You can find a standing pilot light in most gas fireplaces. It’s a little flame that burns even when the fireplace isn’t in use. Therefore, it’s important to know how to light pilot light on gas fireplace whether it has a control panel or a gas valve fireplace key.
For that, this WarmthPedia article provides a step-by-step guide on how to light pilot light on gas fireplace with both the control panel and gas valve fireplace key.
Don’t forget to follow the safety precautions when lighting the pilot light on your gas fireplace.
What is Gas Fireplace?
A gas fireplace doesn’t emit any smoke, and it vents its waste gases through a tube in the wall as opposed to up a chimney. It also has air-flow channels that help increase the amount of heat delivered to your home.
The fireplace is made of non-combustible logs that cover gas vents, while the fireplace itself burns behind glass doors. It produces heat that is both radiant and convectional and creates an environment similar to an open fire.
How to Light Pilot Light on Gas Fireplace with a Control Panel?
You must determine the type of gas fireplace you have in your home before lighting it. Your gas fireplaces can be lit easily, whether they have a control panel, a gas valve fireplace key, or an electric ignition. Here’s WarmthPedia’s step-by-step guide on how to light pilot light on gas fireplace that has a control panel:
1. Check the Owner’s Manual
Make sure to carefully read the manual instructions before lighting your fireplace. There may be some differences between your fireplace and others, although most of them start working in a similar way.
This might be really dangerous if handled improperly.
2. Open Access Panel
You need to locate and unlock the fireplace access panel to light your gas fireplace. The standing pilot light is controlled by a specialized control panel.
Then, you’ll need to access the control board. You’ll find an opening behind the fireplace’s front screen, which you’ll need easy access.
3. Turn Control Gas Valve Knob to “OFF”
Once inside, look for the “Pilot” mark which is the gas valve knob. It will often have the signs (On/Off) and (Pilot). Here, Turn the switch to the Off position. After that, wait for at least 5 minutes to allow any remaining gas to escape.
The effects of natural gas cannot be overstated. Natural gas is a substance that is potent and dangerous. You must take all safety precautions when working with gas to protect yourself and be safe. You don’t want to cause any natural gas explosion and cause risk.
If you notice a gas smell, open your windows and doors immediately to let fresh air in. Just leave your home right away and call the local fire department if you notice a strong gas smell.
4. Wait 5 Minutes
You should turn to the gas supply to your fireplace once the five minutes have passed.
You can do this by turning a handle or pulling out a lever that is located close to the gas line where your standing pilot light is. It’s parallel to the gas line while it’s in the Off position. Then, turn the lever until it’s parallel before turning on the gas.
5. Set Gas Valve Control Knob to the Pilot Position
And now, the control knob must be turned to the pilot position. Wait until you’re ready to light the gas fireplace pilot light before turning the gas valve control knob.
6. Hold Gas Valve Control Knob and Click Ignition Switch
To start your fireplace, turn a control knob while holding it firmly in place, then press firmly on the knob’s center to light it.
Then press the nearby ignition switch. Turn the pilot control knob firmly while starting to click the ignition switch until the pilot light starts to ignite.
7. Release Ignition, But Continue to Hold in Gas Valve Control Knob
Once the pilot light on the gas fireplace ignites, hold the control knob in place for 15 to 30 seconds. This’s to make sure that the standing pilot light stays lit.
8. Release Control Knob and Turn to the “ON” Position
You can now release the pilot control knob and move it to the On position after 15–30 seconds have passed.
9. Reattach Front Panel
Reattach the access panel to the front of your gas fireplace firmly once more. With the wall switch or remote control for the fireplace, you can now adjust the flame to the preferred level.
If your pilot light goes out for any reason, you should restart the steps explained above for lighting the gas fireplace.
Check out this video to know exactly how to light pilot light on gas fireplace.
How to Light Pilot Light on Gas Fireplace with a Gas Valve Fireplace Key?
Some gas fireplaces may use a metal key to control the gas flow. Follow these WarmthPedia steps on how to light pilot light on gas fireplace with a gas valve fireplace key:
1. Review the Owner’s Guide
Make sure to carefully read the attached manual before lighting your gas fireplace. Although most fireplaces use similar starting techniques, there’re differences between various models. Non-intentional mistakes could have terrible effects.
2. Remove Front Panel
The fire chamber in gas fireplaces is usually separated from the rest of the room by a glass panel. Take out the glass divider to turn on your fireplace.
3. Insert the Key into the Gas Valve
Then, find the gas valve close to your fireplace. Turn the gas valve with the key. After that, turn the key when you’re ready to light the burner. If you turn the key before you’re ready to light the burner, you run the risk of releasing too much gas and having a gas explosion.
4. Light the Burner and Turn Key Counterclockwise
You’ll need a long lighter to light the burner. A BBQ skewer is a great tool for safely lighting your fireplace’s burners. First, light the fireplace burner with your long lighter. Then, turn the gas valve key in the other way while holding the flame near the burner.
5. Change the Front Cover
Your fireplace should be operating right now! Reinstall the fireplace’s front glass panel. You may control the fire with the gas valve key. The flames can be adjusted by turning the gas key left or right to control the fire level.
Summary
And now you know how to light pilot light on gas fireplace. Enjoy your warm winter nights close to your fireplace! Don’t forget to follow the manufacturer’s safety instructions for the fireplace model you have when lighting it.
If the fireplace is new or the pilot hasn’t been lighted in a while, there can be air in the tube. This makes it difficult to ignite, but it should light up after several tries.
Be careful when cleaning the pilot tube’s end with a pin if the pilot needs to be ignited because the tube may be clogged with debris.
Still don’t know how to light pilot light on gas fireplace? Leave your questions in the WarmthPedia comments box below, and we’ll answer them as soon as possible.