By using the “on” button on your remote to turn on your gas fireplace, which is how most modern gas fireplaces are controlled today. Without a remote, there will typically be an ignition button on the control panel of the fireplace
The pilot will re-ignite in a matter of seconds if your gas fireplace ignition system is electronic; all you have to do is press the “on” button on your remote control.
As we are aware that not all gas fireplaces operate the same way, we have also covered how to light other types of gas fireplaces that may have different controls from ours.
How Does Your Gas Fireplace Work?
You now intend to ignite your gas fireplace. First, having some background information will give you more confidence when lighting your gas fireplace. Gas flows through the main burner’s gas line when you turn on your fireplace. The gas ignites as soon as it is released from the main burner, depending on the type of fireplace you have. It then contacts the pilot light or spark ignitor. As a point of reference, the gas released by the main burner is ignited using a continuous burning flame known as the pilot light.
Read More: How To Start A Fire Without a Lighter
How to Start a Gas Fireplace?
Before you can light your fireplace, you must identify the type of gas fireplace in your home. Control panel, gas valve fireplace key, and electronic ignition are the three methods most frequently used to turn on gas fireplaces.
Light a Gas Fireplace With a Control Panel
Step 1: Read the Manual
Make sure to carefully read the included manual before starting the fireplace. Though most fireplaces use similar methods of starting them off, there may be some variation between yours and others. Extreme danger could result if this is handled improperly.
Step 2: Open Access Panel
To start, find and open your fireplace’s access panel. The standing pilot light in contemporary gas fireplaces is operated by a specialized control panel. The front screen of the fireplace usually has an opening behind it that allows access to the control board; you will need to remove the screen to do so.
Step 3: Turn the 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 “Pilot” on it. Now, turn the knob to the OFF position. Then, wait for at least 5 minutes to let any residual gas go away.
Ventilate your home by opening the doors and windows if you start to smell gas. However, if you notice a strong gas smell, you should leave your house right away and call the fire department in your area.
Step 4: Wait 5 Minutes
Turn on your fireplace’s gas supply after at least five minutes have passed. On the gas line, close to where you can see your standing pilot light, there is typically a handle or a lever that can be turned or pulled out to accomplish this. It is perpendicular to the gas line if it is in the Off position. The gas should now be on after turning the lever parallel.
Step 5: Set Gas Valve Control Knob to the Pilot Position
The control knob should now be in the position marked “Pilot.” Wait until you are ready to ignite the gas fireplace pilot light before turning the gas valve control knob.
Step 6: Hold Gas Valve Control Knob and Click the Ignition Switch
Hold the control knob in place while pressing on the center of the control knob to ignite your fireplace.
Next, press the ignition switch nearby. Until the pilot light ignites, keep turning the ignition switch while maintaining pressure on the pilot control knob.
Step 7: Release Ignition, But Continue to Hold in Gas Valve Control Knob
Hold the pilot control knob in place for 15 to 30 seconds after the gas fireplace pilot light ignites. By doing this, the standing pilot light will remain lit.
Step 8: Release Control Knob and Turn on the Position
You can release the Pilot control knob and turn it to the On position after 15 to 30 seconds have passed.
Step 9: Reattach Front Panel
Last but not least, firmly reattach the access panel to the front of your gas fireplace. With the fireplace wall switch or remote control, you can now adjust the flame to your desired comfort level.
Repetition of steps three through eight for lighting a gas fireplace is necessary if your pilot light goes out for any reason.
Light a Gas Fireplace With a Gas Valve Fireplace Key
For controlling the gas flow, some gas fireplaces use a metal key. To start a gas fireplace with a key, follow these directions.
Step 1: Review Owner’s Manual
Read through the included manual thoroughly before starting up the gas fireplace. Although the majority of fireplaces employ comparable starting techniques, there are variations between models. Accidental errors could have terrible repercussions.
Step 2: Remove Front Panel
Typically, a glass panel separates the fire chamber from the rest of the room in gas fireplaces. To turn on your fireplace, first remove the glass partition.
Step 3: Insert Key into Gas Valve
The gas valve next to your fireplace can be found after that. Turn the gas valve with the key. Wait until you are prepared to light the burner before turning the key. You run the risk of releasing too much gas and having a gas explosion if you turn the key before you’re ready to light the burner.
Step 4: Light the Burner and Turn Key Counterclockwise
To start the burner, you’ll need a long lighter. An excellent tool for safely lighting your fireplace burners is a BBQ skewer. Start by lighting your long lighter on the fireplace burner. Next, while holding the flame above the burner, turn the gas valve key counterclockwise.
Step 4: Replace Front Cover
It ought to be working now, your fireplace! Reinstall the glass panel on the fireplace’s front. You will be able to control the fire through the gas valve key. The flames can be manipulated by turning the gas key left or right; left turns up the flames; right turns down.
Light a Gas Fireplace With an Electronic Ignition
Some gas fireplaces come with user-friendly electronic ignition wall switches. If you simply press the On button, the pilot should start; otherwise, you will need to manually light it.
How to Light a Gas Fireplace (With a Key)
Certain models of gas fireplace may require the use of a key in order to be able to light it.
To light a gas fireplace that requires the use of a key:
- To learn the proper lighting procedure, carefully read the owner’s manual for that specific gas fireplace.
- Track down the gas fireplace key.
- Dispatch the control access cover.
- Insert the key into the gas fireplace (but don’t turn yet)
- A long lighter or match should be used, with the lit end placed at the burner. Wear heat-resistant gloves.
- The gas key must be turned for the fireplace to receive gas.
- With the gas fireplace lit, replace any covers to the fireplace.
How Much Does It Cost to Service a Gas Fireplace?
Most of the time, homeowners can start a gas fireplace on their own. Costs only appear when there are problems or when you require ongoing maintenance. On average, the cost to repair a fireplace is anywhere from $160 to $2,500—but it depends on what’s wrong. For example, if you don’t know how to light the pilot light on a gas fireplace, expect to pay a professional $100 to do it for you. Serious problems with your gas line will cost more to fix.
FAQs
Why Can’t I Start My Gas Fireplace?
A pilot light that has been extinguished is frequently one of the most frequent causes of gas fireplaces that won’t light. The pilot light may go out due to a strong downdraft, a break in the fuel line, or a buildup of soot and dust.
Can You Manually Start a Gas Fireplace?
Turn the knob from the “Off” to the “Pilot” position. The pilot knob must be turned in order to manually inject gas into the system. Once every second, press the igniter button to start the flame. Ignition might require several tries, depending on how long it’s been since the gas fireplace was last used.
How Do I Know If My Gas Fireplace Is Working?
A gas fireplace that is properly functioning will have a safe and secure glass enclosure, ignite quickly, have a clear flame that is blueish in color, and vent out through a termination cap that is free of debris or obstructions.