This pilot flame is required every time when lighting the main burner flames in a gas fireplace. Its just the safe thing to do, even if there is a workaround. The fireplace pilot light works like a match, igniting the main fire with burning fuels such as wood. Some stovetops lift up to expose the inner workings, while others require you to lift out the drip pans. Click the button below and we will get a local contractor to contact you for a FREE QUOTE! I don't think it will make my energy bills rise significantly, but still, how necessary is it to keep it burning? But there arecertain safety protocols you need to follow. . While it does cost more to keep your pilot light on in between uses, it can actually have some benefits to your system. But if your older appliances still sport flames, its helpful to know how tolight the pilot light shouldthey ever get snuffed. Not all gas fireplaces rely on electricity to function. A fireplace pilot light is a small device that lights the fire in your fireplace, which helps to keep it burning. Keep an eye on your fire until it gets going. If you smell gas while lighting your fireplace, do not attempt to fix the problem on your own and dont wait to call a professional. A broken or loose gas valve can be a big problem for your fireplace pilot light. If your pilot light keeps going out, that could be a frustrating thing to deal with. Be cautious whenever. Even though most fireplaces use similar starting methods, there are differences between models. Yes, but, The 5 Best Fireproof Fireplace Gloves For 2023 [Ranked]. It might be inadvertently blown out by wind from the chimney. As with these other appliances, its best to check with the manual first, but you can expect the process to be about as simple as it appears here. The login page will open in a new tab. A control panel is included in most modern gas fireplaces. 5. The gas valve is the device that controls the flow of gas to your pilot light, and if it's broken or loose, you might not be able to get your fire going. Re-lighting pilot lights is straightforward on today's modern gas fireplaces. Read and follow the instructions that came with your fireplace, because if you do not follow the instructions exactly, a fire or explosion may result, your house could blow up and you could die. The gas has leaked out of the gas line and into the burner, The flame is too hot and has blown out the pilot light, The propane tank has been punctured by something small, like a nail or sharp screw, The flame is too small, and the wick isnt long enough to burn properly, Theres a hole in the chimney, and the flue isnt wide enough, Theres a chimney cap thats too tight or too loose. So, this page covers lots you need to know about pilot lights, from the types, causes of the bad ones, symptoms, and how to fix them. How and Should You Install a Chimney Antenna Mount? When this happens, no gas is present to flow into your home. It is critical for your safety to take every precaution possible when dealing with gas. If you see soot piles at the bottom of your gas fireplace, then you probably have a blocked chimney. This kind of advancement is perfect if you are the type of person who loves your gas fireplace but doesnt necessarily need to know how it works. Theres nothing quite like curling up next to a cozy firebut first you have to light it. How to light the pilot on a gas fireplace AdamDIY 213K subscribers Subscribe 3.1M views 9 years ago Furnace repair Replacement piezo ignitor http://amzn.to/2i7clAn Replacement Thermopile. The first thing you should do is make sure there isnt anything blocking the pilot light. There may be a problem with the spark ignitor or thermocouple. Upon release from the main burner, the gas comes in contact with the pilot light or, (depending on what type of fireplace you have) and ignites. Most of todays gas appliances have electric starters, rather than pilot lights. Lighting A Gas Fireplace With A Lighter . Can you get carbon monoxide poisoning from a pilot light? This gives the thermocouple time to kick in and sense that the pilot light is on. Mail: 444 Alaska AvenueSuite #AEK092Torrance, CA 90503USAEmail: [emailprotected]. These units require electricity or battery backup to function and may not be useful in a power-out emergency. And if you discover you need afireplace repair you can always rely on SuperTech HVAC to bring the heat! Overall, the best way to prevent your gas fireplace from malfunctioning is to perform proper maintenance. If you turn the key before you are prepared to ignite the burner, you could release too much gas and risk a gas explosion. If you choose to use matches, go for long matches that are made for turning on fireplaces or gas stoves. Search for a round, decorative slot. Turn the valve to the Off position, and then wait for five minutes to allow any residual gas to clear from the pipe. Once its been lit, you can turn your fireplace to its ON setting. Which Is Best? Keep a close eye on your pilot light once you have restored the flame. This post is for you if you're wondering how much gas your fireplace's pilot light uses. SUBSCRIBE https://www.youtube.com/c/AdamDIY?sub_confirmation=1 Disclaimer:This video is only for entertainment purposes. Its possible that the firebox has been damaged or that there are too many creosote build-ups in the flue system. With vented sets, the damper has to be propped open at all times to prevent CO poisoning, so much of their heatand your home's treated airgoes up the flue. To start, find and open your fireplace's access panel. Turning off the pilot light will save you money on your energy bill. This is the gas valve where youll insert your key. If thats not the case, you may have a more serious issue that requires professional intervention. When lighting the pilot, follow these instructions exactly.B. To help you understand more about this vital part of your fireplace, we have put together a comprehensive list of fireplace pilot light frequently asked questions. If the flame goes out, repeat the previous steps or call a gas plumber near you. Fireplaces are still dangerous. Insert the key into the gas valve. He likes to spend his spare time with his family, and doing DIY projects in the home and garden. Broken or loose gas valve. Turn on your gas fireplace (or insert wood pellets into your fireplace). This leaves the pilot to continuously run as a "standing" pilot. There is a pilot port in the center of each of these small pipes. Why Your Pilot Light Wont Stay Lit and How To Fix The Problem, How to Tell If Your Central Heater Is Gas or Electric. | How To Turn On A Gas Fireplace With A Wall Switch. If the burner ports are clogged, then your pilot light wont be able to ignite properly. The most common cause of a bad pilot light is faulty wiring, which may be the result of moisture damage or corrosion. This ensures the standing pilot light stays lit. Often, this will involve manually depressing the pilot valve and using an electric ignitor or match to light the pilot. I usually light a balled up piece of paper, set it in the fireplace, then turn the gas up until it lights so that there isn't any of me in there when it catches. Pilot lights are a term that describes the way a fireplace works. You could have an airlock in place of a pilot light. Youve got a draft going through the flue. Some models may have a different suggested length of time. Once the weather starts to cool again, have your system serviced. Youll find a small gas regulator valve near the bottom of the water heater. You havent cleaned out ashes from the ashpan since you last cleaned it out (and we mean cleaned it out). You could have a gas leak. Different units may require slightly different durations for how long youll need to hold down the button for. 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. 0. This will start the flow of gas. Carbon monoxide is a gas that is released when fuels burn. Don't worry, we provide helpful step-by step directions for relighting your pilot light. Theres no need to put on a sweater or shiver in chilly misery. Unlike the stovetop, it can be tricky to find the ovens pilot light, and you might need to get a little bit acrobatic in order to spotand eventually reachit. A standing pilot light is a small flame that burns even when using the fireplace in most gas fireplaces. In addition, electric ignitors are made from either steel or ceramic, and they are installed inside the fireplaces firebox. Her interests include art and real estate investments. This is best addressed by a professional fireplace repairman. If your fireplace wont light, your pilot light may have blown out, or your gas valve might be closed. As its released from the main burner, it will come into contact with a spark ignitor (a type of electric ignition) or pilot light (a small, continuously lit flame) which ignites the gas and creates your cozy fire. If your pilot light does not ignite, wait a few seconds and try . Other times, though, its just something that needs to be fixed right away. The function of the pilot light on the gas fireplace. How to light the pilot on a vented gas log set. A pilot light is used to check whether the firebox is properly lit and ready to be lit by a match or lighter. A specialized control panel manages the standing pilot light in modern gas fireplaces. Writing is her life, and it's what she does best. If you want to be on the safe side, theres no harm in calling a professional to show you how to light pilot light on a gas fireplace. Push the igniter button once every second until it lights. CAUTION: ALWAYS REMOVE YOUR FIREPLACE GLASS PRIOR TO LIGHTING YOUR PILOT, Need a Quote After 15-30 seconds, you can release the Pilot control knob and turn the knob to the On position. This type of pilot light involves a system that burns even when in standby mode. The pilot light should start to glow orange. A common cause of a bad fireplace pilot light is low gas pressure. Pilot lights are small flame that burns at the top of a gas or oil burner. The venting of a fireplace is the most critical component to making sure your fire burns correctly. * Do not touch any electric switch, do not use any phone in your building. Check out your appliance manufacturers manual, which you may find online if not saved in your records. If you are uncertain about any step of the process or feel unsure about your skill level, seek a more authoritative source. Your fireplace should be up and running now! If you do it the wrong way, you will get explosive results. The pilot light does not switch on and off with the click of a button. If it doesnt light after 10 seconds, push the igniter button again. After waiting at least 5 minutes, turn on the gas supply to your fireplace. 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. . There are three popular systems for turning your gas fireplace on: control panel, gas valve fireplace key, and electronic ignition. Press the control knob down and hit the ignition switch. We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. When you tried to scramble up some eggs for breakfast, the burner clicked but would not light. The flame should catch almost immediately. Of course, if you smell gas in the area of your fireplace you should immediately shut off the feed, open windows to increase ventilation, and call a professional to check for issues. The pilot light is a small gas light meant toburn continuously in order to light a larger burner when needed, but it may go outif a draft extinguishes the light,its valve is dirty, or the thermocouple (the safety device thatshuts off gas to the appliance when it detects no pilot light) is faulty. Once the system is given a thumbs up, you or your service provider can relight the pilot. First, some background knowledge can help you be more confident whenever you light your gas fireplace. Next, look for the gas valve next to your fireplace. Identify these parts using your manual. When you do this, make sure to turn off the main gas feed to the unit. If you dont follow proper safety protocols, gas fireplaces can quickly become a fire or carbon monoxide hazard. Some models will have numbers that correlate with different flame heights. Check that all burners are set to Off, and the oven is not running. No matter the reason for a pilot going out or the safety measures in place, it is always prudent to manually switch off the gas feed for a time before relighting the pilot. It may be necessary to get a professional out to service the unit and check for any malfunctioning valves or safety features. When in doubt, always default to the owners manual. If you need help lighting your gas fireplace, call an HVAC Pro. Remote Control Pilot Assembly You may even feel comfortable relighting a pilot light that has gone outbut keep in mind that messing around with gas appliances can be extremely dangerous. If your homesgas-powered appliances are older than a decade or so, the problem might be as simple as a pilot light thats gone outand thats something any homeowner can handle on their own. This starts the flow of gas and should immediately light the burner. When you are done mopping floors, you are left with a bucket of dirty, murky water that must be disposed link to What is The Correct Way To Handle Dirty Mop Water. Press and hold the reset button. By keeping gas flowing through the pipes and valves consistently, you will prevent insects from setting up shop inside the unit. Visit the Solution Center to Explore Articles. The next step is to set the control knob on Pilot position. Put the access panel back over the control panel, and enjoy your fire. While we strive to keep all information correct, current, and up to date and correct, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the website or the information, products, services, or related graphics contained on the website for any purpose. If the reset button fails, ignite the lighter. When the wind is strong, the pilot light can get knocked out by the wind, causing a fire to go out. If gas is flowing into your system properly and your pilot still will not light, this could indicate a number of issues. Of course, Im talking about the pilot light. In any of the above scenarios, if your pilot light continues to go out, it may have a faulty thermocouple. Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made. Then, wait at least 5 minutes to allow any lingering gas to dissipate. Wait a moment and then turn the gas valve back on and try to relight the pilot again. Other gas fireplaces may have a separate spark ignitor button that needs to be pressed alongside the dial. Well, we have your back! Carbon monoxide can build up in your home from things like cooking on an open flame or using your cars exhaust pipe as an air freshener. Make sure that all burners are set to Off, and the oven is not on. This is particularly true with ignition. Cleaning it off may be able to fix the sensors ability to regulate temperature and fix it. Some gas fireplaces come with an emergency gas shut-off valve. You also have to ensure that there is enough oxygen in the air around the fireplace so that the gas ignitor will burn correctly. On average, the cost to repair a fireplace is anywhere from $100 to $2,000but it depends on whats wrong. To save money, some people will turn off their gas feed between uses, thereby turning off their pilot light. Most gas fireplaces have a standing pilot light, which is a small flame that burns even when you aren't using the fireplace. If this isnt the issue, then there may be a problem with the gas feed to your home. Step 1: First, make sure the gas is turned off on the fireplace. If your water heater has an ignitor, press down simultaneously on the pilot valve and the red ignitor button. If your water heater doesnt have directions, this basic method works for most models. The technique for relighting the pilot on your gas-burning fireplace is determined by the type of pilot you have; electronic or flame-lit. If there are any instructions stating that you should not leave the pilot light on, follow them to the letter, and then make sure to turn off the pilot light before you leave. Typically, gas fireplaces have a glass panel separating the fire chamber from the rest of the room. All the romance without the fuss and mess. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Some newer, more energy-efficient models rely on an electronic ignition that only lights the pilot when the fireplace itself is turned on. There is no flame or ash coming from the chimney. Not seeing a pilot flame could indicate a problem. Need professional help with your project? The gas line to the system itself needs to be open. Relighting The Fire Safety Tips For Your Old Gas Fireplace Quicken Loans Is It Safe To Keep The Pilot Light On Gas Fireplace Elegant Fireside Once the pilot light is on, hold the control knob for 15 to 30 seconds to make sure it stays lit. Ideally, youll fix your ignitor before you light your fire. In most climates, however, it is best to shut your system down once you are done using it in the spring. This amount can easily add up if the unit is left running all year longyou could potentially be spending up to $120 per year on gas just to keep your pilot light going. Once your fireplace is lit, put the protective cover back on your fireplace. Follow the gas supplier's instructions. The downside of gas igniters is that they require you to have an open flame nearby in order to work properly. If you notice any of the following symptoms, its important that you call a professional and have them inspect the fireplace. Copyright 2023 Acton Media Inc. All rights reserved. Though most fireplaces use similar methods of starting them off, there may be some variation between yours and others. Yes, but, Can You Paint A Marble Fireplace? Please log in again. This issue can be caused by a number of things. The pilot light is always on because there is a bad connection between the chimney and the flue. Do you control the gas using a control panel, metal key, remote, or switch? - Jim Stewart. If the pilot light is out, attempt to relight it. For most fireplaces, all you will need to do is open the front of the unit to access the pilot, then turn the pilot light valve to the off position. Youll see a small hole with a tiny valve inside it, often labeled Pilot Light.Consult your manufacturer if you dont readily see it. Remove the furnace cover panel, which should expose the burner assembly and pilot. Based on the average cost of natural gas, this comes out to about $7 to $10 per month. They should be able to tell you if your service is working properly and, if not, they should send out a technician to diagnose the problem. They'll be happy to walk you through the process and show you how easy (and safe) this can be. This is because the pilot light kicks in and ignites all of the fuel at once. Depending on the model of your fireplace, you can leave your pilot light on year-round. Unfortunately, it happens to be the one piece of the fireplace puzzle that people have the most questions about. Turning the gas key left will increase the flames, while moving the key right will subdue the fire. 0. To inspect the operation of the standing pilot light. Keeping the pilot light running also prevents moisture build-up in the pipes. Gas igniters are quite effective because they are very reliable and easy to use. This doesnt cost you anything additional. If you suspect that your fireplace is clogged with debris, then you should first try cleaning them out using a compressed air canister. You woke up shivering in a cold house. The fireplace should be sealed so that water cannot enter and damage the chimney. 0. If you ever notice that your pilot light is out, you should check to see if there are any clogs in your chimney or flue pipe. They can be connected directly to an electric outlet or through an extension cord. Heatilator Stove & Fireplace Natural Gas NGPilot Assembly, 25660 | 4021-732 5.0 (9) $7299 FREE delivery Tue, Mar 21 Or fastest delivery Fri, Mar 17 9003542 NAT Gas Pilot Assembly Upgraded, 190-Degree CPilot Fit for Kenmore A.O.Smith State Gs and GSX, Natural Gas Water Heater Assembly Replace 100109295 9003530 9003542005 183824190 3.5 (2) $3359 Keep in mind that some gas fireplace models dont have a standing pilot light. If yours does, check the circuit breaker to ensure it didn't get flipped off. Luckily, these panels arent as hard to use as they look. Hit the Ignition If you suspect that your pilot light is out, its best to call an electrician to inspect the wiring and check for any other problems. A BBQ skewer is a great tool to light your fireplace burners safely. You can also call an electrician to check your circuit breaker, but they will likely recommend that you replace it as well. You can light a pilot light in a fireplace by following these steps: If you have an electric starter/pilot, insert it into its starting position (marked with a red arrow) and push down on it firmly with one hand while at the same time turning on the power switch with another hand until it snaps into place; then turn off all unnecessary electrical appliances such as ceiling fans and lights before continuing with next steps below. First, ignite the fireplace burner with your long lighter. Please fill in your contact information below and a local dealer will contact you directly about your project. VentFree.org is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. According toAnderson Fireplace, gas pilot lights use about 1,000 BTUs per hour. There is no need to look for dry wood, carry it home, and chop it up before placing it in the fireplace. When it does light up, release the pilot ignite knob. Its usually somewhere towards the bottom of your fireplace, either on the surround or the floor. If youd like, take the opportunity to give them a thorough scrubbing before setting them aside. 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. A pilot light uses as much as 4.723 gallons of propane every month. Call a gas fireplace repair service near you. Either way, when you want to use a fireplace and dont seem to have a proper way to light it, it can be frustrating. You may need to adjust the gas supply line if it leaks. The above are steps on how to start a gas fireplace and relight the pilot. The pilot light is located in the chimney and is usually made of cast iron or steel. When youre following this guide, keep these rules in mind: Ignitors fail once in a while, especially during cold weather. Upon release from the main burner, the gas comes in contact with the pilot light orspark ignitor (depending on what type of fireplace you have) and ignites. If you see that your pilot light is out and you have a backup system in place, this could be the case. An ignitor replacement will usually cost around $150 to $250, depending on the model. Turn the control dial from the 'Off' position to the 'Pilot' position, through any spark clicks. You need directions specific to this situation. 6. With that said, you can always light a gas fireplace by holding the pilot light down and lighting a match. When you turn on your gas fireplace, there will be a few seconds where it looks like nothing is happening. A gas fireplace is a simple method to bring warmth to any space or living room hassle-free- learn how much it costs to install a gas fireplace here. The most common safeguard is a temperature-sensitive valve near the pilot flame that will automatically close if it gets too cool. We're here to make sure that your home is warm and comfortable all winter long! The most common cause of a bad pilot light is a fuse/breaker overload. The gas will be hot for sure. There's a chance it'll light. Absolutely! If you are looking for a good alternative to a gas ignition, then consider using a battery-powered starter kit instead. Made with Newspaper Theme. So How Do You Start A Gas Fireplace And Relight The Pilot? It isnt difficult, but it may be perplexing if youve never done it before. These can be installed in the electrical box or directly on the fireplace unit itself. Have a Question About My Fireplace. If youre looking to start up a gas fireplace, heres how to do it. If theres an air pocket in the flue, it might block the flame from igniting.