Maintenance & Repair
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      My Fireplace Is Not Lighting

      Understanding how to maintain and troubleshoot your fireplace.

      Warranty Expectations 

       

      What’s Covered: Fireplace is designed to operate safely and as intended. No performance issues are covered unless installation or material defects are found.

      What to Expect: It’s normal for vapors to condense and fog the glass briefly when the fireplace is first turned on. Flames may appear blue at first and will turn yellow after 10–15 minutes of use. A slight “oil canning” noise may occur as metal components expand and contract with heat—this is not a defect. Internal film buildup on the glass can happen over time due to emissions from gas or propane flames.

      How We’ll Help: No corrective action is required for fogging, noise, or internal film buildup as these are expected with normal operation.

      How You Can Help: Allow the fireplace time to warm up before assessing flame appearance. Regularly clean the glass according to the manufacturer’s instructions to maintain visibility. Do not attempt to alter or adjust internal components—always consult a licensed technician for service.

       

      Getting Started: How to Turn On Your Gas Fireplace

      All Van Metre fireplaces, whether traditional or linear, use an electronic ignition system and are operated with a remote control (not a wall switch). Here’s how to get yours up and running: 

       

      Step-by-Step Operation:

      1. Locate the Receiver Box
        1. Remove the bottom plate (often located at the base of the fireplace) to access the receiver box.
        2. This box communicates with your remote to ignite the flame.
      2. Use the Remote Control
        1. Press the ON/OFF button on the remote.
        2. You should hear a beep, and the fireplace should ignite.
      3. No Beep or Flame?
        1. The issue is likely with the
      4. Replacing Batteries (Receiver Box + Remote)
        1. Your fireplace relies on AA batteries in two places: the receiver box and the remote. Dead batteries are the most common cause of ignition issues.
        2. In the Receiver Box:
          1. Make sure the fireplace is turned off.
          2. Flip the receiver box over.
          3. Slide off the battery cover.
          4. Replace with new AA batteries.
        3. In the Remote:
          1. Remove the battery door on the back of the remote.
          2. Replace with a fresh battery (usually AA or AAA depending on the model).

       

      Troubleshooting Steps

      If fresh batteries don’t fix the issue, check the receiver box for disconnected or loose wires.

       

      Do not attempt to repair electrical components yourself. If you notice any issues, contact a professional. [Understanding Your Circuit Breakers] Van Metre Life

       

      Basic Fireplace Maintenance

      • No need to replace the ceramic logs or filler, they’re designed to last.
      • Filament Maintenance: If the fluffy filament material between the logs begins to burn, you can replace it with fireplace filament from most home improvement stores.
      • Check the Receiver Mode: Make sure your receiver box is set to "REMOTE" mode to ensure proper communication with the remote control.