Why Gas Fireplace Flame Too Low [Reasons + Solutions]

The common reasons behind your gas fireplace flame too low are insufficient gas pressure, restricted venting, an air shutter, and a clogged burner.

Whatever the cause behind the low flame, you can easily fix it instantly by reading our simple guide, and you can immediately increase and adjust the flame of your gas fireplace. So, let’s get started…

Why Is My Gas Fireplace Flame Too Low?

When a gas fireplace flame decreases, it generates less heat. Here’s what can cause a low or uneven flame in your gas fireplace.

1. Inadequate Gas Pressure

It can be hard to determine if the gas pressure in your fireplace is enough to keep the gas fireplace burning.

When there is a low flame in your gas fireplace, then probably the incoming pressure or the outgoing pressure is low. In most cases, it is the outgoing pressure that causes most of the problems. 

The root of this problem is the gas valve. If the gas valve is faulty, it will create problems with gas pressure.

2. The Vents

In gas fireplaces, there are mainly two co-axially oriented pipes. Simply put, there is a pipe within a pipe. The inner pipe exhausts gas out of the fireplace and it creates a negative pressure.

This in turn pulls in fresh air from the outer pipe. The positioning of these vents matters a lot.

If you position your vent in such a manner that it restricts venting, the draft will slow down. It means, less air gas will exhaust and less airflow will enter the fireplace. Ultimately, the fireplace will generate a low flame. 

3. Air Shutter

Similar to the problems with vents, the air shutter affects the flame with airflow. The closer the air shutter is, the less airflow will enter the fireplace. This will in turn result in low flame.

4. Clogged Burner

Gas fireplace burners can get clogged quite easily. Dirt and debris can build up in the burner and partially clog it up. This clog prevents the proper flow of gas and as a result, it generates low flames.

Well, these 4 simple reasons are the culprit behind the low flame in the gas fireplace. These issues may not seem very technical or complex, but their effects are very influential. So, how do you fix low flame?    

Gas Fireplace Flame Is Too Low [5 Easy Solutions]

May you be worried about the Napoleon gas fireplace flame adjustment or just thinking about how to increase the flame on the Superior gas fireplace, all of your concerns end here. 

Here, we have simple solutions that will help you solve the problem of low flame in your gas fireplace within a few minutes. 

Already you know all about the culprits behind the low flame. Now let’s know simple steps to solve the low flame issue in your gas fireplace and get a bigger flame within a few minutes.

1. Use A Manometer

You are probably already aware that a manometer is used to measure pressure. In this case, you will be testing the pressure of gas in the vent pipe.

Keep the burner running for a few minutes before performing the test. If you are using natural gas in your fireplace, the intel gas pressure of your fireplace should be 5” WC to 7” WC. 

Position and reposition the gas pipe till the pressure reaches this range. Once the gas pressure comes to this point, your fireplace should generate the perfect flame.

However, here we will recommend that if you are mechanically inclined, you can watch this tutorial and do this job by yourself. Otherwise, we will highly suggest you contact a technician.

2. Open The Air Vent

As we already discussed earlier, the position of air vents greatly influences flame quality. When the air vent is closed or almost closed, only a little amount of air can enter the fireplace and as a result, it generates low flame.

So, if you open the air vent door, more airflow will enter the air vent and increase the flame. But, don’t open the vent too much.

It will allow more and more air to enter the fireplace and gradually generate a red and larger fire. Adjust the vent door to the point where the height of the flame is 3.5 inches. 

3. Open The Air Shutter

Similar to what you did with the air vent, you have to open the air shutter to let air flow in. A closed-air shutter prevents air from flowing into the fireplace.

This results in low flame. So to increase the flame, open the air shutter and let more airflow in. This way, you will get a taller flame.

4. Inspect The Burner

The burner can have certain defects that can cause its flame to be this low. First, check the burner for debris. If it has dirt clogged in, then the burner will generate a low flame. In this case, clean the burner properly to allow sufficient gas flow.

Secondly, look for cracks in the burner. If the burner has a crack in it, there won’t be a proper generation of gas. If you find a crack, change the burner. 

5. Change The Valve Motor

The generation of gas mainly depends on the valve motor. This is the point that determines the amount of gas that will pass through. 

Test the valve motor by turning the valve both clockwise and anti-clockwise. The oddly sized flame will generate from the burner if the valves are broken or can’t be controlled. The best thing to do in this situation is to call in an expert and change the valve motor.     

And this is all you need to do to solve the low flame issue and increase the flame on your gas fireplace. Plus, cleaning your gas fireplace regularly will help you to face such flame difficulty.

3 Problems You May Have To Deal With Fireplace Flame

The solutions we have discussed so far help you to deal with one particular problem. You will be able to solve the issue of a low flame if you follow the methods we have mentioned above. 

But, you may face different problems with the flame of your gas fireplace as well. Here are the 3 most common problems you may face with your fireplace flame. 

And the solutions to these problems discussed here will instantly fix the issues with the gas fireplace flame.

1: Gas Fireplace Small Blue Flame When Off

If you have recently bought a fireplace, you may face this problem. Sometimes, even after completely unplugging a fireplace, there can be a small blue flame. 

Solution:

To be honest, this is normal. It’s the pilot light that you are looking at. The pilot light stays on even after you turn off your gas fireplace.

This indicates that there is still gas in the tank. So don’t worry if this happens.

2: Gas Fireplace Flame Too Blue

Sometimes, when you turn on your fireplace after a long break, it can appear blue. The reason behind this is incomplete combustion due to a lack of airflow. Simply put, a low amount of air can turn the fireplace flame blue.

Solution:

To bring back the fireplace’s fire to its natural color form, you have to provide sufficient airflow. There are two things you can do to ensure proper airflow. 

• Open the air vent a bit to let more airflow in
• Adjust the air shutter, so that more air can flow in

Doing these two things will allow a proper amount of oxygen to enter the fireplace. As a result, your fireplace will have a steady, yellow flame.

3: Fireplace Flame Too High

The height of your gas fireplace flame should be 3.5 inches. But, many factors such as excess gas pressure and airflow can make your fireplace flame higher than usual.

Solution:

If the gas fireplace flame height is more than 3.5 inches, you will have to:

• Open the control panel
• Locate the main gas valve that has a“high-low” indication
• Rotate the dial to the “low” point to decrease the fireplace flame

And, in case of a gas fire pit low flame, turn the dial to the “high” sign. This will increase the flame height.

If everything goes well,  you should face no more problems with the flame of your gas fireplace. If you do, do not hesitate to call an expert. 

Watching the video will be helpful for you.

How Do You Adjust the Regulator On A Gas Fireplace

Here’s how to adjust the regulator on a gas fireplace in 7 easy steps:

Step 1: Locate the gas regulator near the gas meter

Step 2: Shut off the gas pressure

Step 3: Attach the pressure gauge to the outlet tap of the regulator

Step 4: Turn on the gas and read the pressure on each appliance

Step 5: Pull off the regulator cap

Step 6: Find the screw located underneath

Step 7: Turning this screw will make changes in the gas pressure

And this is how you can adjust the regulator on a gas fireplace.

FAQ:

How high should the flames be on a gas fireplace?

The ideal height of a gas fireplace flame is 3.5 inches. Anything more or less indicates faulty parts. 

What happens when the gas regulator fails?

3 things can happen in case of gas regulator failure: high gas pressure in the system, b) a leak of gas from the regulator, and loss of pressure.

What should the flame look like in a gas fireplace?

A healthy gas flame burns steadily. Its appearance is orange or yellow. And The flame height should be no more than 3.5 inches.

What does it mean when a gas fireplace flame is blue?

Blue gas fireplace flame means complete combustion. Simply put, the gas fireplace flame becomes blue when the gas burns fluently. It means there is no wastage of fuel and your fireplace is generating maximum heat.

Should a gas fireplace always have a flame?

Though it’s okay to always keep the fireplace on, it is recommended to turn off the pilot light seasonally. This will not only keep your fireplace healthy, but also it will save you a few bucks as well. 

To Conclude:

Flame is the main part of a gas fireplace. If the flame isn’t right, the fireplace doesn’t worth much. Right?

But, you don’t have to worry about anything. If you can properly maintain what we have discussed above, you shouldn’t have any problem fixing your fireplace flame. It will generate a healthy steady flame from now on.

If there is anything else that you would like to know, then comment below. We will be glad to help you out.