How to Light a Gas Fireplace

Your fireplace doesn’t just heat your house. It also provides atmosphere, ambience and a focal point in your room—so if you can’t light it, you definitely won’t get to enjoy what it has to offer. Understanding how your gas fireplace works and how to safely light the pilot light is important.

Typically, people shut off their pilot lights in the spring and summer in order to conserve gas—after all, if it’s 90 degrees outside, you won’t want to heat your home. Once the fall and winter weather rolls around, however, you’ll need to know how to relight the pilot light and turn the fireplace back on.

Your fireplace should come with an owner’s manual, so have that handy when it comes time to turn the fuel on.

Lighting your gas fireplace in Wausau, WI

First, you’ll need to determine where your pilot light is located and how it is operated. Usually the pilot light is at the bottom of the unit, behind a decorative screen or panel. Make sure that if it requires a key, you have it and a long lighter on hand (a long match may also do the job). For control panels, confirm that the pilot knob is completely turned to the “off” position. Let it stay in the off position for at least five minutes to get rid of any excess gas. Next, open your chimney for proper ventilation.

After you’ve figured out whether you’re working with a key or a control panel, and your chimney is open, you can light your gas fireplace in Wausau, WI. Make sure you keep children and pets out of the room while you work with it. If the fireplace doesn’t light and you smell gas, leave the house and call emergency services right away.

To light a gas fireplace with a control panel, turn the knob to “pilot” and push it in. Then push the ignition button once every second or so to ignite the gas—this may take a few tries. As soon as it lights, hold the ignition button down for 15 to 30 seconds to warm up the fireplace and ensure smooth operation. If the fire stays lit, you can turn the knob to the “on” position and replace the cover.

To light key-operated gas fireplaces, position a long barbecue lighter or match next to the burner and produce a flame. Use the key to release gas and ignite the pilot light. Then you can replace the key cover and use the key to control the fire.

Some gas fireplaces also come with wall switches, which make it easy to light a fire once the pilot light is on. Once the spring weather arrives, turn off the gas using the knob or key.

For more information about how to light gas fireplaces in Wausau, WI, call or stop by Marcell’s Specialties Inc. We build, repair, install and renovate fireplaces and can help you ensure safe operation. Reach out to learn more or schedule a consultation.

Categorised in: Gas Fireplace

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