Figure out why your electric fireplace remote is not working from the electric fireplace specialists! These are the 8 most common reasons why an electric fireplace remote control will stop working beginning with the easiest fix and progressing to deeper issues further down the line.
Check Out: The Top 10 Electric Fireplace Remotes!
Fireplace Remote Control Not Working:
- Batteries
- Power Supply
- Out of Range
- On Off Switch Doesn’t Work
- Remote Control Transmitter Hasn’t Been Programed
- Damaged Remote
- Problems with Individual Buttons
- Electric Fireplace Signal Receiver
- Interference with Radio Frequency
1. Batteries
Make sure you check that the batteries are still good. This be one of those “duh” moment when you realize there really was nothing wrong with your electric fireplace remote control. Before moving on to number 2, replace the batteries with new ones. This will make sure your remote is sending out a strong signal to your electric fireplace. Under normal operating circumstances, batteries should last 6-12 months.
2. Power Supply
The next step to ensuring that your electric fireplace is getting the energy needed to function is to check your power supply. Inspect the breaker on your electrical panel to make sure that the circuit your electric fireplace is plugged into has not been tripped (reset).
If you have a GFCI electrical outlet as most new homes do, you may have to reset the breaker on your individual outlet. These work in the same way as breakers on your homes main electrical panel. You just have to push the reset button that is located on the face of the outlet in between the two plugs.
If your electric fireplace is plugged into an outlet that is controlled by a wall switch, make sure the wall switch is flipped to the ON position. Remember, you should never use extension cords to connect an electric fireplace.
3. On/Off Switch Doesn’t Work
If the manual switch of your electric fireplace is flipped to the ON position, this may override the signal coming from your remote control. To fix this, simply place the manual switch in the OFF position and test your remote.
4. Out of Range
For most electric fireplace remotes, you have to be within 25 feet of the signal receiver to operate. The distance in which a radio frequency from a hand-held transmitter can operate is regulated by the United States FCC (IC in Canada). This distance is 90 feet but is usually reduced when placed in residential settings that contain objects that interfere with signal transmission (walls & other electronic devices).
5. Remote Control Transmitter Hasn’t been Programed
Just like you have to program a universal TV control, the remote for your electric fireplace may need to be set up when you first get it. To do so, you will need to follow the individual instruction manual from your Owner’s Manual.
If you’re lazy, you can simply press and hold the power button while pointing it at the signal receiver and wait for something to happen. Many units are set up this way and it’s worth a try!
6. Damaged Remote
Remotes that have been dropped in water, cracked, or experienced heavy impact may no longer function correctly. Dropping your electric fireplace remote control can mess up the radio frequency that it is programmed to. Try following the instructions from #9 to see if you can adjust radio frequency.
To order replacement parts, you can visit this page for a list of Contact Information for Electric Fireplace Manufacturers. Note: This page is not yet available. Check back in 1 week.
7. Problems with Individual Buttons
Sometimes certain buttons can stop functioning correctly. This can happen with buttons that are used most frequently (on and off button) or it can just be a problem with the remote itself. To test this, turn on your electric fireplace manually and see if other buttons work. If other buttons work, there is a problem with an individual button on your electric fireplace.
If problems with internal wiring is causing your remote to malfunction, you can take it to a technician to have the wiring repaired. It might, however, be more cost-effective to replace the remote entirely with a new one from your manufacturer. Contact your manufacture for pricing using information listed in #6.
8. Electric Fireplace Signal Receiver
Your remote sends a signal to a receiver that takes in the request and processes it. Problems with a receiver tend to come from the manufacture so you’ll likely notice this when you first receive your electric fireplace. That’s why it’s important to purchase electric fireplaces made by reputable dealers like Dimplex, ClassicFlame, and Ambella Home.
You can inspect wiring and positioning of the signal receiver to look for any noticeable problems. Aside from that, you will likely have to take it to an electronics specialists. Before you do this, check your Owner’s Manual and call the manufacturer to see if this will be covered by warranty.
9. Interference with Radio Frequency
In rare cases, a signal from a neighbors remote could be interfering with your electric fireplace. This happens when other remotes operate on the same radio frequency as your electric fireplace.
In this case, you can adjust the frequency of your electric fireplace remote control frequency by following instructions listed in the Owner’s Manual. Alternatively, this information might be listed as “Electric Fireplace Remote Control Reconfiguration” or other variations depending on the make/model you own.
Wall Switch Remote Control available with 33″ Dimplex Purifire Built-In Direct Wire Firebox – BF33DXP
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