Should I keep the pilot light burning on a gas fireplace?
Leaving the gas on keeps this compound moving out of the tubes. Keeping the pilot light on will also keep moisture out of the unit and in turn, help prevent corrosion. Plus, if the fireplace is located in the basement, it may also help to reduce humidity levels.
How do I adjust the pilot on gas fireplace?
How to Adjust a Pilot Light
- Operation of the Thermocouple. The thermocouple is a heat-sensitive electronic device that generates a small electrical signal when it reaches a certain temperature.
- Adjusting the Thermocouple. ...
- Adjusting the Pilot Flame. ...
- Regulating Air Flow. ...
Where can you find gas stove with pilot lights?
While your natural gas appliance is running normally, find the pilot light. If your appliance is located in a basement or other dark area, use a flashlight, headlamp or the light from a smartphone to find the pilot light valve. Notice where it is and how it looks.
How to light gas fireplace pilot without ignitor?
What to do if the Pilot Light doesn’t Ignite
- Try cleaning the thermocouple to remove all the buildup that may have accumulated on its surface. ...
- Increase the strength and intensity of the pilot light flame. This flame should be bright and blue. If it is not, you may have to adjust it using the screw.
- Clean the tip of the pilot light. Soot usually accumulates at the tip of the pilot light. ...
How Big Should the flame be on a pilot light?
A pilot flame should be blue with a yellow tip and strong enough to cover about 1/2 inch at the end of the thermocouple tip. If the flame is too strong and adjusted wrong, it will be loud and cause improper furnace operation.
What does a pilot light look like when it's on?
If your pilot light is on, it should be easy to see – your eyes will be drawn to the little flame. If you don't see a flame, your pilot light is out. If there is a flame, check the color. Pilot lights should always be blue.
Should the pilot light always be 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”.
Should my pilot light be blue?
The color of the pilot light should be blue because that means that only natural gas—without any other condensates—is reaching the pilot light through the gas main. The principal chemical compound found in natural gas is methane, and methane burns blue.
Why is my pilot flame yellow?
The most common reason why a pilot light would start to burn yellow is that the air intake valve to the pilot light is clogged with dirt. When this happens, air will be blocked to the flame and it will suffer from incomplete combustion (causing the yellow color).
What causes a pilot light to go out?
Some of the possible serious reasons for pilot lights to go out include loose or broken gas valves, thermocouples or heat exchangers, faulty venting, low gas pressure, or high winds. If you believe there is a serious problem, don't hesitate to contact a professional.
Why won't my gas fireplace light up?
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.
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.
Why is my pilot light orange?
If your pilot light's flame is orange or yellow, it is burning inefficiently due to a lack of oxygen. The thermocouple should sense when this happens because the heat from the flame will not be as hot as it should be.
How can I tell if my water heater pilot light is on?
The pilot light on most water heaters is located at the base of the unit, below the gas control valve. Open the access panel or door to the burner chamber and look inside. There, you'll find the pilot light tube, which should have a steady blue flame. If you don't see the flame, the pilot light is out.
Can I relight the pilot light by myself?
If your pilot light goes out, your furnace will not be able to produce heat because its burners will not ignite. Often, homeowners can relight the pilot themselves.
Is it safe to leave pilot light on?
Generally speaking, it is safe to leave your continuous pilot light on at all times, assuming it stays lit (more on this in a moment). While it does cost more to keep your pilot light on in between uses, it can actually have some benefits to your system.
Is it safe to relight a pilot light?
Safety First You should always proceed with care when relighting a pilot light, since the gas used to power your hot water heater is flammable and potentially dangerous. If at any time you smell gas, you should shut off the gas valve right away, open windows, and avoid turning on any lights.
Why turn off the pilot light on a gas fireplace?
The main reason to turn the gas fireplace pilot light off when the season is over is the waste of gas. Gas is expensive and leaving the pilot light for a whole season with no need of using the fireplace will increase the number in the bill significantly. Extra heat delivered to your house during the summer.
What position should the pilot light be after lighting gas logs?
After lighting gas logs pilot light, set the handle to the “On” position.
How does the pilot light works?
Gas fireplaces have the system of ignition based on the pilot light stand that provides flame and the thermocouple that sends an electric signal for the gas valve. When the pilot is on, the flame gives the right temperature to the thermocouple sensors and in its turn, the thermocouple gives the signal. These two devices depend on each other’s work. Thermocouple provides the signal that lets the pilot light stay on. The light provides the temperature needed for the thermocouple to work. This dependence is one of the main reasons for issues in the fireplace work.
How big should pilot light be?
To examine the work of the ignition system, first of all, see what does a pilot light look like. If it is too big or too bright it may give you a hint to the problem
What happens if the pilot flame is too long?
If the pilot flame is too long it will not reach the sensors and they could not ignite the system. Also, the bright orange light does not provide the temperature needed for the thermocouple to work. It probably would not cause any damage to the system, but it may have issues with the ignition.
What to do if your pilot light is too high?
So, if your pilot light flame also tends to be too high, ensure that your fireplace doesn’t have a button to bring the flame up or downward. If there’s no such button, adjust a screw on the fireplace.
Why doesn't my pilot light work?
Venting should work properly to provide enough oxygen to the system. Problems with the gas regulator or gas availability. These may be the reasons why the pilot light doesn’t work properly. Try to check each of them by yourself or get professional help for troubleshooting gas fireplace pilot lights.
How much does it cost to run a gas fireplace pilot light?
Based on the average cost of natural gas, this comes out to about $7 to $10 per month.
How do you turn off the pilot light on a gas fireplace?
If your fireplace is malfunctioning or you just don’t plan on using it for a while, you may want to turn off the pilot light. Luckily, this is usually a fairly straightforward process.
Is it safe to leave the pilot light on all the time?
Generally speaking, it is safe to leave your continuous pilot light on at all times, assuming it stays lit (more on this in a moment).
Is it dangerous if the pilot light goes out?
Since a pilot light is a flame fed by a continuous flow of gas, then it stands to reason that the flame going out would allow gas to flow freely into your house.
What should I do when my pilot light goes out?
If you notice your pilot light has gone out, the first thing you should do is shut off the gas feed and wait a few minutes. This will assure no excess gas has built up in the system or in the room.
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.
What to do if pilot light valve is not apparent?
If your pilot light valve is not immediately apparent, reference your fireplace user manual to assure you are turning off the right valve.
What happens if the pilot light goes out on a gas fireplace?
If the pilot light has gone out, the first thing to investigate is whether or not your gas supply has been exhausted. If you have your own tank, you can check to see if it is empty. You can also check with your gas provider to find out if you have had your supply interrupted by actions taken on their part. It is also possible for a pilot light to get blown out. If the fireplace’s gas valve has been closed, this will also cause the pilot light to go out. The most important point here is that it is important to determine the cause if the pilot light on your gas fireplace does go out. In many cases, you can always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and relight your pilot light accordingly.
What is the best thing about a gas fireplace?
The great thing about a gas fireplace is that it is easy to light and works quickly to heat up your home. The steps involved in lighting your pilot on your gas fireplace include:
Will My Gas Shut Off If The Pilot Light Goes Out?
If your gas goes out you may wonder whether or not the gas will shut off. Many homeowners worry that there will be a gas leak present if the pilot goes out. The good news is that today’s modern gas fireplaces have a fail-safe device that will shut off the gas in the case that the pilot light has gone out. This fail-safe adds to the safety of today’s gas fireplace options. It is also important to note that if your pilot light continues to go out, you could have an issue that will need to be addressed by a qualified and trained fireplace repair professional.
Why do people use gas fireplaces?
Gas fireplaces are notable for producing heat that is energy efficient. These are just a few of the reasons that so many people are choosing the gas fireplace option for home heating. The safety offered by gas fireplaces is one of the leading benefits of this heating option. At the same time, it is important to understand important details related ...
Who owns Fireplace Concepts?
Brent Littleton is the owner of Fireplace Concepts in Lexington, Kentucky. Fireplace Concepts installs fireplaces for home builders in the area and offers both residential and commercial fireplace solutions.
Should the Pilot Light Always Be on in a Gas Fireplace?
People often ask whether their pilot light should always be on in their gas fireplace. The type of gas fireplace will play some role in this. Some models are designed to have the pilot lit only when the unit is in use. Other models have a standing pilot light that operates at all times. It can be a matter of personal preference as to whether or not you should leave it on year-round. If you live in a climate that is damp, leaving the pilot lit can help to keep the fireplace’s firebox dry. Many gas fireplace owners also simply choose to leave the pilot on so that they do not have to relight it again. An advantage of turning the pilot light off would be the fact that it could save you a bit of money.
Where is the Pilot Light on a Gas Fireplace?
Once you have taken off the facing of the gas fireplace, you should see the gas controls. Within the controls, as part of the ignition system, will be your pilot light.
What is a pilot light?
A pilot light is the ignition source for the fireplace. This small flame is kept alight with a steady stream of gas. Pilot lights do not require electricity, so if you lose power, you are all set. With a conventional standing pilot light, your fireplace is always ready to start.
What do you do when your Pilot Light goes Out?
Your pilot light is a flame fed by an ongoing steady stream of gas. So if your pilot light goes out, you need to make sure that gas is not be emitted into your house. Most times, pilot light goes out is because there is a problem with the gas flow. In this case, no gas will be released into your home.
What is the purpose of a pilot light?
When you turn on your fireplace, gas is released to the main burner. What the pilot light does to ignite the gas, which provides heat. Serving as the energy source, the pilot light is necessary to open and close gas valves in your fireplace.
What is a gas fireplace?
Gas fireplaces are now made with either an electric ignition or a pilot light. The term gas is typically used to mean either natural gas or propane. The two gases burn differently, so the burner in your fireplace must be specifically made for whichever option you choose.
Can you retrofit a wood fireplace?
You can retrofit an existing wood fireplace or install a stand-alone gas or propane fireplace. Whether you chose a gas or propane fireplace, both are easy to use, provide warmth, and will mesmerize you with their dancing flames. Read on for more information about gas and propane fireplaces and their pilot lights.
Do you have to turn off the gas before you relight a fireplace?
Most gas fireplaces have safety measures in place to prevent gas from flowing into your home. As a precaution, you do want to turn off the gas feed before you relight your pilot. Adding this safety step will let any gas remaining to dissipate before you reignite your pilot light.
How much gas does a fireplace pilot use?
You need to understand that most Gas Fireplaces have pilot’s which use about 900-1100 BTU/hr. This is pretty powerful, and for good reason. The pilot must generate enough Millivolts of electricity to open and close the gas valve. This also means that it uses a fair amount of gas.
What happens when you turn off the pilot on a fireplace?
With the pilot off, there are still trace amounts of gas molecules in the burner and pilot tubes of your fireplace. The gas companies add a chemical called Mercaptan to the gas which gives it that lovely odor we all know. Spiders are attracted to the smell of the Mercaptan and will sometimes build webs in the pilot and burner tubes when the flow of gas is off. So when you go to turn on your fireplace in the early fall or late summer, it will not work, and you will have to call you local installer to come service the unit. This will cost money.
Why is my gas fireplace not staying lit?
If the fireplace is not staying lit, once the main burner is turned to on, you could have a gas pressure issue. It may be time to call your dealer for a service call.
What happens if you leave the pilot on for a long time?
If the pilot is left on for long stretches of time, without actually turning on the main burner of the fireplace, a white film can develop on the inside of the glass. This is sulfur based film and if left uncleaned could possibly etch itself into the glass.
How long does it take for a gas line to come through a fireplace?
The line should stay under pressure even with turning the fireplace pilot off. When you go to light it again in the Fall, it may just take a few minutes for the gas to come through the line, as it will dissipate over time. Some people do turn off both. If you turn off gas at the tank, it could take even longer to get it to light up the first time in the fall, but then once you do get it lit, it should be fine.
Why are pilot flames so big?
Pilot flames are pretty big because they have to generate a certain amount of heat to convert the heat into millivolts of electricity. They are typically half blue and half yellow. The flame should be fully engulfing the the thermopile and thermocouple.
Does a direct vent heater warm the glass?
It generates enough heat to warm the glass on the direct vent appliance. In the winter time I do not think it would be powerful enough to warm a room up with any significance.
What color should a pilot light be?
Ideally, your pilot light should burn blue, but at times you'll find it's orange or yellow. You may also find the light burns too bright or dimly for your own personal tastes, which can also lead to increased soot buildup. In either case, adjusting the pilot light is fairly easy.
What is a standing pilot light?
A pilot light provides a flame that powers appliances like water heaters, furnaces and fireplaces.
How do I adjust the flame on a direct vent fireplace?
First, locate the controls on the bottom of a direct-vent fireplace. On some fireplaces, there will be a "Lo-Hi" button that allows you to adjust the flame upward or downward. On others, there will be a screw that you can easily adjust with a screwdriver.
What happens when the power goes out on a gas fireplace?
A battery backup kicks in if the power goes out to make sure it works. Owners of traditional gas fireplaces don't have to worry about that, though, since the flame comes from a standing pilot. This means that your family will be warm unless the pilot light goes out.
What color is a gas log?
Gas logs provide both comfort and convenience, but occasionally you may experience a problem. Watch your pilot light carefully to make sure it remains blue in color and stays at a level you find appropriate.
Does a pilot light need a thermocouple?
In order to continue to burn, though, a pilot light relies on a thermocouple, which sends an electric signal. If the pilot light is out, though, such a signal isn't sent. This catch-22 can cause issues with your fireplace. Advertisement.
Do gas fireplaces need electricity?
A battery backup kicks in if the power goes out to make sure it works. Owners of traditional gas fireplaces don't have ...
What should a Pilot Light Flame Look Like?
The normal color your pilot light should be is deep blue, meaning it’s getting enough oxygen. It also needs to strong enough that it can cover half an inch of the thermocouple tip.
How to see pilot flame on furnace?
Take off the cover of the furnace panel which should reveal the burner assembly and the pilot. You should be able to view the pilot flame upon opening.
What is the purpose of a pilot light?
The main purpose of the pilot light is to provide a flame for the main burner system. Therefore, when the furnace is turned on, a valve will release gas in the burner and then the pilot light will ignite that gas.
What does it mean when a pilot flame is blue but weak?
Now, if you notice that the flame is still blue but weak and barely touching the thermocouple, then it means it needs to be adjusted to be stronger.
Why is my furnace blue?
Now, if you notice the flame is too strong and not adjusted properly, it is blue and noisy which can cause the furnace to function improperly.
What color is a flame when oxygen is restricted?
When oxygen is restricted the flame will transform into a yellow color, with a lazy flicker.
How is a pilot light made?
The pilot light is made by emitting a small quantity of gas through a small gas pipe tubing. Then the gas coming out from that small tube is then lit and remains lit.
