This Part Failed Because It Wasn’t OEM

August 14, 2025

When it comes to fireplace repairs, we hold ourselves to the highest safety and quality standards—and that’s why we install OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) parts.

Recently, we inspected a fireplace for a customer who reported that his home filled with smoke every time he used it. Upon closer examination, we found the problem: the coil in the blower motor had melted. The cause? It was an aftermarket, non-OEM part.

The Risk with Aftermarket Parts

Aftermarket parts may be cheaper, but they’re not always tested or certified by the original manufacturer. Many haven’t been tested for high heat, may wear out faster, and in some cases, can fail in ways that put your safety at risk.

Blowers are one of the most common add-on parts for fireplaces, and the only way to be sure you’re getting the correct blower for your specific unit is to order directly from the manufacturer, dealer or distributor. Many fireplace manufacturers sell only to authorized distributors, not to the public.

While there are a few reputable companies whose blowers meet or exceed manufacturer specifications, we’ve seen far more substandard blowers than reliable ones. In fact, some aftermarket sellers even use the exact same part number as the manufacturer, and one company went so far as to copy the manufacturer’s installation instructions.

Increasingly we are finding aftermarket parts such as thermopiles, thermocouples, gas valves, pilot assemblies, and even glass assemblies. The original manufactured parts went into a listed fireplace. When an aftermarket part is installed either by a homeowner, maintenance person, or service provider, then you are taking the liability and risk upon yourself and potentially putting your clients, yourself and their neighbors at risk of loss of property and health.

Our Commitment to Safety and Quality

At Fireplace Services Denver Flame, we don’t believe in taking shortcuts when it comes to your safety.

Customer testimonials

    
 
 
         
   Kathleen Gibson 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We have used this company for years, have always been pleased, and will continue to use it.
  
 
        
   Mary Weyer 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great , as usual
  
 
        
   Anne Tippets 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. They did a very professional job installing a gas fireplace in our home, it adds warmth and ambience. We highly recommend their services.
  
 
        
   Polly Davis 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I would highly recommend him for anyone!  He was knowledgeable, neat, on time and professional!
  
 
        
   Gene Barron 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Over the past few years my wife has smelled natural gas as she walked through our family room to the kitchen. We've had the gas company come out, plumbers come out and no one found any leak. I don't have a sense of smell so we do have Natural Gas Alarms in the house but this time she called Buck at Denver Flame. He checked every possible place we could have a leak-furnace, hot water heater, gas stove, and fireplace. He took his time and really worked to find the leak - and it WAS in our fireplace, but not where all the gas lines were, it was in the upper part above the firebox where it attaches to the flue system. Our gas fireplace was original in the house, about 24 years old, but Buck diagnosed the problem. He gave us some recommendation on Fireplace shops and one of the salesmen we spoke to knew Buck and gave us a wholesale price so we bought a new gas fireplace and are having Buck install it. He came out the next day after we called him, took time to explain what we needed, and found him to be reliable and honest.
  
 
  
 
  
 
   Google rating score: 4.8 of 5, based on 109 reviews