If you’re having trouble with your gas fireplace, it’s probably time for professional help. You may have various problems, including a malfunctioning pilot light or fogged-up glass screens.
The repair cost depends on your fireplace’s type and source and the issue’s severity. For instance, a gasket replacement may cost only a few dollars, while resleeving a chimney could cost several thousand dollars.
Draft Issues
The draft is how well your fireplace displaces the combustion products of fire up the chimney and out into the atmosphere. Without proper drafting, the combustion products could back up and enter your home, leaving unpleasant and unsafe conditions for you and your family.
Several issues can cause draft problems. These include a blocked flue, incorrect firebox size, and installation mishaps.
A blocked flue can be fixed by reopening it, installing a damper, or adding a chimney cap. Alternatively, if the chimney is in the wrong position or has structural damage, it may need to be rebuilt.
The height of your chimney also affects a chimney’s ability to draft correctly. If it’s too low, the air will have an insufficient density to create a good draft.
Smoke Comes Out
Smoke from your fireplace is a sign that something needs to be fixed. It can result from a damper that isn’t working correctly or a chimney with creosote buildup.
If you have a fireplace in your home, it’s essential to ensure the air pressure in the room is high enough to create a chimney draft. If there’s no chimney draft, the smoke won’t leave your house and can cause health problems.
If unsure what’s causing the smoke, call a professional gas fireplace repair Denver to help you find the problem. They’ll be able to help you determine what’s wrong with your fireplace and get it back in working order. Whether you need to repair the pilot light, a soot buildup, or a broken thermopile, they’ll know what to look for and how to fix it.
Thermocouple or Thermopile Issues
If your gas fireplace doesn’t light, it may be an issue with the thermocouple or thermopile. These are the main components of a pilot light system and should be checked and repaired as soon as possible.
A thermocouple is a device made of two wires made of different metals and connected. When the second one touches the first wire, the heat produced in the first wire will move to the second wire and generate electricity.
A thermopile is a slightly larger version of a thermocouple. A temperature sensor also transforms heat into electrical voltage to open the gas valve and supply fuel to your fireplace’s pilot light.
Fireplace Glass or Igniter Issues
A fireplace glass may become cloudy or hazy over time. This can be caused by regular use and a lack of cleaning. This can make the glass look unclean, which is a safety concern.
Another professional gas fireplace repair issue involves the pilot light or ignitor. These components open and close the gas valves to ignite the flames.
If the pilot light sparks but does not ignite, it could be that the ignitor needs to be replaced. A white porcelain shell surrounds the ignitor, which will ground out the spark if it becomes compromised.
If you are experiencing this issue, having a professional technician clean and re-establish the pilot light is best. Otherwise, you risk a dangerous fire and carbon monoxide leak.
Fireplace Floor Issues
The cost of professional gas fireplace repair varies by region, size, and condition of the fireplace and whether or not it needs to be repaired immediately. However, you can expect to pay around $200 for a service call in most parts of the country.
During a professional service, a technician will inspect the hearth floor. They will ensure the hearth is level and meets building code requirements for safety and comfort.
Tiling the hearth of your existing fireplace is a great way to increase its usable space and add a unique, eye-catching touch to your home. A flat tile or stone hearth at least 16 inches from the firebox opening is accessible and meets the building code.