Smell gas? Stop here. Leave the home first, then call your gas company's emergency line or 911 from outside. If a carbon monoxide alarm sounds, get everyone out and call 911. Don't try to light or test the fireplace. Our page on gas smells and CO alarms explains what happens next.
For everything else, start with the symptom. Each guide gives a short answer first, then the likely causes in the order a technician checks them, what you can safely check yourself, and when to call a licensed gas fitter.
If nothing happens when you use the wall switch or the remote, read why a gas fireplace won't turn on.
If the pilot lights but goes out again, see pilot light won't stay lit.
If the pilot is burning but the main flames never come on, see pilot is on but the fireplace won't light.
If the fire lights and then shuts off after a while, see gas fireplace keeps turning off.
If the remote does nothing, or works only some of the time, see gas fireplace remote not working.
What you can check safely: the wall switch, the batteries in the remote and receiver (or the receiver's power), whether the gas supply valve to the fireplace is open, whether the glass front is in place, and the lighting instructions on the plate attached to the fireplace or in your owner's manual. If the gas supply valve is closed and you don't know why, leave it closed and call us.
Stop there. Gas lines, valves, wiring, venting and the burner are work for a licensed gas fitter. Don't adjust the gas, disconnect wiring or try to get around a safety switch, even if the fireplace seems to run afterward.
When the simple checks don't fix it, book the $99 gas fireplace safety inspection. A licensed Massachusetts gas fitter checks the whole fireplace, including a gas leak check and the wiring and controls. One price covers every gas fireplace in your home, and the $99 is credited toward any gas fireplace repair.
We offer same- or next-day visits, Sunday through Friday, 8am to 6pm, in two-hour arrival windows. Book online or call 617-915-2647; we confirm every online booking by phone or email.
