1. Check if pilot flame goes out on its own or when main burner is on.
When checking inlet and manifold pressure, there are many different tools that will do the job. The manometer is one of the least expensive and also one of the best because it allows you to calibrate it every time you use it, ensuring an accurate reading. The manometer is a U shaped tube filled with liquid which has a valve or stopper at the top of each riser. In between these risers is an adjustable scale that is measured in inches which allows calibration of the manometer.
Another quick check you can carry out is the system resistance check. This will verify whether your control circuit has too much resistance in it.
There are two instances where you will measure resistance when checking a valve for faulty main burner operation.
On natural vent appliances incorporating a vent safety switch (VSS) as part of the thermocouple circuit, you can use the ECO (energy cut off) or terminal block on the thermocouple as a test point for gathering information. By removing the VSS wire on the pilot assembly side of the terminal block and then touching your meter probe to this point, and with your other on the thermocouple casing, you can obtain the open circuit reading.
The open circuit test will tell you the amount of voltage that the thermocouple is capable of producing without any load, or when it is disconnected.
As with the thermocouple, the open circuit test will tell us the potential output of the thermopile. While most thermopiles are designed to produce up to 750 mVDC, a minimum reading of 325 mVDC open circuit is generally acceptable as long as the switch is located close to the appliance and connected with properly sized wire.
When it comes to fireplaces, the options truly are endless - both for existing fireplaces or those being installed from scratch. Choices range from Gas and wood freestanding stoves and zero-clearance pre-fabricated fireplace. Most are manufactured from steel components and can be placed just about anywhere in the home.
Thinking about a pellet stove this winter? You may want to consider it, they burn cleanly, produce tons of heat and do not require much maintenance. Most people that already own a pellet stove say they love it.
Fireplace blower can make a difference, however it will not be a huge difference. Blowers do not make heat, if they did, all you would need is the blower and forget about any device burning fuel. That being said, the blower can move the heat away from the appliance into the space where the heat can be felt.