Electric fireplace flames on, but no heat

Last updated October 27, 2026 · Reviewed by the Fireplace Helpline tech team

1. Is the heater actually switched on?

Most electric fireplaces run the flames on their own, with heat as a separate button or setting. Napoleon's troubleshooting table lists "heater setting not selected" first under "no warm air coming out of the appliance."

• Press the heater button on the remote or the unit's control panel and look for the heat indicator or a reading such as H1/H2 (low/high).
• Some models let you turn heat off in the settings. Dimplex's troubleshooting tables list "heater is disabled" and show the hidden-button combination that turns heat back on for that model; check your own manual for yours. Napoleon lists "heater has been locked out" and points to the operation section of its manual.
• If your model shows H-- where the heat setting should be, Dimplex's manual says the heater has been permanently disabled at installation. That isn't something to change yourself; a tech can tell you what your options are.

2. Check the thermostat setting

On many models the heater only runs when the set temperature is above the room temperature. Touchstone's manual says that if the room is warmer than the temperature on the display, the heater won't turn on. Amantii's Auto mode works the same way, and Dimplex's fix for "heater is on, but there is no heat" is simply to raise the set temperature.

Turn the set temperature up a few degrees above the room and give it a minute. Also remember the built-in thermostat shuts the heat off once the room reaches the set temperature and turns it back on when the room cools, which Napoleon describes as normal.

3. Give it the startup delay

Many heaters wait a little before they blow warm air, and blow cool air at the start and end of a cycle. That's by design:

So a short blast of cool air isn't a fault. Cool air that never warms up is.

4. Heater stopped but the flames kept going? The overheat cutoff

Every major brand fits an overheat safety switch that shuts the heater off if the unit gets too hot, for example when a vent is blocked or covered. Amantii's manual says plainly that if the heater stops while the flame effect keeps working, its safety control has tripped. Some models also show a code: Dimplex shows Err 1 on some models, and Napoleon flashes OH on some.

The reset is a safe homeowner step. Turn the fireplace off, cut the power, wait, check the vents and restore power. The wait depends on the brand:

• Dimplex: 30 minutes at the breaker for models that show Err 1 (5 minutes unplugged on many older models).
• Napoleon: unplug or switch off the breaker and let it cool for 15 minutes.
• Touchstone: unplug, set the panel switch to OFF and wait 5 minutes.
• Amantii: power off for about 10 minutes and make sure nothing is blocking the heater vents.

While it's off, look at the heater vents from the outside. Move anything covering them, like a blanket, decorations or a TV hanging too low. If lint or dust is visible on the outside of the vent, Touchstone suggests vacuuming the vent area. Don't remove grilles or panels to get at it.

Don't keep resetting it. If it trips again, stop. Dimplex says that if you need to keep resetting the heater, switch it off and call for support, and Amantii and Napoleon say the same. Something is making it overheat, and that needs to be found.

5. Codes on the display

If your fireplace shows a code, write it down exactly along with the model number. On some Dimplex models, Err 2, Err 3 and Err 4 point to the supply voltage or current, and the manual says to consult an electrician if they keep coming back. Codes differ by brand and model, so go by your own manual rather than a chart for a different model.

When it's a job for a tech

If the heater is switched on, the thermostat is set above room temperature, you've waited out the delay and done one proper reset, and there's still no heat, the problem is inside the unit. Manufacturer tables point to the heater assembly, the blower or the control board at that stage. Those are parts a qualified service person replaces with the unit unplugged, not homeowner fixes.

On a video call, a tech will usually ask you to show the display or heat indicator while you switch the heat on, any code it shows, the vents and the rating plate for the model number. That's usually enough to tell a setting from a part, and to get you the exact part number if one is needed. If it needs hands-on work, we'll help you find a local pro.

What not to do

• Don't open the unit, remove the glass or panels, or touch the wiring.
• Don't run it from an extension cord or power strip. Plug it straight into a wall outlet.
• Don't cover or block the heater vents, and don't use it with something draped over it.
• Don't keep resetting it if the heater keeps cutting out.

Common questions

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