If your remote isn’t working with your electric fireplace, don’t worry. There are several reasons that could explain why your remote control isn’t working. Some of them can be fixed by replacing parts in the device, others require a little more work. Here’s a breakdown of some common problems…
Electric Fireplace Remote Not Working
A malfunctioning electric fireplace remote can be an annoyance, at best, and a hazard, at worst. If your fireplace remote has stopped working, don’t panic. First, check that the batteries are still functioning – this is the most common issue.
If that doesn’t resolve the issue, look for debris or dust in or around the buttons on the remote. Using a soft cloth to clean them can often restore proper operation. If basic troubleshooting does not help, then contacting a qualified technician may be your best bet to getting your electric fireplace remote up and running again quickly and safely.
Electric Fireplace Will Not Turn On
If your electric fireplace will not turn on, the first thing you should do is check the power source. Is the cord plugged into an outlet?
Next, check your thermostat to make sure that it’s set to “On” and not “Auto.” Check all of these things before you decide to change out any bulbs or fuses.
You’ll also want to make sure that you have fresh batteries in your remote control receiver (the part of your fireplace which receives signals from a remote control) and that they’re installed correctly.
If none of these things help with fixing an electric fire place not working problem, then consider replacing any bulbs or fuses that may be defective or damaged.
Electric Fireplace Will Not Turn Off
If your fireplace doesn’t turn off, the first thing to do is check the thermostat. Make sure it’s not stuck in a position where it can’t reach its minimum temperature, because this can keep the fireplace on even when you’re not using it. If you’ve already checked and ruled out this issue, move onto checking your remote receiver.
If your remote is working normally and still won’t shut off the fireplace, take a look at the batteries in both it and its companion receiver—they may need replacing.
However, if neither battery replacement nor any other troubleshooting has helped find out why your electric fire isn’t turning off like normal (or ever), then there may be another problem causing this behavior: an electrical issue with either its power supply or wall switch.
Adjusting the Thermostat
Adjusting the thermostat is easy. If your remote control is not working, and you are using a wall mounted thermostat, use the up and down buttons to increase or decrease the temperature.
Battery Replacement
If you’re experiencing remote problems and your fireplace is less than 5 years old, try replacing the battery first. This is a very quick fix that can often resolve any issues with your remote right away.
To replace the battery:
- Locate the battery compartment on your remote control and open it as shown in this image (if there isn’t one, skip to step 3).
- Remove the old batteries and replace them with new ones of similar size (if there are no instructions inside your fireplace manual, use AAA or AA batteries). If you need to purchase replacements, make sure they are alkaline batteries because they have low self-discharge rates, which will keep your remote working longer between charges. .
Replace the Remote Control Receiver
If the remote control is not responding, the problem might be with the remote control receiver.
To replace it:
- Make sure there are no batteries in your new remote control. If there are, remove them before proceeding.
- Remove the screws from the fireplace insert to access the receiver compartment. You will find two Phillips head screws on either side of your fireplace insert that can be removed using a screwdriver or Allen wrench (depending on what kind of handle you have).
- Take off any decorative covers and set them aside for later use if desired; they should simply lift off once unscrewed from their hinges at each corner of your fireplace insert panel.
- Unscrew/remove any remaining screws holding down cables leading back into your wall unit before pulling out these cables carefully so as not to damage them or yourself.
- Next, reach behind your wall unit until you locate a small black box with red lights on both sides–this is called “a power supply” by most manufacturers such as Dimplex®, Napoleon®, Rheem®, Superior Heat Heating & Cooling Systems Inc., Stiebel Eltron® Climate Control Systems Inc., etc. depending upon which brand/type you own.
The Most Common Cause of An Electric Fireplace Remote Not Working Is a Bad Battery
The most common cause of an electric fireplace remote not working is a bad battery. If you don’t have any spare batteries on hand, it’s best to replace the old one with a new one so that your remote will work again.
How do you replace the battery in an electric fireplace remote? While each remote is different and may have different types of batteries, most will require you to unscrew 4 or 5 screws from the back of it and then slide out a battery compartment door by pulling on it with your fingers.
Once the door comes off, simply remove the dead battery and insert another new one (if available). Put everything back together as instructed by whoever made your particular model and try using it again.
How To Troubleshoot Your Electric Fireplace Receiver Box If Your Remote Stops Working?
For many, nothing is more frustrating than not being able to control their electric fireplace with the remote. If this happens, it may be due to an issue with the receiver box.
Fortunately, there are a few simple troubleshooting steps that anyone can do to get their remote working again. First, try replacing the batteries in the remote.
Second, make sure that your electric fireplace or electric gas fireplace is actually plugged into a working outlet and that all safety equipment such as carbon monoxide detectors are fully functioning and up-to-date.
Finally, check to see if the receiver box is properly connected or if it needs adjustment or cleaning. These easy tips should get your remote working smoothly again in no time.
How Do You Resync a Fireplace Remote?
The first thing you need to do is turn off the fireplace. Then, press and hold the button on the remote control while still holding down the power button on the fireplace itself.
After doing this, wait for two blinks (about four seconds) before releasing both buttons. Once this happens, turn your fireplace back on, and you should be good to go.
If you’re having any issues with your fireplace’s remote control or are having trouble with setting up a new one, don’t hesitate to contact the support team for the brand of your electric fireplace.
How Do I Reset My Electric Fireplace Remote?
If you’re still having trouble with your remote, try pressing and holding the button for 10 seconds. If that doesn’t fix it, give another remote a try.
If it still doesn’t work, try pressing the manual switch on your fireplace to see if it works. If none of these solutions work for you, contact the manufacturer of your electric fireplace and let them know what’s going on, so they can help.
How Can I Get My Electric Fireplace to Work without A Remote?
The easiest way to control the fireplace without a remote is to turn it on and off manually. You can do this by turning on your wall switch or plugging in the fireplace.
Another option is to purchase a universal remote. These remotes work as long as they have a pre-programmed code for your brand of electric fireplace.
If you don’t have access to one, or if there isn’t one available for your particular model, then you can try using a smart device instead. Simply download the app for your phone or tablet (we recommend Fireplace HD), connect it with Bluetooth, and voila: instant control over anything connected through Wi-Fi.
Final Thoughts
We hope this article has given you some clarity on how to troubleshoot an electric fireplace remote that isn’t working. If you are still having problems with your remote, it is time to call in a professional. They will be able to diagnose and repair any issues that could be causing the problem.