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Expert: - 5/23/2008


Question
We have had a problem with the main burner ignition on our fireplace since the day we bought it. The dealer has been unable to correct the problem or even identify what causes it and Regency has absolutely no Customer Service and refuses to even respond to our requests for help. The pilot seems to light and stay lit with no problem but, when the thermostat demands ignition , the burners will light for about 30 or 60 seconds then go out, taking the pilot with it. As I said, the dealer's service people cannot determine the cause. Of course, when they're out here, it usually works fine. This is our summer home's main heating source. Gets a little chilly in the spring and fall. Would appreciate any help.

Answer
Bob,

The issues you describe can caused be a number of things, It sounds like your installer / service provider may be laking the knowledge required to identify a remedy. You could have low pressure in the gas service, obstruction in the valve or burner. Since you say the pilot is being sucked out at the time of failure, I suspect low gas pressure. I would recommend using the link at the bottom of my home page at www.brooks-hearth.com, for the National fireplace Institute, NFI and find a gas fuel certified technician near you to provide the answers. Best of luck to you.

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Randy Brooks

Expertise

Inspection of Masonry, Pre-cast Tilt-up, and Factory Built Fireplaces as well as Free Standing & Insert, Gas, and Wood Appliances. We also provide Hearth Fire Loss Investigations, Litigation Support, Consulting Services, Flue Sweeping, Installation and Repair. Additionally, I’ve been a chimney sweep for 23 years, service and install hearth appliances as well as being recognized by the Superior Court of California as an expert witness.

Experience

Brooks Chimney Sweeping Since 1989 Ojai, CA Owner / President www.brooks-hearth.com

Organizations
NCSG, MEMBER,(National Chimney Sweep Guild), Member since 1990, Board of Directors representing Region 6, (CA, NV, AZ, UT, OR, WA, ID, WY, MT, AK and HI,) 2004-2011, ethics committee chair, 2004-2005, executive committee member, Vice President, 2006-2008, President, 2008-2011. CSIA, BOD (Chimney Safety Institute of America,) Board of Directors, ethics committee chair, 2004-2005, executive committee member, Secretary, 2005-2006, Vice President, 2006-2008, President, 2008-2011. HPBA, MEMBER, (Hearth, Patio, & BBQ Association,) since 2002. NFPA Member, (National Fire Protection Association) Since 2009. Technical Committee member for the 211 Standard.

Education/Credentials
California State Licensed Contractor, C61-D34, #750710. http://www2.cslb.ca.gov C.S.I.A., (Chimney Safety Institute of America,) Certified Chimney Sweep, #2580. Held since 1990 re-certified in ‘93, ‘96, ‘99, ‘02, ‘05, '08,'11. http://www.csia.org F.I.R.E. (Fireplace Investigation, Research & Education Service,) Certified Inspector, #FP-006. Held since 2000, re-certified in ’03, ‘06. http://www.f-i-r-e-service.com Fireplace Investigation, Research & Education Service,) Advance Expert Consulting & Witness, certificate, ’05 N.F.I. (National Fireplace Institute,) Certified Gas & Wood-Burning Specialist, #133851. Held since 2002, re-certified in '05,‘08. http://nficertified.org

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