How to Troubleshoot Gas Enclosed Fireplaces

Inspect air vents that surround your fireplace unit to ensure that they are free from buildup. Because fire needs oxygen to burn, a reduction in the amount of flame that your fireplace produces could be the result of vents that are blocked with debris or dust. Clean these vents with a nonflammable cleaner and a soft cloth to remove any buildup.

Check to ensure that the gas to the fireplace is turned on. If your pilot light is out or won’t light, the unit may not be getting gas. Check the knob that controls the gas that goes to your fireplace to ensure that it is turned on. If the knob is turned on but your pilot light isn’t lit, listen carefully for the hissing sound that indicates that gas is coming out of the unit. After listening, turn off the gas and wait 10 to 15 minutes to allow built-up gas to dissipate before attempting to light the pilot again.

Inspect the gas line that leads to the fireplace visually, looking for any kinks or holes in the line. Shine a flashlight into the space under your fireplace to ensure that you have adequate light to perform this inspection. If you locate a flaw in the line, immediately turn off the gas supply leading to the line and have it serviced.

Turn up or down the gas supply to reduce the amount of noise that comes from the fireplace unit. Often a hissing sound can be due to the fact that the fireplace unit is not receiving enough gas or is receiving too much gas. Adjust the gas control knob, increasing and decreasing the amount of gas that you allow to enter the unit listening as you make the adjustments until the sound has reduced or disappeared. Many gas fireplaces let off some noise when in operation, so you may not be able to fully eliminate the noise.