How to Operate a Gas Fireplace Safely and Properly?
A gas fireplace is a great way to enjoy the warmth and coziness of a fire in your home without the hassle of having to worry about putting out the flames. However, you must learn how to operate your gas fireplace safely and properly.
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Before you start a fire in your fireplace, read the user manual carefully to ensure that you are doing it correctly for your model. Failure to do so could result in a fire or other serious accidents.
First, make sure you have a good understanding of the different types of gas fireplaces. Some have dials and ignition buttons, while others use a key to control the flow of gas.
Some models may even have a remote and receiver to control the fireplace from another room. If so, these should work manually.
Then, locate the control knob or switch that is near the fireplace and turn it to the pilot position. This is where the gas will flow to the burner and ignite it.
Next, press down and hold the control knob until you hear a sound. This sounds like a buzzing or whistling, and you should feel a spark.
After the pilot light lights, keep the button pushed for about 15 to 30 seconds to warm up the thermocouple and to ensure the flame stays lit. This is especially important if you have recently used your fireplace.
Finally, after the pilot has been on for a while, move the control knob to the “ON” position and remove the cover or screen over the burner. Some models have a programmable thermostat that controls the heat level of the burner. If so, adjust the temperature setting to match your needs.
You can also run the fireplace in one of two pilot modes, standing or intermittent. The standing pilot mode is a better option for winter because it keeps the chimney vent warm and eliminates moisture condensation that can build up inside it during cold weather. The intermittent pilot mode only turns on the pilot light when the fireplace is in operation.
If your gas fireplace uses a pilot light, this is a red or green button that can be found near the control knob or switch. You must press this button repeatedly until it lights. This may take several attempts, depending on how long it has been since you last lighted your fireplace.
Many gas fireplaces also have a safety feature that automatically shuts off the pilot light if it goes out. This is a great safety precaution and is a useful feature to have in your arsenal when you have young children or pets around.
Lastly, it is also essential to know how much fuel your fireplace requires to keep running. This can be calculated using the amount of Btu per hour. This figure is typically expressed as cost per therm (equivalent to 100,000 British thermal units, or Btu).
Then, find out how much gas your area costs and determine if it is affordable to run the fireplace. Usually, your utility company will tell you the cost of natural gas in your region, usually in a form of a price per therm.