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The fireplace has thermocouples and switches. The thermocouples should last for a long time. According to experts, a four-year check cycle is all that is needed.
How do I know if my thermocouple is bad?
If you can’t get the flame to light at all, and you’re sure the gas is on, there’s probably an obstruction in the pilot tube. If the flame lights and goes out when you release the gas control knob after holding it in for the recommended 20 to 30 seconds, that’s the sign of a thermocouple malfunction.
Do thermocouples wear out?
Like the other component parts in your furnace, the thermocouple can wear down over time, producing lower voltage than it should when heated. And the worst part is that you can have a bad thermocouple without even knowing. Therefore, inspecting and testing your thermocouple should be part of your furnace maintenance.
How often should I replace my thermocouple?
All things considered, the question remains, “How long should my thermocouple last?” The answer to that question is that it depends on the application. In an ideal environment, that length of time can be indefinite.
What causes thermocouples to go bad?
Changes in temperature can cause regular expansion and contraction in metal, which will cause thermocouples to weaken over time. After enough time, metal fatigue can cause a thermocouple to break. If thermocouples start to give out unusual readings, it may be suffering from metal fatigue.
How much does it cost to replace a thermocouple?
The thermocouple is an apparatus that senses whether the pilot light is lit and triggers the gas control valve. Repairs typically cost about $150 to have it done professionally, though a new thermocouple itself only costs about $20 on average.
How do you fix a pilot light that keeps going out?
This is and easy fix, simply let it cool down and brush off the dirt or debris. Your thermocouple might bend. The end that sits near the pilot light flame is what communicates with the gas valve and tells it to open or close. If it is bent away from the flame it won’t register heat and will keep the gas valve closed.
Can a thermocouple be cleaned?
The best way to clean your thermocouple is to use either a piece of steel wool or the coarse side of a sponge to gently clean off any soot or other remnants. You can use a pencil eraser to clean between the threads of the screw that connects the thermocouple to the control valve of your system.
What’s the lifespan of a thermocouple?
Thermocouple life expectancy varies greatly from just a few hours to many years. Many factors in- cluding calibration type, environ- ment, temperature, sensor design, and thermal cycling will determine life expectancy.
Can you fix a thermocouple?
If the pilot lights but the flame goes out as soon as you release the button after holding it for 60 seconds, then the thermocouple is bad. It’s possible to replace the thermocouple without removing the burner assembly, and many repair people do this.
Can a thermocouple fail intermittently?
a safety device that has started to go bad, or has failed permanently. In this client’s case, the thermocouple was initially working intermittently, and then finally failed. This allowed the gas to flow long enough to heat up the thermocouple and generate some electrical current flowing back to the gas valve.
What is the difference between a thermocouple and thermopile?
The main difference between Thermocouple and Thermopile is their method of measurement. The thermocouple is a thermoelectric instrument, while the thermopile is an instrument that modifies thermal energy into electrical output.
Why would a pilot light keep going out?
Sometimes a pilot light can go out as a result of some source of wind or air simply blowing it out. If this happens, there could be an issue with how your flue pipe is set up or how your system is venting.
Does gas still flow when pilot light goes out?
When the pilot light won’t stay lit, the gas may still escape from the pipe. Instead of feeding a fire, though, it goes into your home. Pilot lights have a safety valve, which should cut the gas when the light goes out. If the valve is functioning properly, it will close and gases won’t escape.
Can you overheat a thermopile?
If a thermopile is rated for a maximum power level of 10 W and it is used to measure the output of a 50 W laser, the thermopile can overheat, causing internal damage to the sensor which may or may not be visible on the absorbing surface.
Can I replace a thermocouple myself?
1 cause of pilot lights that won’t stay lit is a worn-out thermocouple. It’s easy to replace and a new one costs $5 to $10. Then unfasten the three nuts that hold the thermocouple and the two gas tubes to the valve. The burner typically sits loosely—or under clips—in the burning chamber and just slides out.
How much does it cost for a plumber to replace a thermocouple?
Thermocouple Replacement Cost Calling a professional plumber to install a new thermocouple should only be up to $150. If you do the work yourself, you will only pay the price of the part which is about $20.
Are thermocouples universal?
Universal Thermocouples. Universal thermocouples, as the name implies work on most water heaters. They are available online and in home supply stores for a reasonable cost. The length and the thread type are the two concerns when purchasing one.
Can a pilot light cause carbon monoxide?
A pilot light should be a crisp blue colour. A yellow or orange pilot light will produce carbon monoxide – an odourless, colourless gas that can fill your home and cause carbon monoxide poisoning. Symptoms of this condition include dizziness, headache, fatigue, nausea, unconsciousness, brain damage and death.
How much is a thermocouple?
It costs $150 to $250 to replace a thermocouple. It checks to make sure the pilot light is on. It will shut the gas off if it’s not.
