No Heat from Heatilator Fireplace? Fix It in 10 Minutes
Is your Heatilator gas fireplace failing to produce any warmth? Don't panic. With a few simple troubleshooting steps, you can often have it fixed in under 10 minutes. Read on to learn some of the most common reasons Heatilators lose heat, and how to get your fireplace flaming again quickly.
Before doing complex repairs, first check that the on/off switch or key valve is actually turned to the on position. It's an easy thing to overlook if you were recently servicing the unit. Additionally, wires may have come loose, so inspect connections to ensure everything is still securely attached.
Thoroughly Clean Pilot Assembly
One of the most frequent causes of heat issues is a dirty or obstructed pilot assembly. The pilot tube opening can easily get clogged from debris and corrosion buildup over years of use. Use a stiff steel brush to vigorously scrub the opening clean. You should also sand down the thermocouple and thermopile contacts to remove any rust accumulation. Refasten any loose wiring as well while you have access.
Vacuum Other Areas
Take the time to vacuum throughout other areas of your Heatilator unit too. Spider webs, lint accumulations, and general dust are surprisingly common culprits of pilot ignition failures. Make sure ventilation openings and louvers are kept clear to prevent oxygen depletion sensors from shutting the system down.
Replace Damaged Thermocouple
| If cleaning doesn't restore your thermocouple function, replacement is straightforward. Simply disconnect the wires, unscrew the base from the pilot hood, remove the old thermocouple, then reverse steps with the new one. Use pliers to hand tighten just past finger tight. |
Adjust Gas Pressure Levels
Another root cause of heat malfunctions is incorrect gas pressure. Connect an appliance manometer's tubing to the pressure tap near your main gas valve. The gauge will indicate if levels are too high or low. Turn the regulator dial accordingly until 1.5-3.5 inches for natural gas, or 6-7 inches for propane.
Examine and Clean ODS Pilot
While you have access, also conduct a close inspection of the ODS pilot assembly. Detach the pilot hood and ensure the oxypilot inspection tip shows no signs of contamination. Use emery cloth to gently polish the bottom if needed, taking care not to damage the delicate sensor.
Reset Control Board System
If your Heatilator still failed to relight its pilot or produce heat, the control board system may need a hard reset. Locate the small pinhole reset button on the main control board housing. Press and hold for 10-15 seconds before attempting to ignite the pilot light once more.
If you've worked through all other troubleshooting tips with no success, your best bet is contacting a specialized Heatilator repair professional. They can conduct advanced testing and service needed to get your fireplace functioning perfectly. This is also advisable on an annual basis as preventative maintenance before cold weather sets in.
Many common Heatilator heat issues can be fixed in less than 10 minutes. But when problems persist, don't hesitate to enlist a certified technician to ensure optimal performance and safety.