Low Flame in a Gas Fireplace

woman with cup in front of gas fireplace with low flame

Whether your fireplace uses natural gas or propane, fire glass or ceramic logs, built-in or freestanding, a slip-in insert, or double-sided, it needs a gas burner to create the necessary flames. You may use your fireplace as a source of heat, or you may simply enjoy watching the flames dance up and down the fireplace.

When flames appear smaller than usual, or you can hardly see them above the logs, you should troubleshoot your fireplace to see the cause of the problem.

A simple cleaning may resolve the problem, although some issues may need you to contact your gas service provider or installer. For that reason, this guide discusses ways you can fix the low flame problem in your fireplace. Read on to learn more.

Fixing the Gas Fireplace Low Flame Problem

gas fireplace with low flame

Start by turning off the gas supply to you your fireplace. To do so, rotate the key valve clockwise. Remember to be cautious when doing so to avoid damaging the valve.

Ensure that the gas control to the burners is turned off to avoid any accidents. You should also be cautious with the gas levels in the cylinder.

After that, take a picture of the log placement on the grate if your gas fireplace uses ceramic logs. If you want the fireplace to operate correctly, you must correctly place the logs according to the manufacturer's directions.

This is also important because it helps enhance the performance of your fireplace. If you use fire glass instead of logs, ensure you remove all the pieces of glass and clean them thoroughly. You can do so using water and detergent to get rid of all the greasy parts.

Remember to remove them from the fireplace while cleaning. You should also rinse them thoroughly and allow them to dry. Airing them in direct sunlight is the best way to do so.

After that, sweep out the sand or vermiculite covering its burners. Experts advise that you cover it with a small broom and dustpan to prevent any damage.

Keep in mind that you are required to use vermiculite or sand under some fire log sets and as fillers under fire glass. This helps improve the performance of your fireplace and increases the size of the flame. It also prevents unnecessary sparks.

Cleaning the Gas Burners

man cleaning inside gas fireplace device

You should then wipe the burners with a soft piece of cloth to get rid of all the debris. Then, inspect the gas orifices for any possible damage.

You are advised to vacuum the area around the grate to get rid of any cobwebs, dust, or animal hair that can affect the performance of your fireplace.

You can use canned air to blow through the burners and remove any debris from the orifices. Removing such debris is vital because it could inhibit or block the flames. This is one of the causes of low flames in your fireplace.

It is also helpful to look for any blockages in the burner orifices. Canned air can fail to remove all the blockages, leaving a few of them behind.

To do so, insert a small, thin wire into any of the openings to get rid of the blockages. Blow the air through the burners once more and through the small holes.

Cover the Gas Burners Appropriately

In addition, it is helpful to ensure that you cover the gas burners with the right products. Some people tend to cover burners with plastic, which could burn down at any moment.

Experts advise that you use silica sand over burners in both fire glass and natural gas fireplaces. Remember to clean the surface before installing the fire glass. You can also use vermiculite with propane gas fireplaces to avoid any damage.

It is helpful to use silica sand in a propane fireplace because it can significantly limit the amount of propane that rises to the surface. This is not helpful because it can reduce the size of the flames.

Taking good care of your fireplace is crucial in helping keep its temperature in good condition. Ensure all the burners are well connected and the gas levels are steady.

Sometimes, the flames might be low due to insufficient gas supply. Therefore, it is important to check all the burners and ensure they have a sufficient gas supply.