Are electric fireplace remotes universal?

The majority of electric fireplaces will come with a remote control. Remote controls work on a radio frequency, similar to your garage door opener. Remote controls send a signal to a receiving unit on the fireplace to turn it on and off, adjust lighting effects and turn the heat function on and off. Thermostatic remotes can also turn the fireplace on and off, depending on the temperature in the room.

Remote controls for fireplaces are often product or model specific. Brand A comes with the fireplace and Brand X may not be compatible. Fireplace manufacturers will either include a remote with the unit or recommend a specific brand of remote. Some remotes are interchangeable with fireplaces, some are not. It’s always best to discuss remote control options with your WE LOVE FIRE® expert.

Below is a list of fireplace and grill stores that service Michigan (MI)

Almont, MI

Creekside Hearth, Patio & BBQ
515 S Main Street
Almont, MI 48003

Creekside Hearth, Patio & BBQ LogoVisit Store Page

Canton, MI

Heat & Sweep of Canton, LLC
8545 N. Lilley Road
Canton, MI 48187

Heat & Sweep of Canton, LLC LogoVisit Store Page

Grawn, MI

Phillips Lifestyles
5161 US 31
Grawn, MI 49637

Phillips Lifestyles LogoVisit Store Page

Hudsonville, MI

Flame Center, Inc.
2440 Chicago Drive
Hudsonville, MI 49426

Flame Center, Inc. LogoVisit Store Page

Jonesville, MI

Gorton C and F LLC
2951 E Chicago Road
Jonesville, MI 49250

Lowell, MI

Builders Fireplace Co.
521 West Main Street
Lowell, MI 49331

Okemos, MI

Heat 'n Sweep, Inc.
2041 W Grand River Ave.
Okemos, MI 48864

Heat 'n Sweep, Inc. LogoVisit Store Page

Riverview, MI

Fireside Shoppe and Aqua Mist
18714 Quarry Rd
Riverview, MI 48193

Fireside Shoppe  and  Aqua Mist LogoVisit Store Page

Traverse City, MI

Phillips Lifestyles
1151 W South Airport Rd
Traverse City, MI 49686

Phillips Lifestyles LogoVisit Store Page

For more information, contact your local fireplace and grill store.

12 Responses

  1. Holly
    I am trying to find a fireplace remote model RC1008A. Can you advise if these are extinct? I have searched and cannot find a replacement as mines stopped working. It only shows the temperature on it but will not power on or off the fireplace. Thank you!
    • Joseph Bodden
      Holly: What is the age of your fireplace? Many remotes for electric fireplaces are specific to the individual fireplace model. The first thing we would suggest is checking the owner's manual. Most will have a troubleshooting section. See if anything here will correct your problem. Make certain the fireplace is plugged in and there are fresh batteries in the remote. If this doesn't fix your issue, make note of the fireplace brand and model and call your WeLoveFire dealer. They should be able to assist you or, if it's not a brand they carry, at least get you pointed in the right direction.
  2. Jim
    I have a FEBO (HK) International 19IN-36-137 fireplace that the remote has all but fallen apart. I am looking for a replacement. The company seems to have gone under and I cannot find anything on that particular model. Can you advise which remote would work the fireplace? Thanks.
    • Joseph Bodden
      Jim: thank you for reaching out. Not being familiar with your fireplace or knowing its age, out best advice is to contact your nearest WeLoveFire dealer. They should be able to advise you on what options you have available or if a generic replacement could be used. Thanks for spending time on our website. Please tell your family and friends about us!
      • Name*
        Goede dag Ik heb een electrice haard met een afstand bediening die niet meer werkt. Ik zoek ivm met reuma een grotere deze die er bij zitten zijn de knopjes niet voor mij in te trukken zo klein! Zijn er grotere en handiger afstand bedieningen.. kan helaas ook moeiijk bukken dus dat is geen optie. Karstein 1800 wt Vast bedankt voor u reactie Gr lilian
        • Joseph Bodden
          Karstein: Thank you for your question. As the post about electric fireplace remotes stated, some remotes are brand specific, some are generic and can be used on several models. I would suggest you get the brand and model of your fireplace along with the old remote, to a WE LOVE FIRE dealer and see if there are any options available to you. Honestly, I don't know if there would be a remote that would be physically larger and easier for you to operate, but a dealer should be able to determine if there's something out there. Good Luck to you!
  3. Tony wilson
    I purchased a 4099 real flame firebox in about 2015 and lost the remote. Suggestions?
    • Joseph Bodden
      Tony: Sorry to hear of your misfortune, but thanks for contacting WeLoveFire.com. Real Flame is a brand I am not familiar with. So, the best suggestion I would have is to contact their Customer Service Department at (800) 654-1704. All the best to you and I hope this helps!
  4. Robin Gorrell
    Bought an electric fireplace and have lost the remote control. The model number is SF 102-18G called a room heater and SA is on the back. If you could help i would appreciate it! Thank you
    • Joseph Bodden
      Robin: I would simply return to the store and inquire about a replacement remote. In the meantime, there may a manual switch on the unit that will allow you turn on & off the equipment. You realize that Murphy's Law states that as soon as you buy a replacement, the lost remote will be found, right?
  5. Heidi
    I bought a Real Life 54" grey fireplace today "as is". No box, no manual and no remote. I have searched the Internet for the remote with no luck. Unfortunately, Big Lots is going out of business and did not have a manual or remote. This fireplace was a "return", which is why it was "as is". I didn't know that Real Life\Broyhill was also out of business, is there a universe remote that could be used. I do not have the part number for the fireplace insert or remote control. The manual i found online does not list any part number either. Any advice would be extremely appreciated.
    • Joseph Bodden
      Heidi: My best suggestion is to contact a We Love Fire dealer near you and see if they could assist. There are a dozen questions that will need answering before this unit can be correctly installed. A dealer might be willing to provide help with venting requirements, necessary clearances to be maintained as well as installation and finishing. Good Luck.

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