First of all if I just want the flame effect on, eventially the heat will come on without fan, If I prefer heat, I turn on heat-fan and soon it will cool down to just cool air, one thing the heat cycle shoul not start if I just prefer the flame effect, This fireplace has never worked right, just decided to try to get it working right, Ive had it for around 4-5 years now, bought it from Home Depot in Waite Park, MN.