An odd beeping noise is hindering you from enjoying the warmth coming from your gas fireplace. Now, you’re wondering why it’s making that racket. We researched this concern for your convenience, and here’s the answer we found.
Generally, your gas fireplace makes a beeping sound if the remote is running out of battery power. But it can also mean other issues like:
- Weak pilot light
- Dirty or worn thermocouple
- Misaligned pilot light igniter
- Control module failure
- Insufficient gas pressure
It’s ideal to troubleshoot your gas fireplace before attempting to do any repair or replacement jobs on it. So continue reading as we talk about these possible issues in greater detail. We’ll also tackle some possible solutions that may help you in eliminating the beeping sound from the fixture.
What Does It Mean When My Gas Fireplace Is Beeping?
A gas fireplace will typically beep if it detects an irregularity. Oftentimes, it could only mean a battery replacement for the accompanying remote. If not, you may need to troubleshoot the fixture further as the racket may come from an underlying cause like:
Weak Pilot Light
The pilot light is a small flame responsible for maintaining a steady yet sufficient gas stream. Despite its seemingly weak potency, the pilot light should be strong enough to sustain the amount of gas that maintains the fire in the fireplace.
Turn off the gas fireplace and check the pilot light assembly for issues. Bear in mind that the fixture’s pilot light might be weak because of different causes, such as wind and a dirty igniter.
Dirty Or Worn Thermocouple
A gas fireplace thermocouple functions by checking the fixture's generated temperature and igniting the gas if needed. If this metal probe is clean and in good working condition, it should do its job as intended. If not, the fireplace could warn you about the problem by making persistent beeping noises.
Misaligned Pilot Light Igniter
User misuse or production error might misalign the pilot light igniter. This issue may cause the flame detector to read the heat incorrectly, resulting in the beeping noise.
Control Module Failure
The control module holds many electric components that allow the gas fireplace to run as intended. An overload, short-circuit, or other exterior sources may cause this assembly to fail, leading to the incessant beeping racket.
Insufficient Gas Pressure
Inadequate gas pressure coming from the connected supply line might also be another reason why the fixture is beeping and giving you an inefficient performance. It may be evident that this reason is the main culprit for the noise if the pilot light isn't hot or large enough to light the fireplace.
Remember, each gas fireplace model may demand different ways of checking the gas pressure. Watch the following video to see an example:
How Do I Make My Gas Fireplace Stop Beeping?
Take note that you should only deal with the parts that require attention according to the troubleshooting results. Tinkering with other assemblies and components might result in unintentional harm to the fireplace, which could lead to additional expensive repair and/or replacement fees.
Also, follow the following safety guidelines while you’re working with your gas fireplace:
- Ensure that the area has proper ventilation to allow dirt, soot, and other unclean particulates to circulate and exit the premises.
- Avoid using flammable objects that might otherwise ignite the fireplace while you’re repairing it.
- Keep the work area as clean and as tidy as possible.
- Avoid using a vacuum cleaner to remove dust and soot. Instead, use a broom and pan.
- Never work on a gas fireplace if you notice any signs of leaks. Instead, contact a skilled industry professional immediately.
After taking note of those preventive measures, continue reading and use the appropriate solution to remove the beeping noises coming from your gas fireplace:
Ignite The Pilot Light
You might forget to light the pilot light before you try to activate the gas fireplace. If so, read your owner's manual, particularly if your gas fireplace needs a manual activation of its pilot light.
Here's a quick look at how to ignite the pilot light of a particular gas fireplace model:
Step-by-Step Guide
- Remove the panel underneath the main fireplace unit.
- Turn the shut-off valve until it’s parallel with the pilot light knob.
- Turn the pilot knob to the “Pilot” position.
- Push the pilot knob and flick the button next to it to ignite the pilot light.
- Continue pressing the pilot knob for about one minute to ensure the pilot light stays lit.
- Turn the pilot knob to the “On” position and check if the beeping continues.
Also, watch the following video if you want to ignite the pilot light if your fireplace has a faulty ignitor, but the fixture is still usable:
Perhaps the reason why your gas fireplace has a weak pilot light or it keeps going out is that the wind is hindering it from becoming stable. If so, read our post on why the wind is blowing out your fireplace’s pilot light and what you can do about it.
Replace The Thermocouple
Changing the thermocouple may be a better option for cleaning it. That way, you might be able to enjoy long-term results.
Make sure that the gas supply line is off before starting this operation. Once it’s off, continue this procedure by following these steps:
What You’ll Need
- Large cloth
- Flathead screwdriver
- Wrench
- Replacement thermocouple
Step-by-Step Guide
- Remove the logs from the fireplace and set them on a large cloth temporarily.
- Unscrew the old thermocouple from its assembly.
- Install the new thermocouple to the appropriate terminals on the gas fireplace.
- Ignite the pilot light. Allow it to stay lit for a few minutes to check if the beeping reappears.
Check out this replacement gas fireplace thermocouple on Amazon.
You can also watch the video below if you need a visual guide for the steps mentioned above:
Replace The Igniter Battery
First, check your owner’s manual to identify the type of battery used by your fireplace’s igniter. Some models use two D-cell batteries. But certain gas fireplaces may use four AA batteries. Also, the steps to replacing these batteries might be different for each fireplace model.
Take note of these steps to help give you an idea of how to go through and complete this process:
What You’ll Need
- Screwdriver
- Replacement batteries
Step-by-Step Guide
- Open the igniter’s battery casing by removing its screws.
- Slide the cover out of the enclosure.
- Remove and dispose of the old batteries properly.
- Install the new batteries while paying attention to the required orientations.
- Close and secure the battery casing.
- Turn on the gas fireplace to check if the beeping continues.
Watch this video for a visual representation of the steps mentioned above:
Reset The Control Module
One way to reset the control module is to turn off the circuit breaker connected to the gas fireplace. Then, turn it on again after a few minutes.
An alternate method is to reset the control module by working with this assembly. Here are the general steps to complete that task:
Step-by-Step Guide
- Remove the front cover of the fireplace and set it aside temporarily.
- Turn the control module off by sliding its switch to the left.
- Wait for a few seconds before returning the switch to the on position.
- Test the remote for the fireplace if it works, and check if any beeping continues.
Keep in mind that the fireplace's front cover might be quite heavy. Request help from another individual to lift and carry that enclosure to avoid accidents and injuries.
The following video will also show you a visual guide for this procedure:
How Much Does It Cost To Repair A Fireplace?
Gas fireplaces often demand $200 to $1,000 in repair costs. Keep in mind the overall expenses may vary depending on the parts that need fixing. For instance, repairing the firebox may require you to spend $150 to $1,000 to fix it. On the other hand, fixing the masonry typically needs $500 to $2,500 in repair expenses.
At this point, you might also be curious about the cost to convert a gas fireplace to a wood model. If so, read our post highlighting that topic to know the answer.
Final Words
Oftentimes, you don’t need to do extensive troubleshooting and repairs on your gas fireplace if it beeps. Perhaps you might only need to change the remote or igniter’s batteries. But if replacing the batteries doesn’t solve the problem, check the fixture for other problems and use the correct technique to solve the issue at its source.