My gas fireplace is over 20 years old. Do they ever wear out completely or do you just replace the components as they fail?
My pilot light won’t stay lit and it needs a good cleaning at minimum.
But I’m thinking of just replacing it as I don’t like the flame or blower controls.
Do people replace these? Is it the same thing as an insert?
Yes they do wear out, most fireplace companies will say 20-30 years. Depending on current model and surround you likely need to remove the surround in order to remove the insert.
Go to a fireplace company that specializes in them, that will be your safest bet for a replacement.
Agreed, go with someone that specializes in them rather than making it a weekend project with someone that thinks they can do it (speaking from experience).
We replaced a wood fireplace in our house last year, the fireplace that was there was already in the house when we bought it, but when we had a company take it out for an upgrade, the absolute crappy work between how it was framed in, the electric rerouted thru the wall and how they boxed in the chimney we are amazed the house never burned down, not to mention it was against every code there is and our home inspector missed it all when we bought the house
I put mine in the house in 1997, and it worked perfectly for years. About five years ago, I struggled with keeping it lit. I tried to do it myself and just couldn’t get it to work. I finally got a recommendation for Perfect Flame out of Princeton, MN. This guy might have shaken his DIY head at me a couple of times and told me to leave it to the pros. In the end it has work flawlessly for the last 5 years again. I would give it a shot, call a professional.
Shannon
Was in the same spot as you last year. 20+ years old. Same issues as you. The old fireplace was pretty basic. On/Off switch and that was it. Replaced along with some needed brick work on the chimney. Very happy with new unit and all the options. Remote, adjustable flame, adjustable fan speed, timer and more. Absolutely no regrets!
Replacement was quicker than new install as the gas and power line are already in there.
Actually just fired it up last night for the first time this year!
-J
Mine failed to light last year and it was well over 20 years. It took a while but I found all the parts (thermopile, thermocouple,etc) and replaced them. Lucked out and that was it. Not expensive but somewhat complicated. I first tried to find a repairman but they were rare, expensive and booked out months. The part cost less than a hundo.
Thermocouple is bad, just like a Buddy heater just bigger.
You must be logged in to reply to this topic.
