- Home
- Before you call
Before you call, check for safety first, then try a few quick checks.
Most of the calls we get have a simple cause. A few safe checks can save you a visit. But some situations are emergencies, and those come first.
If you smell gas or a CO alarm sounds, don't call us first.
You smell gas
- Leave the home now. Take everyone, including pets.
- Don't flip switches, use a lighter, or use a phone inside.
- From outside, call 911 and the SoCalGas emergency line, 1-800-427-2200.
- Don't go back in until they clear it.
A carbon monoxide alarm sounds
- Get everyone into fresh air.
- Call 911.
- Dizziness, headache or nausea with an alarm means leave immediately.
- Once it is cleared, call us to inspect gas appliances and fireplaces.
You see smoke or flames outside the firebox
- Leave and call 911.
- Don't use water on a gas fire.
It won't light.
These checks are safe for anyone. Don't take the glass off or open the burner area.
Stop and call us if
you smell gas, see soot on the walls, the glass is cracked, or the unit has shut down more than once.
Check the remote and wall switch
Replace the remote batteries. Make sure the wall switch or the on/off switch on the unit is on.
Check the thermostat or mode
Some fireplaces have a thermostat or a manual/remote mode selector. Make sure it is asking for heat.
Check the gas valve
The valve near the fireplace should be parallel to the pipe when open. If you smell gas, stop and see the emergency steps above.
Check power
Many units need household power or fresh backup batteries for the ignition. Check the breaker and the battery box.
Note what you see
A blinking light, a clicking sound or a pilot that lights and goes out helps us diagnose it. A photo of the label with the make and model helps even more.
It's running but not cooling.
A few minutes on these checks often saves a service call.
Stop and call us if
you see ice, hear grinding, find water around the indoor unit, or the breaker keeps tripping.
Check the thermostat
Make sure it is set to cool or auto, the setpoint is below room temperature, and the batteries are fresh.
Check the filter
A clogged filter restricts airflow and can ice up the coil. Replace it if it is dirty.
Look at the outdoor unit
Make sure the fan is spinning and nothing is blocking it. Don't put your hands near the fan.
Look for ice
Ice on the refrigerant line or the indoor coil means turn the system off and let it thaw. Running it makes things worse.
Check the breaker
Reset a tripped breaker once. If it trips again, leave it off and call.
It isn't heating.
Start simple.
Stop and call us if
you smell gas or burning, hear loud banging, or the system keeps shutting off.
Check the thermostat
Set it to heat and raise the setpoint a few degrees. Replace the batteries if it has them.
Check the filter
A blocked filter can make a system shut down on a safety limit.
Check the switch and the breaker
Many furnaces have a service switch that looks like a light switch near the unit. Make sure it is on.
Check the vents
Make sure supply vents and returns aren't blocked by furniture or rugs.
What to have ready.
Have these ready, or send a photo.
- The address and what you see or hear.
- The make and model, from the label on the unit.
- How old the system is, if you know.
- When it last worked, and whether it has happened before.
- A photo of the unit and any error light.
Common questions.
Anything else, call or text me.
What should I do if I smell gas?
Leave the home right away, without turning any switch on or off. From outside, call 911 and the SoCalGas emergency line at 1-800-427-2200. Don't call us first.
My carbon monoxide alarm is going off. What now?
Get everyone, including pets, into fresh air and call 911. Don't go back in until it is cleared. Then call us to inspect the appliances.
Why won't my gas fireplace light?
Common causes are dead remote batteries, a wall switch that is off, the gas valve closed, or a dirty pilot assembly. Try the quick checks on this page, then call.
My air conditioner is running but the house is warm. What should I check?
Check the thermostat mode and setpoint, replace a dirty filter, and look for ice on the lines. If you see ice, turn the system off and call.
Call or text Jeremy.
Tell me about the room or the system and we'll set up a free estimate. For a repair, text me a photo of the unit first. It often saves a trip.
(805) 699-1112jnjfireplacepros@gmail.comOpen email app- Address
- 511 E Gutierrez St, Santa Barbara, CA 93103
- Hours
- Call or text to schedule. After-hours appointments when a technician is available.
- Estimates
- Free, with flat rate pricing
- Serving
- Santa Barbara County: Santa Barbara, Goleta, Hope Ranch, Montecito, Summerland, Carpinteria, Santa Ynez, Solvang and Buellton
- License
- CSLB Lic. #1086420 (C-20), active. Workers' comp insurance on file with the CSLB.