Have a question about your fireplace remote control?

You’re not alone! We get calls about Fireplace Remote Controls all the time, so we’ve put together this helpful FAQ sheet with some of the most common questions we get to help you save time.

Fireplace Remote Controls Frequently Asked Questions

How to Find the Right Fireplace Remote Control

CAN I USE A REMOTE CONTROL WITH MY FIREPLACE?

Whether or not you can use a fireplace remote with your fireplace will mostly depend on your gas valve type. Most of our remotes are designed to be used with millivolt gas valves, but we also have options for other specialty valves like servo motor valves and latching solenoid valves.

To determine what kind of gas valve your fireplace has, consult your product manual.

WHAT ARE MY REMOTE CONTROL OPTIONS?

We offer a large selection of remote controls designed to cater to all different kinds of use cases. Here are your options:

On/Off Remote Controls: These are the most basic remote control options available and are great for those looking for added convenience with little hassle.

Thermostatic Remote Controls: Thermostatic remote controls can control your fireplace based on temperature to help regulate the feel of a room.

Timer Remote Controls: Timer remote controls allow a user to automatically shut down their fireplace after a given period. These remotes are a great option for those who occasionally forget to turn off their fireplace after use.

Programmable Thermostat Remote Controls: Programmable thermostat remote controls allow you to control your fireplace based on variables like time of day or day of the week to give you complete control over your fireplace unit.

Wall Mount Remote Control Units: Wall mount remote control units are available with all features previously mentioned. However, these units are mounted to the wall like a light switch. These are great if you want the convenience of remote control without needing to worry about losing a transmitter.

Smart Home Controllers: Smart home automation is a relatively new addition to the hearth space. These units allow you to control your fireplace using either Bluetooth or WiFi—a great option if your home already features smart home tech.

DO I NEED A FIREPLACE REMOTE CONTROL TO USE MY FIREPLACE?

Fireplace remote controls are not required to operate your fireplace. Although these remotes provide a great deal of convenience, the fireplace can still be controlled directly at the unit.

DO YOU HAVE A REMOTE FOR MY ELECTRIC FIREPLACE?

Unfortunately, we do not carry remote controls for electric fireplaces. In many cases, these remote are much more specific to the fireplace they came with and we do not carry universal remotes capable of replicating these features. Your best option will likely be to contact the manufacturer directly to locate a suitable replacement.

DO YOU HAVE A REMOTE FOR MY GAS FIREPLACE FROM [BIG BOX STORE]?

Possibly, but it will depend on your individual fireplace model. Unfortunately, many fireplaces from big box stores feature valves with proprietary designs. For this reason, it is often difficult to supply a remote capable of replicating all features found on the fireplace.

To determine if one of our remotes is suitable for your fireplace, we will need to look at the manual and/or pictures of the gas valve. We may be able to supply you with a remote after receiving this information. Contact us for more information.

How to Use a Fireplace Remote Control

WHY ISN’T MY FIREPLACE REMOTE CONTROL WORKING CORRECTLY?

There are many reasons a remote control could stop functioning correctly. Before troubleshooting your remote, however, make sure you can still ignite your fireplace at the unit itself. Using the receiver box of your fireplace remote control system, move the switch to the “On” position. If the fireplace ignites, we can safely assume the problem lies within your remote or receiver box. If the fireplace fails to ignite using this method, the problem is likely within the fireplace itself and you may need to contact a fireplace service technician to troubleshoot the problem further.

Here are some of the most common:

Dead or incorrectly installed batteries. This is a simple fix. Replace the batteries in the remote and receiver box and attempt to re-sync the unit. In the event of corroded batteries, you may need to replace the system.

The receivers slide switch is not in the right position. Move the slide witch to the “Remote” position and attempt to use the fireplace remote again.

The remote has not been paired. The remote’s receiver needs to have the “learn” function activated. See our Skytech remote troubleshooting guide for more information.

The remote may be defective. One of the electrical components within the remote may have malfunctioned and can be replaced under the one-year warranty from the time of purchase. If the purchase date was more than one year ago, consult the product manual for extended warranty information. Skytech remotes, for example, are warrantied for five years.

The remote may no longer be functional. Like all small electrical components, a fireplace remote control may fail after years of regular use. Typically, you can expect a remote to last eight to 10 years, but many last much longer than that. If your remote is in this age range, you may be due for a replacement. Fortunately, these remotes are easy to install, and it only takes a few minutes to swap in a new unit.

HOW DO I USE THIS FIREPLACE REMOTE CONTROL?

If you lost your product manual or have moved into a home containing a fireplace without a manual, check out our collection of fireplace remote control manuals here.

WHY DOESN’T THE TEMPERATURE ON MY REMOTE MATCH THE ONE ON THE HOUSE WALL THERMOSTAT?

Each fireplace remote system is calibrated by the manufacturer and may not match exactly with another manufacturer's thermostat. In addition, the location of the thermostats can play a role in different temperature readouts.

Still have questions?

We hope you find the list above helpful. However, we understand you may have more questions than what we’ve covered here. Give us a call and we’ll be more than happy to answer any other questions you may have.

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