Is Your Fireplace Not Working? Common Gas Fireplace Issues and Fast Fixes

TLDR;

If your gas fireplace isn’t working, it’s often due to problems with the pilot light, ignition, gas flow, or internal sensors. While some symptoms are easy to identify, the safest and fastest fix is to call a certified expert like Nova Gas Works for a full inspection and repair.

Why Your Gas Fireplace Isn’t Working — And How to Fix It

If your gas fireplace won’t turn on, it’s usually a problem with the gas supply, ignition system, or safety sensors. Diagnosing the exact cause can be tricky and risky, especially when gas is involved. That’s why Nova Gas Works recommends a professional inspection to avoid hazards and restore safe operation quickly.

Understanding How Gas Fireplaces Work

Knowing how your gas fireplace works helps you understand what might be going wrong. Key components include:

• Pilot Light – A small flame that lights the main burner
  
• Thermocouple – A safety sensor that shuts off gas if the pilot fails
  
• Thermopile – Generates power from heat to run the system
  
• Gas Valve – Regulates gas flow to the fireplace
  
• Ignition System – Starts the flame manually or electronically
  

When any of these parts fail, your fireplace may stop working entirely or function poorly.

Pilot Light Won’t Stay Lit

If the pilot light won’t stay on, your system may have:

• A dirty or obstructed pilot tube
  
• A malfunctioning thermocouple
  
• A misaligned flame sensor
  

Important: These components are connected to live gas flow. Instead of troubleshooting this yourself, call Nova Gas Works to inspect and clean or replace parts safely.

Gas Fireplace Ignition Problems

If your fireplace has an electronic ignition and it doesn’t click or light, the issue may be:

• A weak or dead remote control battery
  
• A faulty wall switch or wiring issue
  
• A tripped circuit breaker
  
• A failed ignition module
  

Avoid attempting electrical repairs on your own. Improper handling can lead to dangerous sparks or damage. Let a certified technician at Nova Gas Works handle diagnosis and repairs.

Yellow or Orange Flame Instead of Blue

Gas fireplaces should burn with a clean, blue flame. If yours is yellow, orange, or flickering, it may indicate:

• Incomplete combustion
  
• Airflow obstruction
  
• Dirty burners
  

Discolored flames can result in carbon monoxide production or soot buildup. If you notice this, discontinue use and schedule a service appointment with Nova Gas Works immediately.

Soot Buildup on Glass and Logs

Excess soot is a sign of poor combustion. Possible causes include:

• Air-to-fuel imbalance
  
• Blocked burners
  
• Improper log placement
  

Instead of scrubbing soot yourself (which can damage components or worsen blockage), contact Nova Gas Works to service and recalibrate your system.

Fireplace Smells or Strange Odors

Some odors are normal after months of inactivity—but others are not.

• Burnt Dust Smell: Common when turning the fireplace on for the season.
  
• Gas Smell (Rotten Eggs): Could indicate a gas leak—shut off the supply and call Nova Gas Works immediately.
  
• Burning Plastic or Metallic Odor: May signal electrical malfunction or overheating components.
  

Never ignore unusual smells. Your safety depends on acting fast and getting expert support.

Gas Supply Problems

If there’s no flame or the pilot keeps going out, the gas line may be the issue. Consider these possibilities:

• The gas valve may be partially or fully closed
  
• The propane tank may be empty or regulator damaged
  
• The natural gas supply could be interrupted
  

If you suspect a gas supply issue, avoid tampering with valves or lines. Call Nova Gas Works to inspect the connections and ensure everything is secure and leak-free.

Thermocouple and Thermopile Issues

These sensors help control and power your fireplace. If they fail, your fireplace might:

• Lose its pilot flame
  
• Fail to ignite the burner even with a lit pilot
  

Testing and replacing these sensors requires the right tools and knowledge of gas flow and electrical output. For accurate diagnosis and safe replacement, leave it to the licensed team at Nova Gas Works.

Cleaning and Maintenance Tips You Can Safely Do

There are safe maintenance steps you can take between professional inspections:

• Wipe the glass with a soft cloth and non-abrasive cleaner
  
• Vacuum dust around the unit (not inside it)
  
• Check the batteries in your remote or thermostat
  

Avoid opening the fireplace chassis or cleaning internal components. Improper handling may dislodge parts or affect combustion. For deep cleaning, calibration, and safety checks, schedule a professional gas fireplace tune-up with Nova Gas Works.

Carbon Monoxide & Safety: What You Must Know

Gas fireplaces can pose serious safety risks if they’re not functioning properly.

Watch for Signs of CO Risk:

• Yellow or lazy flames
  
• Headaches, dizziness, or nausea when the fireplace is on
  
• Eye or throat irritation
  

Protect Your Home by:

• Installing carbon monoxide detectors near gas appliances
  
• Scheduling annual inspections
  
• Never operating a fireplace with visible damage or strange odors
  

Nova Gas Works prioritizes your safety with detailed checks and certified repairs.

When You Should Call a Professional

Don’t take chances with gas or electricity. Here’s when to call Nova Gas Works immediately:

• The pilot light won’t stay lit
  
• There’s a persistent gas smell
  
• You hear hissing, clicking, or booming sounds
  
• The ignition clicks but doesn’t light
  
• You see soot on walls or cracked glass
  

Our technicians are licensed, insured, and trained to resolve every type of fireplace malfunction.

Choosing a Certified Fireplace Technician

Hiring the right professional matters. Look for:

• Proper licensing and insurance
  
• National Fireplace Institute (NFI) certification
  
• Proven reviews and referrals
  

Nova Gas Works meets and exceeds these standards. We service all brands and models with care and compliance.

Future-Proofing Your Fireplace

New technologies can make your fireplace safer and more efficient:

• Smart Thermostats: Let you control the fireplace remotely
  
• Remote Monitoring Systems: Alert you to system issues or ventilation problems
  
• Eco-Conscious Burners: Offer higher efficiency and lower emissions
  

Ask Nova Gas Works about upgrading your system to modern standards.

Keeping Your Gas Fireplace Safe and Reliable

A gas fireplace adds beauty and warmth to your home—but only when it works properly. Issues with ignition, sensors, or gas supply can pose serious risks. Don’t rely on guesswork.

If your fireplace shows signs of trouble, do not attempt DIY repairs. Instead, call Nova Gas Works for prompt, expert service. We’ll restore your peace of mind and your heat—safely.