Electric fireplaces are very low maintenance compared to wood or coal burning fireplaces – that’s one of the reasons why so many people are installing electric fires in their homes. They’re easy to run, don’t need to be cleaned often, and are usually straightforward to repair.

That said, it’s still important to go through the steps properly when maintaining them or carrying out quick fixes. Not doing so increases the risk of electric shocks and burns, and could prevent you from diagnosing issues accurately.

This guide helps you diagnose issues, stay safe, and keep your fireplace running smoothly for years to come.

Get more guidance on electric fireplace maintenance here.

Electric Fireplace Maintenance: Before you start

It’s important to approach the troubleshooting and maintenance of electric fireplaces with caution for your safety and the longevity of the fireplace itself.

1. Switch the fireplace off: Ensure you turn it off at the mains. This removes the risk of electrical shocks, accidental power-ons or short circuits, while also protecting the fireplace’s electronics. Note that even when unplugged, some components can still hold charge.
2. Let it cool down: Leave the fireplace to cool down for 10-15 minutes. If the unit has overheated or shut off automatically, it’s advisable to wait even longer (30-45 minutes). The heating and metal components can get very hot during use, especially for extended periods of time, and leaving these on increases the risk of danger. Plus, often the fireplace’s safety features are still active when the fireplace is on, which can make it more difficult to identify the issue.
3. Call the manufacturer if uncertain: If you’re uncomfortable with the unit’s behaviour – for example, the unit won’t turn off at all, it’s tripping the circuit breakers when you turn it on, or it’s sparking or making unusual buzzing noises – then call the manufacturer or an electrician.

How to fix an electric fireplace with no heat

There are a few reasons why your electric fireplace might not be producing heat. To determine why, check for:

• Power issues: Check that the fireplace is properly plugged in, that the circuit breaker isn’t flipped, and your power cords are in good condition.
• Airflow: If your air vents are obstructed by dust or debris, this will disrupt the heating system. Installing a fireplace surround can help to protect against dust and debris.
• Blown fuses: Fireplaces that draw a lot of power are sometimes in risk of blowing a fuse. Investigate your home’s electrical panel and check for blown fuses. If there are melted wires, blackened areas, or discoloration, this is a sign of a blown fuse.
• Wiring issues: If your fireplace has loose or damaged wiring, this can disrupt the electrical flow to the fire’s heating elements – this issue is more severe and can require professional services. To protect against this, fireplace owners can look at fireplace suites as they keep cables hidden, ensuring longevity.
• Fan problems: If the fan isn’t moving properly or at all, heat won’t circulate effectively, making the room feel colder even if the heating is on. Irregular noises or lack of airflow suggest an issue of this kind.
• Thermostat malfunction: If your thermostat is on a very low setting, it might cause the heating to stop working. Likewise, it may have ceased to work entirely, so even if it’s turned up high it might be giving off cold air.
• Remote control issues: There might be an issue with your remote control. Unless it’s a fixable issue, you may need to replace your remote control.

How to change bulb in electric fire

It might be that your electric fireplace is producing heat, but the flame effect is not appearing. This could indicate that the bulb is faulty. Changing the bulb in an electric fire is a fairly straightforward process:

1. Switch the power off: Do this safely by unplugging it from the mains socket and letting the fireplace cool for 10-15 minutes.
2. Locate the access panel: The access panel can usually be found on the front or the back of the unit. Some models have screws or fasteners on either side of the front frame or louver panel. Remove them, and you can lift the panel off to access the bulbs.
3. Identify the faulty bulb(s): Find the bulb that needs changing – the faulty bulb(s) will be dimming or flickering. Unscrew it counterclockwise to take it off.
4. Install the new bulb(s): Screw the new bulb in clockwise, ensuring it’s in place without overtightening.
5. Reassemble the fireplace: Place the panel back over the fireplace, plug the unit back in, and turn it on to tell if the new bulb is working.

If the flame effect still isn’t working

If you’ve replaced the bulb(s) and the flame effect still isn’t working, then the issue might not lie with the bulb. Try:

1. Checking the motor: If you have light but no movement or flickering, and the flame effect motor is not making a whirring sound, it might be stuck or broken.
2. Inspecting rotating rod: The flame effect is created by a rotating spindle, rod or mirror assembly (reflecting the light). If this is stuck or broken, the fire can light up without the flame effect.
3. Checking flame effect power: Some electric fires have separate circuits for the heating element and flame effect. Test the flame-only setting if it has one, and if the bulbs light up and there’s no movement, this can imply an issue with the motor or control board.
4. Checking the wiring: Internal wiring might be loose or disconnected – particularly if the fire has been bumped or moved. Open the unit and check the wires, inspecting for loose, burnt, or disconnected wires.
5. Reset the fire: Try resetting the fire by unplugging it for 10-15 minutes and then plugging it back in and testing it.
6. Check the control board: If all seems in check but the flames still don’t work, then you may have an issue with the control board. You should contact the manufacturer for replacement if this is the case.

How to clean an electric fireplace

If your electric fireplace has a reduced airflow, dull flame glow, or is overheating, this could be due to build-up of dirt on the appliance. Here’s how to clean it thoroughly:

1. Turn the fireplace off: Ensure the unit is unplugged and completely cool.
2. Dust the outside: Use a soft cloth or microfiber duster to remove dust from the exterior.
3. Clean the glass panel: If your electric fireplace glass is turning black, this is usually due to buildups of dust and debris due to accumulation exacerbated by the heat or poor air circulation. Use glass cleaner or vinegar-water solution with a soft cloth to wipe away smudges and fingerprints but remember to avoid abrasive cleaners – and check and maintain the vents.
4. Hoover the interior: If you can access it, hoover the inside of the unit to remove dust.
5. Wipe down screen: Use a damp cloth to remove dust from the logs and flame effect screen.
6. Clean air intake vents: Use a compressed air canister or hoover to clear the vents of dust.
7. Reassemble and test: Once you’ve cleaned the unit, plug it back in and test to see if everything is working properly.

How to replace electric fire spinners

Sometimes the flame effect isn’t working due to faulty electric fire spinners. Here’s how to replace these:

1. Turn the fireplace off: Disconnect the power and allow the unit to cool before making repairs.
2. Access the flame effect mechanism: Take the front or rear panel off and locate the rotating flame effect unit. This should be a spinning rod, mirrored disk, or flicker assembly.
3. Remove the old spinner: If it’s a rod, you can probably just lift it out. If it’s motor-driven, you might need to unscrew or unclip it from its mount first.
4. Install the new spinner: Align the new spinner in its designated slot, ensuring it spins without obstruction.
5. Test the rotation: Plug the unit back in and check that the spinner rotates smoothly.
6. Reassemble and test: Now, put the fireplace back together and test it.

Replace your electric fireplace with Endeavour Fires

If you’ve tried all this and your fireplace is still not working, it might be time for a replacement.

Endeavour Fires offer a range of fireplaces including log effect electric fires, wall mounted electric fires, and even fireplace suites, suited to your needs and home décor.

All Endeavour Fires purchases come with a 12-month warranty and Free Delivery to parts of the UK. Contact us to find a cosy, aesthetic solution for your living space today.