How long does it take for a gas fireplace to ignite?
Depending on how long it’s been since the gas fireplace was last used, ignition may take several attempts before igniting. After the pilot lights, keep the pilot button held down for about 15 to 30 seconds to warm up the thermocouple and ensure that the flame stays lit.
How do you light a gas fireplace?
First, turn your gas fireplace’s knob from the “Off” to the “Pilot” position. Push in the pilot knob, which will then manually send 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 several attempts before igniting.
How often should you light the pilot light on a gas fireplace?
In most cases, you’ll be lighting the pilot light once a year. Safety Tip: Be very careful during any activities involving gas and fire. If the fireplace fails to ignite and you smell gas, leave the house.
How does a gas fireplace work?
Most gas fireplaces rely on a “continuous pilot light,” a type of pilot that remains lit so long as gas is flowing to the unit. Some newer, more energy-efficient models rely on an electronic ignition that only lights the pilot when the fireplace itself is turned on. Electronic ignition fireplaces rely on battery backup or electricity to operate.
Why does it take so long for my gas fireplace to ignite?
Short cycling of propane fireplaces can cause ignition problems that mimic delayed ignition. Unburnt fuel pools at the bottom of the firebox after the burner cycles off and, if the fireplace is turned back on before the fuel dissipates, the pooled fuel will light off rather loudly.
Why does my gas fireplace not turn on right away?
Check the Spark Igniter If gas is coming out of the pilot but it still won't light, the spark igniter could be the problem. You should clear out any debris between the igniter and thermocouple. Blowing compressed air into the pilot area, waiting a couple minutes, then trying again could help to fix the problem.
How do I know if my gas fireplace is working?
When inspecting a gas burning fireplace check to make sure the glass is secure and free of cracks. Turn the gas off at the shut off valve and check to see that the igniter is properly sparking. Once you are complete, turn the gas valve back on and start the fireplace.
How do I get my gas fireplace lit?
0:231:49How to Light a Gas Fireplace - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipFor some fireplaces you have to use the key to light and turn it off for ours we just use the key toMoreFor some fireplaces you have to use the key to light and turn it off for ours we just use the key to turn it off.
Does the pilot light always stay on in a gas fireplace?
We recommend that you turn off your gas fireplace pilot light seasonally. Turning off your gas fireplace's pilot light can save a substantial amount of energy and money. It is important to remember that not all gas fireplaces have “standing” pilot light, or, a pilot light that is “always on”.
How do I know if my thermocouple is bad on my gas fireplace?
2:313:43Fireplace How To: Testing A Thermocouple - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou should replace the thermocouple. So to recap the readings to look for are 8 to 30 millivolts.MoreYou should replace the thermocouple. So to recap the readings to look for are 8 to 30 millivolts. And if the readings are less than 7million. You should replace the thermocouple.
How do I know if my gas fireplace needs to be replaced?
When to Replace a Gas FireplaceThe fireplace is out of date.It needs significant or constant repair.You also want to replace or update the facing or surround material.You plan to sell your home.You want to use your fireplace more.You want the latest gas hearth features.
How long do gas fireplaces last?
ten to fifteen yearsHow Long Can a Gas Fireplace Last? Generally speaking, you can get a good ten to fifteen years of use before you need to replace your gas fireplace.
What is wrong with my gas fireplace?
Check the pilot light One of the most common reasons a gas fireplace won't turn on is often an extinguished pilot light. A strong downdraft, an interruption in the fuel line, or a build-up of soot and dust can cause the pilot light to flame out.
Should I turn off the pilot light on my gas fireplace in the summer?
In general, we suggest homeowners turn the gas pilot light off for the spring and summer months, but if you prefer to keep it on, you likely won't notice any significant changes in your monthly energy bills or home comfort.
How do you start a gas fireplace for the first time?
0:041:54How to start a Gas Fireplace - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSimply just lift the screen. Off the screen off and set it against the wall out of the way.MoreSimply just lift the screen. Off the screen off and set it against the wall out of the way.
How do you reset the pilot light on a gas fireplace?
0:083:02How to Light the Pilot on a Gas Fireplace - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipLower it to the coldest setting push the gas control knob slightly in and turn clockwise to the offMoreLower it to the coldest setting push the gas control knob slightly in and turn clockwise to the off position. Wait five minutes and smell for gas around the appliance.
How long should a gas fireplace be left on?
That’s why they should never be left running for more than two or three hours at a time and the rooms they are in should always be well-vented themselves.
How long can you leave a gas fireplace on?
Unfortunately, there are a few details that need to be specified before we can answer that but the short answer is that some gas fireplaces can be left running continuously while others shouldn’t be used for more than two or three hours at a time.
What are the different types of gas fireplaces?
If you aren’t sure what type of gas fireplace you have or should get, here are the 3 main types of household gas fireplaces: Direct vent gas fireplace – in these models the vent for the exhaust is placed through an exterior wall of your house so it doesn’t require a chimney or a previously installed fireplace.
Can a gas fireplace be left running?
The longer answer is that fully vented gas fireplaces with properly sealed glass fronts can be left running continuously. If everything is working properly and there are no malfunctions the fireplace should have no problem operating for as long as it’s supplied with gas much like a furnace would. On the other hand, if you have a vent-free gas ...
How to light a gas fireplace with a continuous pilot
In order to light the pilot on a non-electronic ignition fireplace you will have to locate the gas valve. It may be operated by a key valve on the front of the fireplace or it will be within the firebox.
How to light a Gas Fireplace with an electronic ignition starting system
Consult the owners manual if you have one. The owner's manual should give you all the information you need to operate and maintain your gas fireplace. The fireplace pictured in the image above is an example of a gas fireplace with an electronic ignition system.
Bonus Tip: Lighting a Gas Stove
Gas stoves operate very much like a gas fireplace with all the same features listed above. Some gas stoves and fireplaces offer automatic safety shut off features which will turn off the pilot light after several days of inactivity. You will have to remember that the pilot is not on when you decide to light the stove.
Video Guide: Starting A Gas Fireplace
The pleasure of having a gas fireplace is unmeasurable ( read more about them here ). There is no need to look for dry wood, carry it home, and chop it up before placing it in the fireplace.
How to operate an electronic pilot in a gas fireplace
Turn on the gas fireplace’s supply line. Ensure the electric switch is on if you have an electronic setting that controls the unit’s temperature. Look for the control knob labeled “pilot ignite.” If you have a unit that enables you to regulate the temperature, it will have: on, off, and electronic settings. Turn it off for a few minutes.
What you should know
If the pilot tube has air in it, it’s difficult to light. However, after numerous tries, the fireplace should ignite. If you notice that the pilot light needs to be lit frequently, check the end of the tube for debris.
Conclusion
The technique for relighting the pilot on your gas-burning fireplace is determined by the type of pilot you have; electronic or flame-lit. It isn’t difficult, but it may be perplexing if you’ve never done it before. The above are steps on how to start a gas fireplace and relight the pilot.
When will gas fireplaces be available in 2021?
May 10, 2021 December 18, 2020 by Aaron. Every year, new gas fireplaces seem to get smarter and easier to use. This kind of advancement is perfect if you are the type of person who loves your gas fireplace but doesn’t necessarily need to know how it works. But there is one feature of all gas appliances that you should be familiar with.
How much gas does a pilot light use?
According to Anderson Fireplace, gas pilot lights use about 1,000 BTUs per hour. Based on the average cost of natural gas, this comes out to about $7 to $10 per month. This amount can easily add up if the unit is left running all year long–you could potentially be spending up to $120 per year on gas just to keep your pilot light going.
What is a continuous pilot light?
Most gas fireplaces rely on a “continuous pilot light,” a type of pilot that remains lit so long as gas is flowing to the unit. Some newer, more energy-efficient models rely on an electronic ignition that only lights the pilot when the fireplace itself is turned on. Electronic ignition fireplaces rely on battery backup or electricity to operate.
Why do you need a pilot light on a propane heater?
When the fireplace or propane heater is turned on, the pilot light serves as an ignition source for the larger sweep of gas released from the burner. It also provides the energy necessary to open and close certain gas valves during startup.
Why does my pilot light go out?
The number one reason a pilot light goes out is because gas flow gets disrupted. When this happens, no gas is present to flow into your home. Even if the pilot goes out and gas continues to flow, almost all modern gas appliances have safety measures in place to stop the gas flow if a flame is not present.
Do you see a pilot flame on an electric fireplace?
Electronic ignition fireplaces rely on battery backup or electricity to operate. With these units, you will not see a pilot flame unless the fireplace is in use. If you have a continuous pilot light system, you should always see a pilot flame unless you have manually turned the system off.
Is it worth keeping a pilot light on all summer?
While the benefits of leaving your pilot light on are probably worth this extra cost and the ease of turning on the fireplace in the winter, it is generally not worth it to keep it on all summer. The exception to this might be if you live somewhere with an extraordinary short warm season.
Is There A Pilot Light On A Gas Fireplace?
Pilot lights are typically found inside gas fireplaces. The use of a pilot light helps to make the lighting of the main burner flames more efficient and effective. Pilot lights are a tried and tested component and have been incorporated into gas fireplaces for decades.
What Is A Gas Fireplace Pilot Light?
A gas fireplace pilot light is a small part that can be found as part of the ignition system for the fireplace and creates a smaller flame that’s used to help light the main flames generated by the larger burner. This pilot flame is required every time when lighting the main burner flames in a gas fireplace.
Do All Gas Fireplaces Have A Pilot Light?
All gas fireplaces will have a form of pilot light. The type of pilot used, whether that’s standing or intermittent, can depend on the type of fireplace and its age.
Where Is the Pilot Light On A Gas Fireplace?
The pilot light in a gas fireplace is typically found adjacent to the main burner, below the fireplace media such as logs or coals. The pilot, found as part of the ignition, can often be seen when looking down from above within the firebox or below through the control area.
Gas Fireplace Pilot Light Types
Standing pilot lights have traditionally been used within gas fireplaces and are proven to be very reliable.
Gas Fireplace Pilot Light Parts
The type and components found in the ignition can differ between different brands and models of gas fireplace, but often include a combination of the following:
What Is The Pilot Position On A Gas Fireplace?
The pilot position on a gas fireplace is the position on the fireplace controls that is used to start the pilot flame. The pilot position is typically set on the control dial with either the dial depressed and turned, or used with a separate spark button to light the pilot flame.
What happens if you turn on the pilot light on a fireplace?
If the pilot light for your fireplace is out, it can be a serious safety risk. When you turn your fireplace on, instead of igniting a fire, natural gas will leak out into your home. Unknowingly lighting a cigarette or candle in the room could cause a serious house fire.
Why are fireplace doors important?
That’s why they should be able to close tightly. The glass on the doors shouldn’t have any flaws. A flaw in the glass, like a scratch, can weaken it and make it unable to safely endure the high heat of the fire.
Can you clean a fireplace with a dusty blower?
You might think that lighting up the fireplace is the best way to clean it out, but it isn’t. Igniting a dusty fireplace can produce an unpleasant odor. If the blower is dusty, it can create a cloud of dust. Along with being unpleasant, igniting a dusty fireplace can aggravate allergies or trigger an asthma attack.
How much pressure does a gas line need to feed a fireplace?
If you are using Natural Gas (NG), the pressure coming thru your gas line is about 1/2 psi. That isn't a whole lot of pressure. The normal pipe diameter feeding the fireplace is 1/2" Inside Diameter (ID).
What happens if there is no gas in the pilot tube?
If there is NO gas in the pilot tube, just air, then the air has to be evacuated. before the gas reaches the ignitor spark in the pilot assembly. Because the pilot tube ID is very small, it will take awhile for the gas to. push the air out. Your situation is completely normal.
Is NG lighter than air?
NG is lighter than air so it just exits out through the venting & poses no danger. When your switch or thermostat call for heat, the gas flows through the vavle & into the pilot tube. If there is a small amount of gas. remaining in the tube, the pilot will light in a short time.
Preparing to Light a Gas Fireplace
Before you light a gas fireplace, make sure you’re familiar with the unit. Look for the control panel. It is usually around the base of the fireplace behind the decorative fireplace screen. There are several things to consider about how to use a gas fireplace.
Lighting a Gas Fireplace With a Control Panel
A gas fireplace control panel usually has a red igniter pilot knob and a control dial. The pilot knob should have the options “Off,” “Pilot” and, in some models, “On.” Here’s how to light a gas fireplace with a control panel.
Lighting a Gas Fireplace With a Key Valve
Some types of fireplaces have a round, decorative slot for controlling the gas valve. It's usually located near the fireplace, usually to the immediate left, right or on the floor. You will control the gas flow with a fireplace key (sometimes called a hex key) as you light the fireplace.
Using a Wall Switch to Turn On a Gas Fireplace
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.
Turning Off a Gas Fireplace
Knowing how to light a gas log fireplace means you also know how to turn it off. Even without a fire going, a standing pilot light uses a minor amount of fuel. Knowing how to turn off a gas fireplace valve can reduce your gas bill.
