Most calls we get about a "dead" electric fireplace end the same way: the unit was fine, and a safety feature was doing its job. An overheat switch tripped, the heater was locked out from the remote, or the fireplace shared a circuit with a space heater and a TV. The fix took five minutes once someone knew where to look.
This guide walks through the problems owners actually run into on Dimplex, Modern Flames, Napoleon and Amantii units (plus SimpliFire, which we also sell): no heat, no flame, a remote that won't pair, a breaker that keeps tripping, odd noises, a smell, and the error codes printed in the manuals. Every reset time and code below comes from the manufacturer's own documentation. Where a problem is inside the box, we say so and stop there.
The short answer
Most electric fireplace problems come down to power, a tripped overheat switch, or a heater that has been disabled. Start by checking the breaker and the unit's main power switch, then cut power and let it cool for the time your manual specifies (5 to 30 minutes depending on the brand) before switching it back on. If the heat still won't come on, check that heat hasn't been locked out and that the thermostat set point is above room temperature. A breaker that trips again and again, a hot plug, or a burning plastic smell means stop using it and call a pro.
Key takeaways
- Overheat cutoffs on most units do not reset by themselves. You have to cut power, wait, and turn it back on.
- Reset times differ by brand: Napoleon says about 15 minutes, Amantii at least 10, Dimplex's Ignite Bold manual 30 minutes at the panel.
- "No heat" is often a setting: heat locked out, set point below room temperature, or a built-in delay before the element starts.
- A 1,500 watt heater draws about 12.5 amps. Shared circuits and extension cords cause most breaker trips, and every manual we checked bans extension cords.
- Error codes are model specific. An Err 1 on a Dimplex and an E1 on a Napoleon Entice mean different things.
- Board, heater assembly and motor replacements are service jobs. Don't open the unit while it has power.
In this guide
- Symptom chart: start here
- How do I reset my electric fireplace?
- Why won't my electric fireplace turn on?
- Why is it blowing cold air or shutting off?
- No flame, frozen flame or a dim flame
- Why won't the remote work or pair?
- Why does it keep tripping the breaker?
- Humming, clicking, squeaking and smells
- Error codes by brand
- When to stop and call a pro
- Our recommended replacement models
- Repair or replace?
- Frequently asked questions
Symptom chart: start here
Find your symptom, try the first fix, and only move to the detailed section if that didn't work.
| Symptom | Most likely cause | Try first | Call a pro if |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nothing turns on | Tripped breaker, main switch off, thermal switch | Check breaker and rocker switch, then do a full power reset | Still dead with confirmed power at the outlet |
| Flame works, no heat | Heat locked out, set point too low, overheat cutoff | Re-enable heat, raise the set point, clear the vent, reset | Cold air continues after a reset |
| Shuts off by itself | Thermostat reached set point, blocked airflow, auto timer | Clear the vents, check timers and clearances | You have to reset it every time you use heat |
| No flame or dim flame | Brightness turned down, frozen controller, failed LEDs | Raise brightness, power cycle | LEDs, motor or board need replacing |
| Remote dead | Batteries, lost pairing, blocked receiver | New batteries, re-pair per your brand's steps | Panel controls also fail |
| Breaker trips | Shared or undersized circuit, extension cord | Unplug other loads, plug directly into the wall | It trips on a dedicated circuit |
How do I reset my electric fireplace?
Every electric fireplace heater has a thermal safety switch. If the element runs too hot (usually because airflow is blocked), the switch kills the heater and, on most models, stays off until you cut power and let it cool. That's why the classic complaint is "it worked for twenty minutes, then quit, and now it won't come back." The published reset steps are not the same across brands:
| Brand and series | Manufacturer's reset procedure |
|---|---|
| Dimplex (general FAQ) | Unplug for 5 minutes and plug back in. Hardwired units: reset at the circuit breaker. |
| Dimplex Ignite Bold and Ignite Ultra | Overheat cutout: turn off at the main disconnect, wait 30 minutes, turn back on. For an Err 1 the table says reset the breaker and wait 5 minutes. |
| Napoleon Astound and Entice | Unplug or switch off the breaker, let it cool about 15 minutes, restore power. |
| Modern Flames Landscape Pro | Main breaker off 60 seconds, then on. If the heater's snap disc tripped, leave it off 5 minutes. |
| Amantii Panorama | Disconnect for at least 10 minutes. Amantii notes it will not reset automatically. |
| SimpliFire Inception | Heater off, cool 5 to 15 minutes, clear the discharge. Still cool air: breaker off 15 minutes, then restore. |
Two things matter more than the exact minutes. First, fix whatever made it overheat: a throw blanket on a freestanding unit, a mantel or cabinet built tighter than the manual's clearances, or a dusty intake. Second, pay attention to how often it happens. Dimplex, SimpliFire and Napoleon all say the same thing in different words: if you're resetting it over and over, turn it off and get it serviced.
From our install team
On built-in jobs, the heater outlet is the part of the design that gets forgotten. Most linear units blow warm air out of a slot above or below the glass. If a stone cap, a TV niche or a deep shelf sits right over that slot, the heater recirculates its own hot air and trips the cutoff. We check the outlet location against the manual's clearances before the framing goes up, and we'd tell you to do the same before you blame the fireplace.
Why won't my electric fireplace turn on?
Work from the wall toward the fireplace:
- Power at the outlet. Plug a lamp into the same receptacle. On hardwired units, check the breaker and any wall switch the electrician installed. Dimplex's Ignite Bold table lists "no incoming power" and a switched-off wall switch as the first two causes.
- The unit's own switch. Many built-ins have a rocker switch behind a panel or near the touch controls. The Modern Flames Orion's toggle sits at the upper right by the buttons. Amantii's remote won't work unless the main switch is at "I".
- The thermal switch. Napoleon lists a tripped thermal switch under "won't turn on." Do the reset above.
- After a power outage. Napoleon notes a power failure erases programmed settings, so the unit may come back in a default state that looks like "off."
If there's power at the outlet, the switch is on and a full reset didn't wake it, the manuals point to the main control board. That's a parts and service call, not a weekend project. Owners of the Napoleon Entice 42 and similar plug-in units can at least rule out the house wiring by trying a different dedicated outlet first.
Electric FireplacesNapoleon Electric
Why is it blowing cold air or shutting off?
Cold air with a working flame is the most common complaint, and it's usually a setting rather than a failure. Check these in order:
- Heat is locked out. Napoleon's Astound hides a heater lockout behind a 3 second press of the heater button and shows "LOC" (the Entice uses a 5 second press and shows "LO"). Dimplex's Ignite Bold toggles heat with the two hidden touch buttons held for 3 seconds and shows "---" when it's disabled. On the Dimplex Ignite Ultra the heat icon flashes three times; hold the onboard control 10 seconds to re-enable it.
- The set point is below room temperature. The thermostat is doing its job. Raise it a few degrees. On SimpliFire units the temperature sensor is in the remote, so a remote left on a warm windowsill reads the wrong room.
- There's a built-in delay. Dimplex's Ignite Bold waits 30 seconds before the heater starts, and its fan keeps running about 2 minutes after you turn heat off. Neither is a fault.
- The overheat cutoff tripped. Clear the outlet and intake, then reset.
- A timer turned it off. SimpliFire's Inception shuts the heater off after 3 hours of continuous operation. Modern Flames' Wi-Fi timer can be set from half an hour to 8 hours.
Dimplex's own FAQ adds blocked blowers and dirty filters to the cold-air list, and says a fan that blows cold after all of the above points to the heating element. At that point the heater assembly is a replacement part, and Dimplex, Modern Flames and Napoleon all route it to service.
If your real complaint is that the heat is weak rather than missing, that's physics, not a defect. A plug-in unit tops out near 1,500 watts. Our guide on whether electric fireplaces actually heat a room does the math.
No flame, frozen flame or a dim flame
Flame too dim. Check brightness before anything else. SimpliFire's manual lists "brightness set to LOW" as the cause of a dark flame, and Napoleon's tables start with "flame brightness not selected." A blue cast in the ember bed on a SimpliFire means it needs more of the black glass embers spread over the lights.
No flame, but the ember bed glows or you hear the crackle. On the Modern Flames Orion LCD series, the factory fix is a specific reset: toggle switch off for 1 minute, back on, power up from the remote or touch controls, then wait 30 seconds without pressing anything. The logo may appear, then the flames. If you see "USB PATHWAY NOT FOUND," Modern Flames sends a replacement USB through its warranty form.
Frozen or stuck flame. On units that use a rotating flicker rod (most mid-range linears, Amantii Panorama, Modern Flames Landscape Pro), a flame that stops moving means the rod slipped off the motor or the motor failed. Napoleon says to cycle power first. Reattaching a loose spindle is listed as an owner fix in the Modern Flames manual; a dead motor is a part.
No flame at all. Dimplex's FAQ points to LEDs and wiring. Amantii's manual lists burnt out flame LEDs. On LED log sets, Dimplex notes there are no replaceable bulbs; if it stops lighting, the log set or its driver board gets replaced.
Water vapor units are their own animal. If an Opti-Myst stops making mist, the transducer and water quality are the usual suspects; see our water vapor fireplace guide.
Modern FlamesWater Vapor Fireplaces
Why won't the remote work or pair?
Batteries first, every time. After that it depends on whether your remote is radio frequency (it has to be paired) or infrared (it has to see the receiver).
- Modern Flames: with the fireplace on, hold its power button about 3 seconds until it double beeps and the indicators flash. Within 5 seconds, tap (don't hold) the remote's power button until it beeps again. Miss the window and start over. The reset button clears all paired remotes and apps. The handheld takes a CR2025 coin cell and works up to 20 feet.
- Dimplex Ignite Ultra: remove the remote's battery cover with a Phillips screwdriver, hold the onboard control 5 seconds, then press the remote button within 10 seconds. One remote can run several units; repeat for each. A lock symbol on a Dimplex remote means child lock mode is on, and the owner's manual for your model has the sequence to turn it off.
- SimpliFire Inception: pairs automatically at power up. If it doesn't, hold the left and middle buttons together for 10 seconds and follow the pairing guide on screen.
- Napoleon Astound and Entice: infrared, no pairing. Point it at the receiver, keep it within about 17 feet, and make sure nothing blocks the receiver window.
- Amantii: point the remote at the center of the fireplace, make sure the main switch is on, and don't press buttons more than once within two seconds. Each press should get one beep. Current replacement remotes are the R63 and R64, listed by model in Amantii's remote guide.
If the panel buttons work and the remote doesn't after fresh batteries and a re-pair, the remote or the receiver has failed. If neither works, go back to the power section.
Not sure what fits your space? If your fireplace is out of warranty and the fix is a board or heater, it may make more sense to replace it with a unit sized and wired properly for the wall. Book a free design consultation and we will help you narrow it down.
Why does it keep tripping the breaker?
A 1,500 watt heater pulls about 12.5 amps. A typical 15 amp bedroom or living room circuit can't carry that plus a TV, a soundbar and a lamp for long. That's why Dimplex's troubleshooting table answers "breaker trips at power on" with "use a dedicated circuit rated at least 15 A," Napoleon calls for a dedicated 15 amp grounded circuit, and Modern Flames requires a dedicated 20 amp breaker for the Landscape Pro. Lights that dim when the heater kicks on are the same problem in an earlier stage.
Extension cords and power strips are banned outright in the Dimplex, Napoleon, Modern Flames, SimpliFire and Amantii manuals we checked, and Dimplex warns that using one may void the warranty. A cord that feels warm is a warning, not a curiosity.
Newer homes add a twist: AFCI and GFCI breakers. SimpliFire's manual says its units are tested with them and that nuisance trips usually trace to how the neutral pigtail was wired at the breaker. That's an electrician's fix. Outdoor and bathroom installs need GFCI protection, and Dimplex recommends a ground fault protected circuit on its Ignite Bold.
From our install team
In prewar Manhattan and Brooklyn apartments, the outlet you want to use for the fireplace is often on the same circuit as half the room. When a plug-in unit trips the breaker on the first cold night, the honest answer is usually a new dedicated circuit, not a different fireplace. In a co-op that means a licensed electrician and, often, the board's alteration process, so we raise it at the design stage.
Humming, clicking, squeaking and smells
Humming. Dimplex says a soft hum from the heater fan is normal. Napoleon makes the same point: electric fireplaces make some noise, and you notice it most in a quiet bedroom. A loud or rising hum points to a dirty fan grille or a motor on its way out.
Squeaking or sweeping. This is the flicker rod rubbing. Amantii and Modern Flames both prescribe grease where the rod meets its bushing; Dimplex says to confirm the rod is seated on the flicker motor. If it keeps going after that, the flame motor is next.
Clicking. None of the four brands' FAQs single out clicking. In our experience a single click as the heater cycles on or off is a relay or metal expanding and contracting as it heats and cools. Rapid repeated clicking with no heat, or clicking paired with the unit restarting itself, belongs on a service call.
Smell. A faint odor the first few times you use heat is factory coatings and dust burning off the element. Dimplex, Napoleon and SimpliFire all describe it as normal, and Dimplex notes it can return briefly after a long idle summer. A smell that persists every time the heat runs, or anything like hot plastic, is different: Dimplex says unplug it and contact support.
Error codes by brand
Codes are model specific, so match your manual before acting. These are the ones the manufacturers publish for current models we sell:
| Model | Code | Meaning and action |
|---|---|---|
| Dimplex Ignite Bold | Err 1 | Temperature cutout. Reset the breaker, wait 5 minutes. |
| Dimplex Ignite Bold | Err12 / Err13 | Room above 113 degrees F or below 41 degrees F. No action required. |
| Dimplex Ignite Bold | Err16 / Err 22 / Err 23 | Temperature sensor, flicker motor or relay board not detected. Service. |
| Dimplex Ignite Bold | "---" or "H--" | Heat disabled from the controls, or permanently disabled at the board jumper. |
| Dimplex Ignite Ultra | Err 1, 12, 13, 16 | Same meanings as above. Shown only in the Flame Connect app. |
| Napoleon Astound SlimMount | OH | Overheat. Cut power, cool about 15 minutes. |
| Napoleon Astound SlimMount | E-1 / E-2 / E-3 | Heating element, blower, heater error. Dealer service. |
| Napoleon Astound / Entice | LOC / LO | Heater locked. Hold the heater button (3 seconds Astound, 5 seconds Entice). |
| Napoleon Entice | E1 | Thermostat issue. Consult your dealer. |
| Modern Flames Orion | USB PATHWAY NOT FOUND | Replacement USB through the Modern Flames warranty form. |
| SimpliFire Inception | Ember bed flashes, 3 sets of 2, 3 or 4 | Loose display cable (2), display cable fault (3), HDMI connection (4). Service. |
Amantii's Panorama manual doesn't use codes. Its table maps symptoms to parts: dim flame to LEDs, no warm air to the heater assembly, sputtering flame to the flame motor.
When to stop and call a pro
Resets, batteries, brightness, pairing and clearing a blocked vent are owner jobs. Here's where we'd draw the line:
- The breaker trips on a dedicated circuit, or you smell hot plastic, see scorching, or feel a hot plug or cord. Unplug it or shut the breaker and leave it off.
- The overheat cutoff trips every session even with clear vents and correct clearances.
- The fix involves the main board, heater assembly, blower or flame motor. Modern Flames tells owners to have an electrician inspect a heater that has malfunctioned before using it again.
- Anything hardwired. Turn it off at the breaker, not just the switch, before touching it, and leave the wiring to a licensed electrician. In NYC that's also what your building and the Department of Buildings will expect.
- The cord or plug is damaged. Napoleon says not to run the unit at all.
Never open a unit with power connected, and check your warranty before you replace parts yourself.
From our install team
Have the model and serial number ready before you call anyone, us or the manufacturer. They're on the rating plate, usually behind a lower panel or on the side of the firebox. Dimplex asks for both before it will troubleshoot, and it saves a trip when the fix is a specific board revision.
Our recommended replacement models
If yours is beyond a reasonable repair, these are the units we'd put in its place. We favored clear manuals, published diagnostics and heaters you can wire properly.
Linear ElectricDimplexAmantiiElectric Log Sets
Repair or replace?
Repair it if:
- A reset, re-pair or settings change fixed it and it stays fixed.
- The unit is under warranty, or the part is a remote, LED strip or flicker motor.
- It's a built-in and the surround would have to be torn out to replace it.
Replace it if:
- It's an older plug-in out of warranty that needs a main board or heater assembly.
- It overheats in a location that can't meet the clearances.
- You want real heat and the wall can take a 240 volt unit.
Our view: spend twenty minutes on the steps above before you spend anything else. If the problem is a board or heater on an inexpensive plug-in, replacing it usually beats repairing it. For a built-in linear in finished millwork, repair is almost always worth it, because the fireplace is the cheap part of that wall. And if a breaker or overheat issue keeps coming back, fix the circuit or the clearance first, or the new unit will do the same thing.
Frequently asked questions
Why won't my electric fireplace turn on?
Check for power at the outlet or breaker, make sure the unit's own rocker or toggle switch is on, then do a full reset: cut power, wait the time your manual gives (5 to 30 minutes depending on brand), and restore it. A tripped thermal switch is a common cause. If it still won't start with confirmed power, the control board is the likely culprit and that's a service call.
Why is my electric fireplace blowing cold air?
Usually the heat is locked out, the thermostat set point is below room temperature, or the overheat cutoff tripped. Some units also delay the heater about 30 seconds after you turn it on. Re-enable heat, raise the set point, clear the vents and reset. Cold air after all that points to the heating element.
Why does my electric fireplace shut off by itself?
The most common reasons are the thermostat reaching its set point, an overheat cutoff from blocked airflow, or a timer. SimpliFire's Inception, for example, shuts the heater off after 3 hours of continuous operation. If it shuts off and won't restart until you reset it, clear the vents and check clearances.
How do I reset my electric fireplace?
Turn it off, cut power by unplugging it or switching off the breaker, wait, and restore power. Dimplex's general FAQ says 5 minutes, Napoleon about 15, Amantii at least 10, and Dimplex's Ignite Bold manual 30 minutes at the main disconnect for an overheat. Modern Flames says 60 seconds at the breaker for a general reset.
Why is my electric fireplace remote not working?
Replace the batteries first. Radio frequency remotes from Modern Flames, Dimplex and SimpliFire may need to be re-paired using the steps in the manual. Infrared remotes from Napoleon and Amantii need a clear line of sight to the receiver. If the panel buttons work and the remote doesn't, the remote or receiver has failed.
What does the lock symbol on my fireplace remote mean?
On a Dimplex remote, Dimplex says it means child lock mode is on; the owner's manual for your model has the steps to turn it off. On Napoleon units, "LOC" or "LO" on the display means the heater is locked out, and holding the heater button for 3 to 5 seconds toggles it.
Why is my electric fireplace making a humming or clicking noise?
A soft hum from the heater fan is normal, according to Dimplex and Napoleon. Squeaking usually means the flicker rod is rubbing and needs grease at its bushing. A single click as the heater cycles is normal in our experience; loud, rising or constant noise points to a fan or motor that needs service.
Can I use an extension cord with an electric fireplace?
No. Dimplex, Napoleon, Modern Flames, SimpliFire and Amantii all say to plug directly into a wall outlet and never use an extension cord or power strip. A 1,500 watt heater draws about 12.5 amps, which can overheat a cord, and Dimplex warns that using one may void the warranty.
Talk to a specialist
Fireplace still acting up, or ready for one that's wired right?
We have been designing, selling, installing and servicing fire features and outdoor kitchens for over 30 years across New York City, Long Island, Westchester, New Jersey and South Florida. Tell us the brand, model and what it's doing, and we'll tell you whether it's a reset, a part, or time for a replacement.
Book a free consultationCall 718-326-4328Showroom: 58-30 Maspeth Ave, Maspeth, Queens.
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Written by the NYC Fireplaces & Outdoor Kitchens team. Last reviewed October 2026. We sell, install and service the products discussed here.
Sources:Dimplex FAQ and documentation, Dimplex electric fireplace technical support, Dimplex Ignite Bold owner's manual, Dimplex Ignite Ultra owner's manual, Napoleon Astound SlimMount manual, Napoleon Entice manual, Modern Flames Pro Series remote guide, Modern Flames Orion no flames guide, Amantii FAQ, Amantii remote control guide, SimpliFire Inception owner's manual. Specifications change; always confirm with the manufacturer's current installation manual.