Turning on an electric fireplace usually takes 1 to 2 minutes; lighting a gas fireplace takes a few more checks, and any gas or vented unit is still a DIY job only if the manual is intact and the controls are reachable. A dead remote, tripped breaker, or closed gas valve solves most no-start problems.
Say your living room has a plug-in insert on a dedicated 120 V outlet, or a gas unit with a wall switch and standing pilot. The first job is simple: identify the fuel, find the controls, and check the safety interlocks before you press anything.
If the fireplace is missing its manual, smells of gas, has a cracked glass panel, or the vent looks blocked, stop there and get the model information first. A fireplace is not the place for creative improvisation; the room already has enough drama.
The essentials
Check the fuel type first. Electric units need power; gas units need a lit pilot or working ignition, an open gas supply, and proper venting or room air.
A tripped breaker, dead remote batteries, or a closed gas shutoff causes more failures than bad parts.
Stand at least 3 feet back from the opening while testing the unit, and keep combustibles out of that space.
If you smell gas, do not flip switches or light anything. Leave the area and call the utility from outside.
If the unit is hardwired, vented incorrectly, or needs gas line work, a licensed pro has to handle it.
How to Turn On an Electric Fireplace: 1 to 2 Minutes
To turn on an electric fireplace, use its control panel, remote, or wall switch, then select heat if you want warmth; to start a gas fireplace, follow the model’s lighting instructions for its standing pilot or electronic ignition. To turn a fire place on or switch on a fire place, first identify which type you have: gas fireplaces use gas to heat, but some still need electricity for ignition, a wall switch, or the blower.
Check Before You Start
Fresh batteries in the remote, if it uses one
The remote and wall switch are within reach and set to the fireplace’s controls
The outlet is working and the circuit breaker is on
The gas shutoff is open, if the manual says it should be open for operation
The model’s manual is available and its lighting instructions match the controls
Matches or a long lighter only if the model has a standing pilot and its manual calls for them
Stop If Anything Looks Wrong
Before touching a plug, gas control, vent, or hot part, read the manual and make sure the fireplace is cool where you’ll be working. Don’t light it if you smell gas, see damaged wiring, or find a blocked or damaged vent; leave the area and contact your gas utility or a qualified technician if you smell gas. Never use a match or lighter on an electronic-ignition model.
1
Electric: Find the Controls
Use the control panel, remote, or wall switch specified in the manual. Make sure the fireplace is plugged into a dedicated wall outlet; avoid extension cords or power strips.
2
Electric: Start the Fireplace
Switch the unit on, then select the flame or heat setting you want. Some models show flames without producing heat, so check the display or manual if you expect warm air.
3
Electric: Check the Circuit
If the controls don’t respond, check that the outlet has power and the breaker hasn’t tripped. Don’t keep resetting a breaker that trips again; that needs investigation.
4
Electric: Keep Clear Space
Keep at least 3 feet between the fireplace and curtains, furniture, bedding, or other combustibles. Use the heater only as the manufacturer allows, and look for tip-over and overheat protection and a UL, ETL, or CSA listing.
12.5 A
A 1,500 W fireplace draws on a 120 V circuit
A typical 15 A, 120 V circuit can handle about 1,800 W safely. Since a 1,500 W fireplace uses roughly 12.5 A, plug it into a dedicated wall outlet and don’t share the circuit with other heavy loads to prevent tripping the breaker.
1
Gas: Confirm the Ignition Type
Check the manual to see whether your fireplace has a standing pilot or electronic ignition. A standing pilot stays lit between uses; an electronic system lights the pilot or burner when called for and may need household electricity.
2
Gas: Light a Standing Pilot Only as Directed
Follow the manual’s exact control positions and lighting sequence. If it calls for a match or long lighter, use one only at the specified pilot location; don’t improvise or reach past the instructions.
3
Gas: Start the Burner
After the pilot lights, keep the control in the prescribed position for the stated time before turning it to ON or using the wall switch. The thermocouple or thermopile must warm up to signal that the pilot is established; if it’s still cool, the safety control may shut off the gas when you release the knob.
4
Gas: Use Electronic Ignition as Directed
For an electronic-ignition model, use its switch, remote, or control panel as the manual specifies. Don’t try to light it manually unless the manufacturer explicitly provides that procedure.
5
Gas: Check That It Runs Normally
Once the burner starts, confirm the flame looks steady and the vent is unobstructed. Stop using the fireplace if you notice gas odor, unusual soot, or a venting problem.
A gas fireplace may work during a power outage if it has a standing pilot and its controls don’t require electricity, but the blower or electronic ignition may not work. The manual is the deciding document; gas-fired doesn’t always mean electricity-free.
What To Check When Nothing Happens
If your electric fireplace won’t turn on, check the power, remote and controls first; if a gas fireplace won’t light or stay lit, check its fuel supply and pilot before suspecting the remote. For an existing fireplace opening, an electric insert or electric logs can add a flame effect without using the gas burner, but check the opening dimensions and the unit’s installation instructions. Electric heating logs are a type of electric log set; they plug in and may provide supplemental heat.
If you’re choosing an electric insert for a small existing opening, measure the opening before picking a model. Product 1 is a 30-inch recessed or wall-mounted unit with 750 W and 1,500 W heat settings; it isn’t a drop-in gas insert and won’t fix a faulty gas fireplace.
For a 30-inch electric opening
R.W.FLAME 30 inch Recessed and Wall Mounted Electric Fireplace
Its adjustable flame and two heat settings suit a measured opening that can be installed as specified. It won’t convert or repair the gas burner.
Loose plug, tripped GFCI or breaker, dead remote batteries, or blocked infrared receiver
Seat the plug, reset a tripped GFCI or breaker once, replace the batteries, and clear objects from in front of the receiver.
Electric flame works but there’s no heat
Heat function is off, the high-limit switch has tripped, or the room is already warm enough for the thermostat
Select heat and check the thermostat setting. If the heater overheated, switch it off and let it cool before trying again; follow the manual.
Gas fireplace won’t start
Closed gas valve, empty propane tank, dirty pilot hood, or weak igniter
Check that the model’s shutoff valve is open and, for propane, that the tank has fuel. Follow the manual’s pilot-lighting steps; don’t probe or disassemble the pilot.
Pilot lights, then goes out
A thermocouple or thermopile may not be sensing a stable pilot flame
Follow the manual’s hold-time instructions. If the pilot still won’t stay lit, stop trying and arrange service. A remote won’t fix this fault.
Start with checks you can do without opening the appliance.
After power returns
Wait about a minute after restoring power before pressing buttons again. Some fireplace controls take time to reset.
A gas fireplace that repeatedly loses its pilot often has a thermocouple or thermopile problem: that sensor helps keep the gas valve open while the pilot is burning. If you’re asking what has to be done to convert a gas fireplace to an electric pilot light, there’s no universal switch or safe DIY conversion; the ignition system is model-specific, so have a qualified gas fireplace technician identify the unit and its approved parts. A full gas-to-electric change is a different project; see replace a gas fireplace with an electric fireplace.
Where The Heat Actually Goes
An electric fireplace can show flames without heating, because its flame effect and heater are separate functions; a thermostat setting can also keep the heater from turning on until the room cools. Built-in electric fireplaces typically use resistance elements to make heat and a fan to move it into the room. A 750 W setting draws about 6.25 A at 120 V, while 1,500 W draws about 12.5 A, so the higher setting adds heat but uses twice the power.
Same run time, twice the energy
At 1,500 W, a fireplace uses 1.5 kWh in one hour; at 750 W, it uses 0.75 kWh. The lower setting draws less power and provides less supplemental heat, so it may take longer to warm the same room.
750 W for one hour0.75 kWh
1,500 W for one hour1.5 kWh
Gas fireplaces produce heat by burning fuel, but vented models send some of that heat up the flue; how much reaches the room depends on the model and its installation. A good sealed electric insert can keep more of its heat in the room, though a standard plug-in unit is supplemental heat rather than a whole-home heating system. For a cost comparison, see gas vs electric fireplace running costs.
Set the thermostat to the temperature you want, then let it cycle the heater; the flame can remain on without heat in mild weather. A timer can limit how long the heater runs, but it doesn’t replace the thermostat or the safety instructions in the manual.
Linear fireplace placement
Recessed and linear fireplaces can be installed off the floor only when the manufacturer lists that mounting method and specifies the required clearances. Don’t assume a wall location is approved just because the unit fits.
In short
Use flame-only mode when you want the visual effect without room heat. Choose 750 W for a lower heat output and outlet load; 1,500 W produces more supplemental heat and draws about 12.5 A at 120 V.
If you want adjustable heat and flame-on
R.W.FLAME 30 inch Recessed and Wall Mounted Electric Fireplace
Its 750 W and 1,500 W settings let you choose between lower and higher supplemental heat, and its adjustable flame modes can run separately from the heater. Check the manual for the control sequence and approved mounting method.
A plug-in electric fireplace that fits an existing opening may be a DIY swap; changing a gas line, vent, or breaker is not. For a gas fireplace conversion to an electric insert, vent removal and permit needs depend on what you remove or alter, so check with your local building department before starting.
If you remove a gas fireplace and replace it with an electric one, you may need an electrician when the new unit is hardwired, needs a new circuit, or requires work inside the panel. Those jobs belong to a licensed electrician in most places. A plug-in model using an existing outlet usually avoids that electrical work, but the installation still has to meet the manual’s requirements.
Work involved
Who to call
Hardwired electric unit, new circuit, or panel work
Licensed electrician
Gas line changes or capping a line
Licensed plumber or gas fitter
Vent removal or alteration, chimney or flue work
Licensed fireplace contractor or qualified trade professional
Ask the local building department which permits and inspections apply before work begins.
Can you replace a gas fireplace with an electric fireplace, or convert a gas fireplace to electric? Often, yes—but removing the gas appliance, altering its cavity, changing wiring, or taking out the vent can trigger permit review. Don’t assume an electric insert makes the gas line or flue safe to leave as-is; have the right professional handle disconnection and any vent or chimney changes. convert gas fireplace to electric
Check Local Rules First
Vent-free gas fireplaces are restricted or prohibited in some states and cities. Check local code before changing a gas fireplace to another type or altering its venting; permit rules vary by location.
Mistakes That Break The Unit
Running an electric fireplace through an extension cord or power strip risks overheating and triggering safety cutoffs. Always plug it directly into a wall outlet, maintain the manual’s recommended clearances, and keep at least 3 feet of open space free of combustibles in front of the unit.
Replacing a gas fireplace with an electric one can be a straightforward swap only when the unit fits and the opening, wiring, and surrounding materials meet its instructions. A cosmetic electric insert doesn’t automatically need 240 V; check the model’s electrical requirements rather than assuming the old gas fireplace’s setup tells you what the new unit needs.
Stop If You Smell Gas
Never try to light a gas fireplace when you smell gas, force its control knob, or bypass an oxygen depletion sensor. Leave the area and follow your gas utility’s emergency instructions. Don’t run a vent-free unit without the air supply and ventilation its manual requires.
Forcing a gas valve closed can damage it, while a dirty pilot assembly can cause unreliable ignition or shutdowns. When replacing the glass or trim, seat the gasket exactly as the manufacturer specifies; a misplaced gasket can lead to unsafe operation or nuisance shutdowns.
Myth
Yellow or lazy flames are just how an older fireplace burns.
Fact
Lazy, yellow flames or black soot marks can signal a combustion or venting problem. Stop using the fireplace and arrange service before the next startup; don’t clean the soot and keep running it.
What A Conversion Really Involves
Replacing a gas fireplace with an electric one is possible, but switching gas fireplace to electric can mean anything from a cosmetic change to work on the gas line, vent, wall finish, or electrical circuit. To convert a gas fireplace to electric, first decide whether you want an electric log set in the existing fireplace, a recessed insert, or a wall-mounted unit; the opening and whether you’re keeping the surround determine which fits.
An electric log set may suit an existing fireplace opening, while a recessed insert needs a cavity sized for that unit. A wall-mounted model can avoid rebuilding the opening, but changes the look and layout. Can you install an electric fireplace into an existing gas fireplace box? Sometimes, if the electric unit fits and the gas appliance is properly disconnected; don’t assume the old firebox is a suitable cavity.
Some conversions are mostly cosmetic. Others require a qualified pro to shut off and cap the gas line, close or modify the vent, and repair drywall; a new circuit may also require an electrician. A gas fireplace can be removed and replaced with electric only after the gas is shut off and properly capped by the right pro. For planning costs and work, see replace gas fireplace with electric fireplace.
If you have a standard recessed cavity, 2×4 or 2×6 framing, and a nearby outlet, a plug-in insert with 750- to 1,500-watt heat may fit the job. That doesn’t handle gas-line removal or make a sealed gas conversion safe.
For a cavity with a nearby outlet
R.W.FLAME 30 inch Recessed and Wall Mounted Electric Fireplace
Product 1 is a recessed or wall-mounted unit sized for 2×4 or 2×6 framing, with 750- and 1,500-watt settings. It won’t cap a gas line or resolve vent and cavity work.
Measure the opening and confirm the manufacturer’s installation clearances and outlet requirements. If the existing gas box is sealed or the line still serves the appliance, have the conversion assessed before ordering an insert.
More Questions, Answered
How do you turn on an electric fireplace with a remote?
Press the remote’s power button, then select the heat setting separately if you want warmth. If the display or flame effect doesn’t respond, check the batteries and make sure the fireplace’s main power switch is on.
How do you start a gas fireplace with electronic ignition?
Turn on the fireplace’s wall switch or remote and follow the model’s instructions for electronic ignition; many units spark and light the burner automatically. If it doesn’t ignite after the attempts allowed by the manual, turn it off and wait the specified time before trying again.
Why won’t my electric fireplace turn on?
A tripped breaker, switched-off outlet, loose plug or dead remote batteries are common causes. Check the power source and controls, then let the unit cool if its overheat protection may have shut it down; don’t open the casing to inspect wiring.
Why does a gas fireplace pilot light go out?
A pilot can go out if a draft disrupts the flame, the gas supply is interrupted or the thermocouple or related parts are faulty. Follow the manual’s relighting steps once; if the pilot won’t stay lit or you smell gas, turn the unit off, leave the area and contact a qualified technician or gas utility.
Does a gas fireplace need electricity?
Some gas fireplaces can run without household electricity using a standing pilot and millivolt controls; others need power for electronic ignition, a blower or remote features. Check the manual for your model, since a fireplace that still lights during an outage may provide less heat without its blower.
Can you replace a gas fireplace with an electric insert?
Yes, if the opening and electrical supply suit the chosen insert, but the gas line must be safely shut off and capped by a qualified professional where required. The vent or chimney may also need proper treatment rather than being left as an open path; gas fireplace conversion details vary by installation.
Do you need a licensed electrician to install an electric fireplace?
Not always: a plug-in model used with an existing, suitable outlet may not require electrical work. Hardwiring, adding a circuit or changing a breaker should be handled by a licensed electrician, and local rules may require a permit.
