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A gas fireplace brings warmth, ambiance, and convenience to any Rhode Island home—especially during the cold winter months. But like any appliance, gas fireplaces can develop issues over time. Whether it’s not turning on, producing strange smells, or struggling to stay lit, these problems can impact comfort, safety, and energy efficiency.
At Local Chimney Services , we offer professional gas fireplace repair and maintenance to ensure your unit runs safely and efficiently. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the most common gas fireplace issues, why they happen, and what you can do to fix—or prevent—them.
Gas fireplaces may seem low-maintenance compared to wood-burning systems, but they still require regular care. Over time, soot can build up, pilot lights can fail, and parts can wear out. If these issues are ignored, they can lead to poor performance—or even unsafe conditions like gas leaks or carbon monoxide buildup.
That’s why it’s important to schedule routine inspections and address problems as soon as they appear. Taking care of small repairs today can help you avoid more serious issues tomorrow.
One of the most common complaints with gas fireplaces is that the pilot light keeps going out. This can be caused by a few different things:
What to do: If your pilot light is out, try relighting it according to the manufacturer’s instructions. If it won’t stay lit, the thermocouple may need to be cleaned or replaced. Our technicians can safely test and repair these components as part of a routine gas fireplace repair service.
If your pilot light works but the main burner won’t ignite, there could be a problem with the ignition system or the wall switch. It could also be due to a clogged burner or a control module issue.
What to do: First, make sure the wall switch or remote control has power. If the issue isn’t electrical, you may need to have the burner cleaned or the gas valve inspected by a professional.
If you notice a strange smell when using your gas fireplace—especially a burning or rotten egg smell—it’s important to act quickly. While some slight odor is normal when a fireplace is first turned on for the season, anything strong or persistent could indicate a gas leak or excessive soot buildup.
What to do: Turn off your fireplace immediately and ventilate the area. If you suspect a gas leak, leave your home and call your gas company. Once it’s safe, contact us for an inspection and repair.
Gas fireplaces are designed to burn clean, but they can still produce soot if the flame isn’t burning correctly. Soot buildup may be caused by:
What to do: The glass door can be cleaned with a special fireplace glass cleaner, but if soot keeps returning, it’s time to have the fireplace professionally serviced.
Popping, whistling, or roaring sounds can mean something’s wrong inside the fireplace. Common causes include expanding metal, dirty burners, or improperly sized gas orifices.
What to do: Occasional sounds are normal, but if the noises are constant or loud, we recommend a full system check.
If your fireplace does not respond to its remote or switch, the problem may be with the batteries, the wiring, or the control module.
What to do: Try replacing the batteries first. If that doesn’t help, our team can check the wiring and electronic components to ensure everything is working correctly.
In addition to repairs, preventive maintenance goes a long way in keeping your fireplace efficient and safe:
By taking these simple steps, you can enjoy worry-free comfort and extend the lifespan of your gas fireplace.
While some basic maintenance tasks can be done yourself, gas fireplace repairs should always be handled by a professional. Gas appliances involve combustion, electrical parts, and safety systems that need to work perfectly together. Improper repairs can lead to serious risks, including fire or carbon monoxide exposure.
At Local Chimney Services, our technicians are trained and certified to diagnose, repair, and maintain all types of gas fireplaces. We use the proper tools and follow manufacturer guidelines to ensure your fireplace works safely and efficiently.
Whether you have a direct vent, ventless, or B-vent fireplace, we’ll identify the issue, explain your options clearly, and make the necessary fixes—quickly and cleanly.
We’re proud to serve homeowners across Rhode Island—from Providence and Warwick to smaller coastal communities. Our local knowledge means we understand the weather challenges and home designs unique to this area.
We work with all major gas fireplace brands and can troubleshoot systems of any age or condition. Whether your fireplace won’t turn on or just doesn’t seem to heat like it used to, we’re ready to help.
There’s nothing better than relaxing by the fire on a chilly Rhode Island night—but only if your gas fireplace is working safely and efficiently. Don’t ignore strange smells, low heat output, or ignition problems. These small issues can grow into major repairs or safety hazards if left unchecked.
Contact us today to schedule your gas fireplace repair. Our expert team will inspect your unit, fix any issues, and ensure everything is ready for a safe, cozy season ahead. Fast, local, and reliable—let us help you bring the warmth back to your home.
Common issues with gas fireplaces include a gas supply interruption, pilot light problems, faulty thermocouples, dirty or clogged burners, malfunctioning remote controls, and issues with the thermostat or gas valve. These problems can affect performance, safety, and efficiency.
If your gas fireplace won’t turn on, it could be due to a faulty pilot light, gas supply issues, a dirty ignition system, or problems with the thermocouple or gas valve. Check if the pilot light is lit and ensure the gas supply is connected and functional.
If the pilot light keeps going out, it could be due to a malfunctioning thermocouple, a blocked or dirty pilot orifice, or low gas pressure. Cleaning the pilot assembly or replacing the thermocouple might resolve the issue, but it’s best to consult a professional if the problem persists.
Signs of a faulty thermocouple include the pilot light going out frequently, the fireplace not staying lit, or the fireplace not turning on despite the pilot light being lit. A malfunctioning thermocouple can fail to send the signal to the gas valve to keep the gas flowing.
A strange smell from your gas fireplace could be due to dust or debris burning off when the fireplace is first turned on, or it could indicate an issue with the gas line or burner assembly. It’s important to have the fireplace inspected to ensure there are no gas leaks or blockages in the burner.
Low heat output could be caused by a clogged burner, dirty pilot light, or a problem with the thermostat settings. Try cleaning the burner and pilot assembly, or check if the thermostat is set correctly. If the issue persists, it may be due to a gas pressure problem or a faulty gas valve.
While some basic maintenance tasks, like cleaning the glass or changing the batteries in the remote, can be done by homeowners, gas fireplace repair is best handled by a professional. Gas fireplaces involve high-voltage components and gas lines, so repairs should always be performed by a qualified technician to ensure safety.
The cost to repair a gas fireplace varies depending on the issue and the complexity of the repair. Common repairs, such as replacing a thermocouple or cleaning the burner, typically range from $100 to $300. More extensive repairs, like fixing a gas valve or replacing components, can cost between $300 and $1,000 or more.
