How to Start the Pilot Light on a Propane Fireplace?
The pilot light on your propane fireplace is a tiny flame that helps the gas valve open and then ignites the main burner. If it goes out, it’s important to get it back on quickly, as it can cause your entire system to malfunction.
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There are a few things that you can do to start the pilot light on your gas fireplace. First, you will need to remove the decorative front cover on the device. Then, you will need to locate the gas supply valve and the spark ignitor assembly.
Locate the gas supply valve (typically behind louvers, below the glass opening – may be red or blue). Push on the handle to open it and move it until it’s parallel with the gas line.
Visibly locate the spark ignitor assembly (behind and below logs in the firebox – typically in the bottom center). Look for a red or black ignitor button and press it to ignite the pilot.
Next, hold the control knob down on the pilot setting for a few seconds and wait until you see the pilot light turn dark purple-blue or the ignite button indicator light go red. Once the pilot light ignites, you will want to keep holding down the control knob for about 30 seconds. This will allow the thermocouple, a safety device that stops the flow of gas to your fireplace if the pilot light isn’t lit, to heat up and register that it’s working again.
Once the pilot light is lit, you can now adjust the flames using the wall switch or remote control. You can also use the spark ignitor to increase or decrease the size of the flames on your fireplace.
If your unit is equipped with a thermostat, it will probably automatically restart the pilot when it’s used again. This is a good thing, as it will save you money on your fuel bill and keep you safe.
There is also some units that have an intermittent pilot ignition (IPI) mode, which means the pilot light will stay on each time the unit is used. This saves energy and is more efficient than using a traditional pilot light, which uses a lot of fuel each time it’s turned on.
You should check the owner’s manual to find out what mode your unit uses. You should also call a professional if you have any questions or concerns about the operation of your gas fireplace.
Depending on the model, you might need to depress the control dial to the ‘Spark’ position before turning it further to the ‘Pilot’ setting. This will help the thermostat to know when the pilot is relighting and can prevent a blown fuse or overheating of the unit.
Then, you should wait a few minutes before trying to restart the ignition process again. The owner’s manual for your gas fireplace will contain instructions on how to do this.
If your pilot light isn’t starting, there could be an issue with your breaker. It might need to be reset or you could need to rewire the unit onto a different circuit. You can also try replacing the batteries in the ignition switch or remote. If this doesn’t work, you will need a qualified professional to install a new pilot light.