old gas fireplace pilot light

Often, this will involve manually depressing the pilot valve and using an electric ignitor or match to light the pilot. Pilot lights are small flame that burns at the top of a gas or oil burner. Switch the valve back to the On position. If nothing happens, look for any known ignition issues or get help from a specialist. This, in turn, can damage your fireplace and increase your risk of a fire accident. 2021 tagDiv. On average, the cost to repair a fireplace is anywhere from $100 to $2,000but it depends on whats wrong. Generally speaking, it is safe to leave your continuous pilot light on at all times, assuming it stays lit (more on this in a moment). * Do not touch any electric switch, do not use any phone in your building. The pilot light does not switch on and off with the click of a button. Do not twist the knob until you are ready to ignite the pilot light to prevent any unwanted calamities. Press the control knob down and hit the ignition switch. Light Your Gas Fireplace With An HVAC Pro. The pilot serves as a kind of thermometer for the fireplace, and it controls how much air gets through to the main burner. Turning the key starts the flow of gas, and releasing too much gas poses a risk. The pilot assembly gets mounted on or near the burner, and you'll manually light the pilot. Theyll have a round, decorative slot somewhere near the fireplace where you can insert the key. Most commonly, its because you need to relight your pilot light, which can be knocked out by something seemingly innocuous like a draft. The pilot light is always on because the fuel line has been disconnected. Gas Fireplace Lighting Instruction old style Inspector Daggett 729 subscribers Subscribe 16K views 4 years ago Another older style Gas Fireplace lighting instructional. It might be inadvertently blown out by wind from the chimney. Turn the control dial from the 'Off' position to the 'Pilot' position, through any spark clicks. Depending on how long its been since the gas fireplace was last used, ignition may take several attempts before igniting. Depending on the model, it might be labeled valve control or pilot control. The knob is marked with the following positions: On (in some models, this is swapped out for a series a numbers). If your pilot light does not ignite, wait a few seconds and try . They are based on the daily average consumption figures of pilot light multiplied by the number of days per month. This ensures the standing pilot light stays lit. The pilot light is a small gas light meant toburn continuously in order to light a larger burner when needed, but it may go outif a draft extinguishes the light,its valve is dirty, or the thermocouple (the safety device thatshuts off gas to the appliance when it detects no pilot light) is faulty. Turn the valve to the "pilot" position. How and Should You Install a Chimney Antenna Mount? If your fireplace has an electric ignition, it will likely start using a remote or switch. You may need to adjust the gas supply line if it leaks. Hit the Ignition Essential Home and Garden is a one-stop guide for homeowners. Here is an all-inclusive guide to help make the process easy! The most common safeguard is a temperature-sensitive valve near the pilot flame that will automatically close if it gets too cool. The pilot light is always on because there is a loose wire in the system. No matter the reason for a pilot going out or the safety measures in place, it is always prudent to manually switch off the gas feed for a time before relighting the pilot. Step 1: Remove decorative fireplace front. While this is a possibility, it is actually less likely to happen than you might think. Using a long fireplace match or butane barbecue lighter, touch flame to the pilot light ports. Push in the pilot knob, which will then manually send gas into the system. You can get carbon monoxide poisoning from a pilot light, but its not as scary as it sounds. The first thing you should do is make sure there isnt anything blocking the pilot light. When the fireplace or propane heater is turned on, the pilot light serves as an ignition source for the larger sweep of gas released from the burner. Make sure that all burners are set to Off, and the oven is not on. Of course, if you smell gas in the area of your fireplace you should immediately shut off the feed, open windows to increase ventilation, and call a professional to check for issues. You can check if the gas valve is on by turning it to on and then lighting a match with it in front of the pilot light. Once the system is given a thumbs up, you or your service provider can relight the pilot. While continuing to press in the pilot control knob, simultaneously begin continue to click the ignition switch until the pilot light ignites. (. Before you light up that fireplace, make sure to read the included manual thoroughly. Can you get carbon monoxide poisoning from a pilot light? This is because the pilot light kicks in and ignites all of the fuel at once. Of course, if you find yourself questioning anything about your pilot light in the future, know that you can always come back to this fireplace pilot light frequently asked questions guide to find the answers you need. Here is an all-inclusive guide to help make the process easy! Hold down the reset button and bring a grill lighter or long match to the pilot light valve until the pilot ignites. Don't worry, we provide helpful step-by step directions for relighting your pilot light. Turn on your gas fireplace (or insert wood pellets into your fireplace). This guide will show you how to light a gas fireplace in a few simple steps, based on the model. Turn it off for a few minutes. Do not turn the key until youre ready to light your fireplace immediately. When it comes to having a good fireplace pilot light, many people dont realize just how important it is. Keeping the pilot light running also prevents moisture build-up in the pipes. Get free, no-commitment repair estimates from licensed appliance technicians near you. As we discussed above, the issue of leaving a pilot light on all summer has less to do with safety and more to do with cost. Locate your fireplaces ignition switcha red button near the control knob or a switch labeled ignitor. While youre holding down the control knob, click the ignition switch once every second until the pilot light is lit. Just hit the switch so its in the on position or press the on button on the remote. Heres what youre going to need to do: You dont necessarily want to go for short matches (like the ones that you use to light a cigarette) because its easy to drop them in your fireplace. A gas fireplace with an electric ignition wont light if youre in the midst of a power outage. Now that you know how to safely light and use your gas fireplace, enjoy those cozy winter evenings by the warm fire! Continue to apply pressure until you see the pilot light ignite, and then for another minute or so to make sure it remains lit. They'll be happy to walk you through the process and show you how easy (and safe) this can be. With the fireplace wall switch or remote control, you can now adjust the flame to your desired comfort level. Read and follow the instructions that came with your fireplace, because if you do not follow the instructions exactly, a fire or explosion may result, your house could blow up and you could die. If your water heater doesnt have directions, this basic method works for most models. These are good for smaller chimneys because they dont require much energy to operate and wont be affected by windy conditions. Natural gas is a powerful and dangerous substance. Turning the gas key left will increase the flames, while moving the key right will subdue the fire. If your water heater has an ignitor, press down simultaneously on the pilot valve and the red ignitor button. Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made. But if your older appliances still sport flames, its helpful to know how tolight the pilot light shouldthey ever get snuffed. Most gas fireplaces rely on a continuous pilot light, a type of pilot that remains lit so long as gas is flowing to the unit. Put the access panel back over the control panel, and enjoy your fire. Dont fret if you are one individual who doesnt know how the process goes. Push the igniter button once every second until it lights. Depending on how long it's been since the gas fireplace was last used, ignition may take several attempts before igniting. There is no flame or ash coming from the chimney. Turn the valve to the Off position, and then wait for five minutes to allow any residual gas to clear from the pipe. 0. Step 4: A spark ignitor is a modern method since it is an electric spark used to ignite the gas. Place the knob next to pilot or pilot ignite and hold it down until a little gas escapes. However, you should not let that fool you into a sense of false security. Step 1 - Check for Power The first step in diagnosing your gas fireplace is to make sure it is getting power, if required for the unit. Call your gas service provider to check that your account is up to date. What to ask to get a fireplace that lasts. You could have an airlock in place of a pilot light. Ill help you figure out the best type and style of fireplace for your home. Many homeowners can relight the pilot on their own, but not every homeowner is comfortable considering the risks associated with gas appliances. If you rely on the information portrayed in this video, you assume responsibility for the results. Switch your gas regulator valve from Off to Pilot.. If your gas pressure is still low after youve made these adjustments, it may be time to call a professional to help you troubleshoot your system. Re-lighting pilot lights is straightforward on today's modern gas fireplaces. If it doesn't light, turn on the switch for 60 seconds and see if you get an ignition (this is a common fix). When youre following this guide, keep these rules in mind: Ignitors fail once in a while, especially during cold weather. if an unlit pilot is indicative of a problem or not. By Michelle Ullman Updated Oct 18, 2020 3:47 PM. Most gas fireplaces have a standing pilot light, which is a small flame that burns even when you aren't using the fireplace. If the burner ports are clogged, then your pilot light wont be able to ignite properly. . This is particularly true with ignition. Before you start, youll need to remove the fireplace cover. If your water heater is a little newer, look for a red button or switch near the regulator valve. This is best addressed by a professional fireplace repairman. 0. This continuous flame is necessary to light large burners such as those found in gas fireplaces. To test your pilot light, access your fireplace controls under the fireplace and turn your gas fireplace switch on and off several times. If mishandled, this could lead to extreme danger! Look for the control knob labeled pilot ignite. If you have a unit that enables you to regulate the temperature, it will have: on, off, and electronic settings. When this happens, no gas is present to flow into your home. When you turn on your fireplace, gas travels through the gas line to the main burner. Instead, leave the house and call your local gas company or 911. On some water heaters, the lowest setting is labeled for pilot lighting. Furthermore, if you are experiencing any other issues with your fireplace that go beyond this, make sure to check out our blog on common gas fireplace problems that require professional repairs. Insert the key into the gas valve. Check that all burners are set to Off, and the oven is not running. If that doesnt work, then youll want to check out professional cleaning services in your area. The fireplace pilot light is one of the most important parts of your fireplaces functionality. All you have to do is open up your fireplace and remove the old thermocouples before replacing them with new ones. Carbon monoxide can build up in your home from things like cooking on an open flame or using your cars exhaust pipe as an air freshener. If the pilot light is out, attempt to relight it. However, the safety of your family is your responsibility, so check the instructions on the fireplace before leaving it running. Wait until you are ready to ignite the gas fireplace pilot light before turning the gas valve control knob. Turn the valve to Pilot. Near the valve, youll see a small button labeled Reset. Press this button while applying your lit match or butane fireplace lighter to the pilot light valve. [I'm not being overdramatic by the way] Do not go by what I say. Hi, my names Eugene Duke and I love sitting by my fireplace reading a book and sipping on an adult beverage. Gas fireplaces are an excellent option for adding ambiance and warmth to your home. Turn on your gas valve (if available) or turn on the gas supply line running to your fireplace until you hear a hissing sound. To start, remove the glass divider to turn on your fireplace. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Please fill in your contact information below and a local dealer will contact you directly about your project. Be sure to smell next to the floor because some gas is heavier than air and will settle on the floor.WHAT TO DO IF YOU SMELL GAS:* Do not try to light any appliance. I once turned my gas fireplace pilot light off for the summer, and I was surprised at how much we saved that year on energy. Upon release from the main burner, the gas comes in contact with the pilot light or, (depending on what type of fireplace you have) and ignites. The technique for relighting the pilot on your gas-burning fireplace is determined by the type of pilot you have; electronic or flame-lit. Other times, though, its just something that needs to be fixed right away. Even though most fireplaces use similar starting methods, there are differences between models. Once inside this panel, check for a gas valve knob marked Pilot; often, it will have the words "On," "Off," and "Pilot" on it. If this is not fixed, then your fireplace may not work properly and could pose a risk to yourself or others. This can vary depending on the company, but the majority of companies have an hourly rate they charge. Youll need to open it before you can light your fireplace. A local dealer will contact you, we look forward to helping you. Learn more about your pilot lighthere. Its not difficult to relight your gas furnaces pilot light. While we strive to keep all information correct, current, and up to date and correct, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the website or the information, products, services, or related graphics contained on the website for any purpose. Then, add $100 to $150 for labor to ballpark your fireplaces repair costs more accurately. He likes to spend his spare time with his family, and doing DIY projects in the home and garden. Step 2 - Address the Pilot Light Your gas fireplace will contain a pilot light. This will start the flow of gas. Its usually somewhere towards the bottom of your fireplace, either on the surround or the floor. Youve got a draft going through the flue. The easiest way to test your piezo is to try to press it down and watch for a spark. If it is not working correctly, the pilot light will not work. But, if instead, you smell a strong odor of gas, immediately evacuate your home and call your local fire department. Now that youve read all my caveats and warnings, lets start talking about lighting a fireplace without an ignitor. Step 2: Next, locate the pilot light and hold the lighter up to it. Near the valve, you'll see a small button labeled "Reset.". Learn more about your pilot light, ; often, it will have the words "On," "Off," and ", to the OFF position. It uses natural gas to ignite a flame, which then lights your firewood. This may take several attempts. 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