How To Light Propane Fireplace?

A propane fireplace can make a great addition to your home. They are convenient, clean, efficient, and affordable. Plus, gas logs are a breeze to light. 

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To keep your fireplace working safely, you need to know how to light it correctly. There are several ways to do this, so you’ll want to follow the directions carefully. 

First, find the control knob. It should be round with a wide flat area on it and usually have “Off,” “Pilot” or “On” markings. If the button won’t turn from the off position, push down slightly and try again. 

Next, get a long lighter or match ready. This will provide enough distance for you to light the pilot, which is the small flame that helps the fireplace burn. 

Once the pilot is lit, wait about a minute for the pilot to settle down. This will give the thermocouple, a safety device that stops the flow of gas if the pilot goes out, a chance to heat up and register that the pilot is back on. 

If you still can’t get the pilot to stay lit, call a professional. This could be a leak in the line, a broken thermocouple or other issues that need to be fixed by a professional. 

Then, move the control knob to the “Pilot” or “on” position and depress the ignitor button multiple times. This should spark in the pilot assembly, which is inside your fireplace in the bottom center behind or below the logs. 

With the pilot light lit, you can now safely start your propane fireplace by turning on the main burners. This is easy with a wall switch, but you may need to consult your manufacturer’s manual for specific instructions on how to do this. 

Before you start the fire, smell all around your fireplace for gas. This will help you locate the gas line in your chimney. You’ll also need to open the door and remove the glass if needed. 

To make sure you’re using the correct fuel type, always read the label and check your build tag. Propane gas is typically stored in a tank outside, while natural gas will be piped in from the street with a gas meter. 

Your propane unit should come with a gas regulator, which is a valve that allows you to control the flow of gas. It’s a good idea to store the regulator up off the ground, as this keeps it from rusting and causing a safety issue. 

Some models of propane fireplaces have an automatic ignition feature that can be set to automatically light when the thermostat reaches a certain temperature. This can save you time and effort, especially if you’re short on time. 

Alternatively, you can manually light your propane fireplace. This can be a hassle, but it’s easier than trying to build and light a wood fire. 

Most gas fireplaces have a standing pilot light, which is a small flame that ignites when you use your control knob to switch on the main burners. Depending on the type of fireplace you have, this can be controlled by a wall switch, a control panel, or a fireplace key.