Note: If you have the documentation that came with your fireplace, it is best to review it before you begin to be sure that you understand any specific controls or safety procedures. If any part of your fireplace has been submerged due to flood, contact a qualified technician before attempting to light the pilot.
Lighting your gas fireplace is essential in order to experience the warmth and beauty that they can provide. Unlike a traditional wood burning fireplace, a gas fireplace is normally self-starting. Unlike an electric fireplace, a gas fireplace requires use of a pilot light in order to ignite, similar to a gas stove or water heater.
Look in your fireplace to see if you notice a small flame, which is called the pilot light. If you do not see this flame, then you must first light the pilot before you can start your gas fireplace.
Lighting the pilot light:
Pilot Light
- If you have a decorative front panel or grill on your gas fire place, always remove it before lighting your pilot.
- Your valves may be located behind a panel. If so, locate this panel and open it to access your valves and controls.
- Make sure all of your controls are off and that the pilot really is off.
- Double check to be sure that the main gas valve and control valve are turned off. If the main gas valve or control valve is on, turn it off and wait no less than five minutes to allow any gas to clear before you continue. These critical steps will help you avoid accidents with your gas fire place.
- Remove any inner glass doors if you have not already done so.
- Smell all around the fireplace to be certain that there is no gas present that may ignite as you turn on the pilot. Be sure to smell near the floor because the gas is heavier than the surrounding air. If there is, allow the fireplace to air out at least five minutes before you proceed. If the gas smell does not clear and you have checked again to make sure that all valves are off, you will want to contact a technician to find out if there are any leaks.
- If there is no gas smell present, turn the main valve on and the control valve to pilot. Push the control valve in about a quarter of an inch as you are turning. If you can’t press the control valve inward using only your hand, contact a qualified technician. Do not use any tools to attempt to press the control valve. Forcing the valve is not only a fire hazard, but may also cause explosion.
- Press the pilot valve in at least 15 seconds but up to 30 seconds and hit the piezoelectric spark igniter several times at an interval of once per second to turn the pilot light on. When the pilot light is on, a small flame should appear. If the pilot light will not stay on after repeated attempts, call a qualified technician.
- Hold the pilot valve in for a a minute or so to heat up your thermopile.
Igniting Your Gas Fireplace
Once the thermopile has been heated up, your burner will activate. Once burner is activated, turn the control valve to on and adjust the thermostat to your preferred settings. The thermostat control may be a switch in the bottom panel, a standard light switch, dimmer, or it may be activated using a remote control.
Replace the inner glass door, any bottom access panel, decorative glass panel or grill and make sure it is securely clamped to the front of your fireplace.
Enjoy your fireplace!
Here’s a great video on the subject if you are more of a visual learner: