Gas Fireplace not working

I have a gas fireplace (Washington Homes) that is working intermittently. When I flip the switch, sometimes it comes on and sometimes it doesn't. There are also times when it comes on and a minute later it's off- even though the switch is still on. My father believes I should replace the switch...and he would do it if he wasn't in AZ.

Is this difficult/risky to do? Has anyone else replaced their switch for the fireplace?

Thanks.

 

Our fireplace occasionally shuts itself off too, but the entire pilot goes out at that time, which then needs to be reignited. If your pilot light is staying on, then its clearly not the same issue we experience. I'm not entirely sure what turns ours off. The other day when it was so windy I expected it to blow out, but of course it didn't. I haven't been able to determine the cause in our situation.[?]

 

This is tricky to diagnose without seeing it. As a general comment, the components of a gas fire place need regular cleaning. Dust accumulation can effect the efficiency and responsiveness of the unit. As an easy test; make sure the gas is off to the unit, then use "canned air" and blow out all the mechanical components, while you are at it, try to vacuum up as much dust as you can.

Some switches are only used for ignition. Others are ignitors and regulators. If cleaning doesn't change the condition, I'd investigator how your unit regulates the gas flow. Then get a professional to replace it. It's probably relatively easy to do, but for me, and I do a lot of stuff my self, I don't like messing with gas.

 

I had similar problem. I ended up increasing the amount of gas flow to the burners by turning the nozzle under the gas fireplace. If you take off the lower vent of your fireplace, you will see a box that controls your fan speed and a gas line with an on/off valve and then your gas flow regulator (also used to start your pilot light). Increase the amount of gas going into the gas flow regulator and that should solve the problem. If it is too much flow, then let the fireplace burn like that for about 5-10 minutes, then try and cut back some flow. I suspect the underlying problems are associated with fluctuations in the pressure of on our gaslines, only a guess. though. But altering the gas flow did help me with this problem.

DwArFlOrD

 

Thanks for the feedback- I'll give it a shot.

 

Oddly, my gas fireplace stopped working just as this topic was posted. The pilot was still lit, but it wouldn't start. I tried afgm's suggestion to vacuum out the working area. There wasn't any dust that I could see, but I vacuumed anyway. It works just fine now. It's an easy (and free) step to try before calling in the repair guys.

 

My fireplace still doesn't work. I've tried replacing the switch and have vacuumed out the working area.
I think it's time to have a professional look at it. I should probably know this- who do I call to look at this? Is there a gas fireplace company?