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how do you turn on a gas fireplace with a light switch

by Janick McGlynn Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago

  • Turn the knob from the “Off” to the “Pilot” position.
  • Push in the pilot knob, which manually sends gas into the system.
  • Push the igniter button once every second until it lights. Depending on how long it’s been since the gas fireplace was last used, ignition may take multiple attempts.
  • After the pilot lights, keep the pilot button held down about 15 to 30 seconds to warm up the thermocouple and ensure that the flame stays lit. ...
  • Release the pilot knob. If the flame stays lit, rotate the knob to the “On” position.
  • Adjust the flame to the desired position with the “High/Low” switch or knob, if available.
  • Reattach the cover or screen over the control panel.

It's easy to know how to turn on a gas fireplace with an electronic ignition wall switch. Many gas fireplaces come equipped with a wall switch control panel for activating the unit and adjusting the level of the flame. Simply push the “On” button and the pilot should ignite.

How do I Turn on my gas fireplace?

You can follow these troubleshooting tips to try and pinpoint the problem:

  • Your remote isn’t turning on the fireplace: Check the batteries first. ...
  • The blower is making a lot of noise: When your system is turned off, look for any displaced wires that might be hitting the fan blades. ...
  • The blower is not heating up: Try turning up the thermostat. ...

More items...

How do you turn on a gas fireplace?

Instructions

  • Locate Gas Valve Knob. Find the gas valve knob on the wall or floor. ...
  • Open Front of Fireplace. Open up the glass doors or screen to the fireplace.
  • Locate Ignition Area. ...
  • Prepare Ignition Source. ...
  • Place Key in Gas Valve. ...
  • Light Ignition Source. ...
  • Slightly Turn on Gas Valve. ...
  • Turn Gas Valve on Full. ...
  • Remove Wall Key. ...
  • Turn off the Gas Fireplace. ...

How to turn on your gas fireplace?

Light A Gas Fireplace With A Control Panel

  1. Read Manual. Before you light up that fireplace, make sure to read the included manual thoroughly. ...
  2. Open Access Panel. To start, find and open your fireplace's access panel. ...
  3. Turn Control Gas Valve Knob to "OFF" Once inside this panel, check for a gas valve knob marked Pilot; often, it will have the words "On," "Off," and ...
  4. Wait 5 Minutes. ...

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How to light the pilot light on a gas fireplace?

  • Place a long lighter next to the burner and pull the fuel trigger. ...
  • Turn the key in the slot to open the gas valve. You may hear the hiss of gas entering the burner. The pilot should light immediately.
  • Replace the key cover.
  • Use the key to control the height of the flames.

How does a gas fireplace with a switch work?

HOW DOES YOUR GAS FIREPLACE START? When you flip a wall switch, click your remote control or the thermostat starts calling for heat, the gas valve on your fireplace will open. Gas valves generate their own electricity and operate on millivolts, a very small amount of electricity.Aug 1, 2019

How do you turn on gas fireplace with wall switch and key?

Instructions
  1. Locate Gas Valve Knob. Find the gas valve knob on the wall or floor. ...
  2. Open Front of Fireplace. Open up the glass doors or screen to the fireplace.
  3. Locate Ignition Area. ...
  4. Prepare Ignition Source. ...
  5. Place Key in Gas Valve. ...
  6. Light Ignition Source. ...
  7. Slightly Turn on Gas Valve. ...
  8. Turn Gas Valve on Full.
Dec 21, 2021

Why won't my gas fireplace turn on when I flip the switch?

What can happen over the years, is that the connections inside the switch can get dirty, corroded, or broken, causing a loss of this voltage at the switch. So by the time the small amount of voltage gets sent back to the fireplace, it is not enough to signal the fireplace to turn on.May 4, 2012

Do all gas fireplaces have a wall switch?

Some gas fireplaces are lit by a wall switch, while others require a control panel or a fireplace key. For specific instructions, refer to your fireplace's operating manual. In most cases, you'll have to light your fireplace pilot light just once a year.Jan 15, 2021

How do I turn on the gas to my gas fireplace?

To start, remove the glass divider to turn on your fireplace.
  1. Step 3: Insert Key into Gas Valve. Next, look for the gas valve next to your fireplace. ...
  2. Step 4: Light The Burner And Turn Key Counterclockwise. You will need a long lighter to ignite the burner. ...
  3. Step 4: Replace Front Cover.

How do you turn on a gas fire?

Part of a video titled How to LIGHT a Gas FIREPLACE - YouTube
0:33
3:14
On. Second thing we want to do is turn our valve to pilot you can see that there's an arrow pointingMoreOn. Second thing we want to do is turn our valve to pilot you can see that there's an arrow pointing to that that says pilot and what you want to do is push down on the knob.

Why is my gas fireplace not igniting?

Check Your Igniter and Thermocouple

If nothing is blocking the tubing, and gas is flowing out, there might be something wrong with the spark igniter and thermocouple. Make sure there's no debris lodged between the two. If the pilot light ignites but doesn't stay lit, you might need to replace the igniter.
Dec 2, 2019

What is the switch on the side of my fireplace?

If the damper is not fully open, smoke and carbon monoxide from the fire will vent into your home. To open the damper, locate the lever at the top of the inside of your fireplace. Depending on your fireplace model, the lever will either shift from side to side or up and down to open your damper.

Can you use a light switch for gas fireplace?

Millivolt switches are designed to work on millivolt circuits like gas fireplaces, unlike regular 120V wall switches. You'll notice the wires that connect to a fireplace switch are pretty thicker than other electric appliance wires. And the low operating voltage is the reason.

How do you turn on a fireplace switch?

Part of a video titled PILOT LIGHT: HOW TO light a fireplace (natural gas propane)
2:40
3:39
So what we're gonna want to do next is to kick on the valve to the on position so once the pilotMoreSo what we're gonna want to do next is to kick on the valve to the on position so once the pilot slit turn it to the on position. Make sure that your flame. You still wait we still have our flame.

What does it mean when a gas fireplace is on?

Electronic ignition is when the pilot light on a gas fireplace/insert/stove is only running when the fireplace is on, this means that the unit is likely to have a battery backup as well. A standing pilot is always on, always using a small amount of gas to run constantly unless the gas is physically turned off.

Why won't my gas fireplace light?

1. Pilot light systems are the most common reason gas fireplaces fail to light, so check the main gas valve to make sure the gas is turned on. If gas is coming out of the pilot, but it still won't light, the spark igniter could be the problem. Look for and clear out any debris between the igniter and thermocouple.

Why won't my gas fireplace turn on?

One of the main reasons gas fireplaces fail to turn on is simply because the homeowner hasn’t turned on the gas valve, hence no gas is being delivered to the pilot assembly or fireplace. It could also be that your propane gas tank is empty and needs to be replaced. Meanwhile- if your home is fitted with natural gas supply- it could be that your utility company has cut off gas supply to your home. If you suspect that this is the case, contact the company to fix the issue.

Why does my hearth not ignite?

Sometimes, your hearth may fail to ignite due to a poorly-set thermostat, whereby the temperature of the room is higher than that of the thermostat. To fix this issue, reset the thermostat to room temperature.

Can you turn on a remote hearth during a power outage?

Finally, if you have a remote-controlled hearth or one that’s operated through a wall switch, you can turn still turn it on during a power outage. Simply access the control box behind the stove or under the fireplace and select the ‘ON’ option.

Can you turn on a gas fireplace without power?

Depending on the type of gas fireplace you have- you may or may not be able to turn it on without power. For instance, gas fireplaces that feature blowers/fans can’t function during power outages, as electricity is needed to operate the blowers. Other types of fireplaces/stoves that can’t be turned on without power include electric fireplaces and power-vented fireplaces.

Why turn off gas fireplace?

This is because this reduces the chances of an incident, such as carbon monoxide poisoning.

Why are gas fireplaces so popular?

Gas fireplaces are a very popular appliance in a lot of homes. This is because they are efficient and put out a lot of heat and stylish and sleek. However, you must know exactly how to use the appliance to avoid any incidents.

What is the most common type of fireplace?

Besides gas fireplaces, electric fireplaces are the most common type of fireplaces in homes. You can find a lot of different styles as well as many different price points. So, whatever your needs, you will be able to find the right electric fireplace for your home.

How long does a gel fireplace last?

You can choose from either odorless or scented alcohol gel fireplaces. Typically one set will last for approximately three hours. Like the LED fireplaces, you can change your fireplace according to your mood, the season, or anything else you can think of.

What to do if your cigarette doesn't ignite?

If it does not ignite automatically, you will have to turn it on manually instead. Exactly how you should do this will depend on what your instruction manual says. We will detail two different methods of doing this manually below, one by using a control panel and one by using a key valve.

Can you start a fire from scratch with a gas fireplace?

Gas fireplaces can save you a lot of time when starting a fire. There is no longer any need to find kindling and start a fire from scratch. Instead, you can press a button, and your home will be nice and toasty in no time. Here we will tell you everything that you need to know about working your gas fireplace.

Can you replace the front cover of a pilot light?

Once the pilot light is aflame, you can replace the front cover.

How many switches does a switch fireplace have?

If you have a switch fireplace, then you’ll notice that you have not one, but two switches. One switch is made to turn the fan on and off, which provides the ventilation necessary to keep your home safe from carbon monoxide. The other switch is there to turn on access to the gas fueling your fireplace.

What happens when you turn the key on a fireplace?

The wall key moves the part of the fireplace that controls the gas spigot. When the key is turned clockwise, the gas valve gets opened up. Turning it counterclockwise will shut off the fuel, which in turn, shuts down your fireplace.

Why do you need a key valve in a fireplace?

Firstly, having a key to the gas valve makes sure that you won’t have people turning on the fireplace who shouldn’t. This makes it a good fireplace for families with nosy children. Second, key valves allow you to change the rate of gas released, giving you a bigger or smaller flame.

Why won't my fireplace ignite?

If you are, listen for a faint hissing noise. If there’s no hiss, the reason your fireplace won’t ignite is that the gas valve is not supplying gas to your home. This is a pretty easy fix.

How much does a fireplace add to the value of a house?

Regardless of where you live, it’s safe to say having a well-placed fireplace can add several thousand dollars to the value of your house. Just make sure to leave the key for the next homebuyers!

How much does it cost to replace a fireplace key?

Replacing a fireplace wall key is fairly cheap, with most universal wall key replacements costing a mere $6 to $10. If you’re concerned about losing one, there’s good news. You can also buy them in packs.

Where is the keyhole on a gas fireplace?

This is usually the biggest issue new fireplace owners have, especially if they’ve never seen a gas fireplace with a wall key before. The key obviously goes in the keyhole but finding it can be a little difficult. To locate your keyhole, look at the base of the fireplace and seek out the small metal hole. It can be hard to find, but it’s always near the bottom.

Where to Find the Gas Valve Knob

The gas valve knob is the junction between the main gas pipe and the gas fireplace. When closed, the gas valve knob acts as a gate to prevent gas from flowing to the fireplace. When opened, gas will flow. The valve can be opened partially or in full.

Safety Considerations

Flammable and potentially dangerous, natural gas is colorless and odorless. To help with detection, gas companies treat natural gas with trace amounts of mercaptan, a pungent odor similar to rotten eggs or sulfur.

Troubleshooting Turning on a Gas Fireplace With a Wall Key

Wall key gas fireplaces do not have pilot lights. Manually lighting the fireplace substitutes for the pilot light. Gas fireplaces that operate with wall switches do have standing pilot lights, though.

Instructions

Find the gas valve knob on the wall or floor. Place the key nearby. Do not place the key in the valve yet.

When to Call a Professional

Call a licensed plumber for any issues relating to the gas line within the house. Not all plumbers are equipped to work with gas lines, so check with them in advance. If you smell a gas leak outside of the house, call the gas company immediately.

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