How to Use a Gas Fireplace?
Nothing makes a chilly winter night more relaxing than the warm glow of a gas fireplace. These easy-to-use systems are more environmentally friendly and cost less to operate than wood units, and they can save you up to 25% on your energy bill.
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How to Use a Gas Fireplace?
There are several ways to light a gas fireplace, depending on the model. The easiest ones, such as those with electronic ignitions, have a wall switch that works like an ordinary switch. Other models, however, are trickier and might require a metal key or remote control. Read your owner’s manual carefully to learn how to operate your unit and to make sure it is safe.
Start by removing the access panel that covers the control panel. These typically come in the form of a screen or decorative panel that blends into the surround or frame of your fireplace. While opening this panel can differ based on the manufacturer, most just slide or pop off.
Once you’ve opened the access panel, take a close look at the controls inside. They might be a knob that’s located on the front of your fireplace or a switch that is mounted to the back of your fireplace and connected to a gas valve. If you can’t find any of these, you might have to remove a separate cover that’s attached to the front of the fireplace to get to the controls.
Next, locate the shutoff valve on your fireplace’s gas line and turn it until it’s perpendicular to the gas line. Some gas fireplaces also have a valve that lets you manually turn on the fireplace. If yours does, make sure to move it to the pilot position before starting the fire.
A pilot light, or flame that lights automatically before the main burner, is an essential part of a gas fireplace. It helps fuel the flames by igniting a small amount of gas that’s released from the main burner.
The pilot light may be a spark ignitor or an open flame, but either way, it’s a safety feature that can keep you and your family safe. A strong draft or an interruption in the gas flow can cause your pilot light to go out, so you should always check it before starting the fire.
To light the pilot light, hold down the button on the control knob until it illuminates, which should take about 15 to 30 seconds. This gives the thermocouple time to heat up and ensure the flame stays lit. Once the pilot light is lit, adjust the flame using the “High/Low” switch or knob if available.
Before attempting to ignite your gas fireplace, read the user manual. It may include specific instructions on how to handle each element or feature. This information can help you avoid dangerous situations and improve the performance of your fireplace.
If you have a gas fireplace that uses a metal key to control the gas, remove the outer cover of the key and pull it out. If you don’t have a key, you can buy one at any home improvement store.