea what could cause it to come on by itself? Now, set the control knob. within warranty and contact the manufacturer. Would a Fireplace surround like this be a difficult DIY? 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. Ensure that the fireplace is Heres Why (+ How To Fix), Cold Water Not Working on a Washing Machine? Electric fireplaces are becoming increasingly popular among homeowners. You can also check out what fireplaces and stoves Im currently using here. the current room temperature is. What is the mystery behind why the gas fireplace turns on by itself? While an electric fireplace doesnt use naked flames, flammable material like cloth can ignite under direct contact with the heater leading to an indoor fire. If your electric fireplace keeps shutting or An incorrectly calibrated thermostat can automatically power up your electric fireplace if the room temperature has dropped below the setting on the thermostat. An electric fireplace makes a clicking controls need to be switch on before others will work, and so I had some 3 Common Causes. remote (if it has one). A place where magic is studied and practiced? If your Heat & Glo is not working properly, you may need to remove the thermocouple, to either clean it or replace it. Another possibility is that your heater's safety switches are triggered. 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. Like many other electric fireplaces, my And thats for a very good reason. Heres Why (+ How to Fix), Ecobee Furnace Not Lighting? According to the repairman, over time, a tiny amount of corrosion (or even just plain wear) will affect the connection inside the switch, creating increased resistance. 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. If you cannot fix the spinner spindle, you will need to contact the manufacturer for assistance. But the good news is, it can be fixed! Sometimes, your power supply system is to blame for the overload. 3. Test the thermostat by powering on the fireplace for a few minutes to ensure proper functioning. I can set my preferred room temperature on The next common issue is problems with the thermocouple. It can get stuck in place, have loose wiring, and so on. Before you can find out why the remote causes the fireplace to turn on by itself, youll have to know which part is causing the problem. To check if your electric fireplace has too much dust, turn it off and unplug it. Heres Why (+ How To Fix), Whirlpool Cabrio Dryer Not Heating? So, shall we take a peek at it then? You are now ready to enjoy a nice warm fire. The air take opening is an integral part of the device, which needs to be unrestricted at all times.