At this point you can turn the knob from the "pilot" setting to "on." If your system uses a key, make sure to turn the key until the valve fully closes. Before turning the gas valve knob, grab a lighter with a long enough head that you can insert it into the fireplace while keeping your hands away from the fire pit completely. Now all that's left is to sit back, relax, and enjoy the unique coziness that only a fireplace can bring. I moved into a house with a vented gas fireplace and gas logs. Every fireplace is different, so check your model’s user manual before lighting or adjusting it. Or, if you want the Spark Notes version, you can just read through this summary to cover your bases. If you see this happening, it means you'll probably have to keep it under a tarp more frequently than you currently are, or that there's some problem with your fireplace's sealant. The third style, power, uses an electric fan to force exhaust out, instead of relying on the natural pressure differential created by the fire's heat. This will make sure the pilot light stays on indefinitely, allowing you to activate the fireplace whenever you wish using the device’s wall switch or remote control. With the lighter activated, move the gas valve knob about half a turn counter-clockwise. This helps maximize the airflow your fire will receive, making it easier for the fire to burn fast and cleanly when it first ignites. This preps your fireplace for the next step—pushing the igniter button—which you'll want to do once per second until it lights. Credit: Getty Images / Bob Steiner, Credit: Getty Images / sturti, Credit: Getty Images / Bill Oxford, Got allergies? For starters, the water vapor is slightly acidic, which can gradually eat away at the brick and mortar inside your chimney. Fortunately, there are fixes for each of these problems, which you can use separately or together. Most systems are installed so they vent to the outside. Have your fire starter ready—a long match stick or a lighter. If you're seeing more soot than usual, that could be due to a clog in your gas line producing areas where the flame is burning hotter and dirtier than it should. This will release gas into the fireplace, causing the pilot light to ignite. That’s substantially less that the 120 volts that are needed for many appliances, rechargers and lamps that plug into an outlet in your house. If you have a very old gas fireplace, getting a fuel-efficient model, or even getting a smaller fireplace can be a smart move. Beneath the grate holding up the logs there were vermiculite granules in a pan which covered the gas vents. Unfortunately, you're going to run up against several potential problems with this style of fireplace. We'll continue to use 60 hours a month along with our natural gas and propane costs above: Natural gas: 60 hours X $0.48 per hour = $28.80 per month Press the shutter button on the lighter to produce a flame and ignite the gas logs. A gas log fireplace offers a safe and energy-effective way to replicate a traditional wood fireplace. As with any home fixture that harnesses fire, there's a lot that can go wrong if you haven't done the required reading first. In addition to keeping it covered when it's not in use, it's a good idea to routinely check for signs of settling, cracking, or crumbling. The biggest difference here is natural vents aren't a sealed system, which has a few implications but basically boils down to being a bit less efficient than a direct vent. If you do not have a long enough lighter to safely ignite the fireplace, insert a lit match next to the burner instead. Your gas fireplace might come with a control panel, a key valve, or a wall switch, all of which have different steps to actually light the fire (we'll go over these in a bit). Also, if you're venting out a chimney, chances are there's not enough heat getting vented to prevent the water from condensing, which can lead to water dripping back down and into the fireplace. Compared to a gas fireplace, furnaces produce more heat. A quick check with a basic leveling tool should be enough to keep an eye on this problem. Sounds simple, right? If the switch doesn't ignite the fire, this can mean something is wrong, either with the fireplace or with your electrical system. Turn the gas key. This allows you to recognize many of the hazards before they become dangerous. As for the fireplace itself, you'll want to start by removing any grating from above or below the main cavity. Just because your fireplace doesn't work doesn't mean it's totally useless. If you smell a lot of gas, remove the lighter and exit the house immediately. This may take several attempts before the pilot properly lights. Before installing this kind of gas fireplace, it's best to consult with a professional and possibly get some insulated liner installed. To ignite your device’s pilot light, you’ll need to insert a fireplace key into the gas valve knob located to the left or right of the fireplace. In the former case, some of the materials may dry out and become more brittle or porous, which can cause them to chip easily; in the latter case, materials can become saturated in water, causing breakage when it freezes or allowing plant or fungal growth in perpetually soggy nooks and crannies. Once everything is lit up, there may be a dial or knob you can use to adjust the size and strength of the flames. Connect the gas line.Once your firebox is fully clean, and the chimney has been professionally cleaned (for wood burning fireplaces), it's time to connect the gas line to your new burner. Smelling gas when you shouldn't could be an early warning that there's some kind of leak—if that happens, shut off the gas at the source and call for a professional to check your system's integrity. If you smell a small amount of gas, remove the lighter and open your windows and doors to air the room out. Though the exact burn rate will vary from fireplace to fireplace, most use about one gallon of propane per hour for every 91,500 BTU. First, you'll want to locate the pilot knob. Since natural gas burns relatively cleanly, some gas fireplaces don't bother with the vents at all, simply expelling the carbon dioxide and water vapor into the room around them. The fireplace consists of incombustible "logs" covering gas vents, and the fire itself burns behind glass doors. This can be tricky, as it's heavy, awkward to move around, and delicate. It could mean the pilot light is out or that there is a leak somewhere in the system. As with electric fireplaces, all you need to calculate the monthly cost of your gas fireplace is your hourly cost and the number of hours you use it per month. Purchases you make through our links may earn us a commission. Be prepared to move your hands back quickly if the pilot light ignites unexpectedly. When you are done using the gas fireplace, insert the key into the keyhole and turn it clockwise until it no longer turns to turn off the gas and extinguishe the flame. To ignite the pilot light, press your finger into the center of the control knob and hold it in place. After some use, you might notice your fireplace isn't looking quite as clean and fresh any more. Gas starters make it easy to start a fire in a wood-burning fireplace. A modern gas fireplace emits no smoke and vents its waste gases to the outside through a tube in the wall rather than up a chimney. One of the more important steps to properly using a device is having a general understanding of how it works. Then, remove the gas logs and use a soft paintbrush to get rid of any dirt or debris. If that's not cutting it, there are fireplace-specific cleaners. If the gas valve happens to be far away from the fireplace, you may not be able to hold both the match in place and turn the key. You'll want to hold your flame near the burner, then slowly turn the key to open up the gas valve. One is a fresh-air intake that provides combustion air help the gas burn more efficiently. Applying pipe thread sealant around the gas line connection on the burner. Make sure you wear gloves while handling the logs, as they can cause skin irritation. Natural vents (or B-vents) draw in air from the room to aid combustion, then exhaust through a pipe. Last, there is little heat reflecting from the fireplace masonry into the room. Burning wood in such a gas fireplace can sometimes be possible since the original ventilation (i.e. If you smell a faint amount of gas, open your windows and doors to ventilate the area. It should light immediately, at which point you can use the key to adjust the height of the flames. To start, you'll need your key, be it a hex key or something more old-time to match the rest of the aesthetic. Next, remove the lava rocks and use a vacuum to suck up any loose grime. Turn the control knob to the off position for at least 5 minutes. Should the chimney vent be open when the logs are turned on? Whether you're the new owner of such a gas fireplace, or if you're just planning to install one inside your home before the upcoming winter unleashes polar vortexes and heavy snowfall, it's important you do your research on how to use, maintain and clean a gas fireplace. Be aware that, while a power outage should not affect your fireplace’s pilot light, it may deactivate any switches regulating the gas output. As you remove the mineral wool, be sure to shake off any debris that may be stuck to it. Gas fireplaces are safe to burn wood in like a standard fireplace, so a Duraflame log is perfectly fine to burn in your gas fireplace. chimney) was meant for wooden fires anyway. The final option for gas fireplaces is the insert. Laws vary from city to city, but you're definitely out of luck if you live anywhere in Canada, California, or Massachusetts. Well, the basics are easy to understand, but this is where the "many different kinds" part comes into play. The pipe that is used in the gas fireplace connects all the ventilation passages of the fireplace in one place. For example, Gillespie notes a drawback of a gas furnace is that they tend to use up more fuel. These panels are typically made of glass, so lay yours in a safe area to prevent unnecessary damage. Before lighting or adjusting your fireplace, read the included user manual thoroughly. With the lighter activated, move the gas valve knob about half a turn counter-clockwise. All Rights Reserved | Terms of Use, Water for The City of Grey Forest – Annual Water Quality Report. No. The discreet installation is typically built into a wall and consists of a main hearth area surrounded by a buffer to keep the rest of your house from catching fire, typically with a mantle on top. Before you start applying fire to flammable gasses willy-nilly, you'll need to make sure you're familiar with the particular unit you have. If gas costs $0.0042 per cubic foot, then 40 times $0.0042 equals $0.17 per hour. Shut off the gas to that fireplace and call a professional. Once everything is out, you can clean up any soot along the burners with a cloth or soft-bristle brush. Then, place the head of the lighter next to the device’s burner and pull the lighter’s fuel trigger. Consult the Fireplace Identification plate. If the pilot light fails to ignite after multiple attempts, restart the entire process and try again. However, they do have great benefits. Normally, new homeowners are furnished with a manual of how to use their fireplace especially gas (considering the likelihood of catastrophe if wrongly used).A quick glance at your manual will give you an idea of the type of fireplace. Gas fireplaces, whether designed for beauty or heating, are factory built boxes enclosed by glass doors so you can see the fire. Then, contact your natural gas provider. Routinely cleaning your gas fireplace is an important bit of maintenance that can keep need for more significant repairs at a minimum. Once that’s complete, you can install your gas logs yourself by following the included step-by-step instructions. Once you insert the key, do not turn it until after preparing your lighter, otherwise you may release a dangerous amount of gas into the room. The wall switch sends an electrical signal to your fireplace to open a valve and release the gas for the pilot light to light it. That keeps carbon monoxide from building up in your home and makes them safe to operate. Gas Fireplace Monthly Cost. While outdoor fireplaces are pretty weatherproof by design, that doesn't mean they're completely impervious to everything mother nature can throw at it. Contact the fireplace’s manufacturer if you do not have a copy of the user manual. Check the instruction manual and call a professional if you can't figure what's wrong. Adjust the flame as you'd like with whatever other settings the control panel offers. You can also find out how to fix them quickly and safely. Gas fireplaces are often a clean, inexpensive way to heat your home. Remove your fireplace’s outer cover. Absolutely. Fixing this might require buying some sealant of your own and giving the affected areas a fresh coat. ©2020 Reviewed, a division of Gannett Satellite Information Network LLC. These flames light the wood; once the wood is well-lit, you can turn off the gas starter. These models feature complex circulation technology to help keep more of the heat in your home instead of simply venting it outside with the exhaust. Inside the main cavity, you'll want to remove the faux logs and any mineral wool insulation, making sure to take a picture first so you remember how they were arranged. Assuming they are legal where you live, we'd still recommend operating one in a well-ventilated area, not only to avoid carbon dioxide build-up, but to help disperse some of the humidity—for every gallon of gas your fireplace consumes, it will exhaust about a gallon of moisture. You'll also want to review the manufacturer's guidelines for any special instructions (or to ensure you aren't voiding your warranty). While the ignition method will most likely be similar, knowing the ins and outs of your specific fireplace will help you avoid any dangerous, and possibly even lethal, accidents. Use the damper to its potential. Once you begin the operation of the gas fireplace, you can run the pilot light in one of two modes. If it's not, there's a chance you could run into issues with breakage or cloudiness once you apply heat again. Replace the grates, and gently slot the glass back into place. While there are many different kinds of gas fireplace, they all typically operate in the same way, by drawing in and then igniting natural gas from your local utility. In most cases, you can remove a gas fireplace cover by simply pulling it off the device. Millivolts and 24 volt circuits are rated as a safe voltage to work with but turn off all sources of power to the fireplace before working with the wires. A gas fireplace uses a tube placed in the wall instead of a chimney. © 2017 Grey Forest Utilities. READ : Ridgid Sink Tool Once everything looks clean as a whistle, you can put everything back together, making sure to reposition the mineral wool and logs in whatever configuration they started. If you have an older fireplace or simply like rustic fixtures in your home, you probably have a key valve system. To ignite your device’s pilot light, you’ll need to insert a fireplace key into the gas valve knob located to the left or right of the fireplace. Depending on how far away the gas valve knob is, you may need to have a friend hold the lighter or operate the key. This vent system allows you to be a bit more flexible on where you can install the fireplace, as the fan allows the ventilation tube to have multiple bends or even vent underneath the fireplace. If you want to convert your gas fireplace to a wall switch, this is what you’d use. Carbon monoxide is an odorless, tasteless and colorless gas, and it … Turn the gas fireplace key counterclockwise approximately 1/2 turn to release the flow of gas stoves. This sealed system is efficient, maintains your indoor air quality, and safely expels some of the more problematic byproducts. The cycle of thawing and melting can get water deep underground and potentially making the area less stable over time. Here's all you need to know about the proper technique and safety precautions. If you do not have a key, you can purchase a replacement at most home improvement stores. These ventless fireplaces, while much easier to install and capable of harnessing all of the heat produced, also aren't the safest—there's a good chance they might be outright illegal in your area. Look for a knob on your control panel with the words On, Off, and Pilot on it. This starts the flow of natural gas, which should ignite on the pilot light, bringing your fireplace roaring to life. On most gas fireplace models, you can remove the screen by simply tugging it off the device. As we mentioned, gas mostly burns into carbon dioxide and water vapor—but that water vapor can pose several problems. If you notice a problem with your gas fireplace, it's often best to contact a professional rather than trying to fix it yourself. If you do not have a user manual, check online or contact the fireplace’s manufacturer to get a copy. Cracking and crumbling can occur when your outdoor fireplace is exposed to extreme heat and sun or particularly wet and cold conditions. Serving Northwest San Antonio and the greater Helotes area for the past 40 years! 1. If you can’t get a hold of either, call 911 or your local fire department. To shut off the pilot light, turn all control knobs to the "off" position and close the emergency gas valve. Both a gas fireplace and a gas furnace have certain things to consider. Since they utilize the existing masonry, they're typically a cheaper option—on their face at least. You'll probably see a bunch of dust and cobwebs, nothing a vacuum with a narrow attachment can't handle. After it lights, you'll want to keep the pilot button held down for a bit—maybe 30 seconds or so—just to ensure everything is warmed up and the flame is able to stay lit. This will release gas into the fireplace, causing the pilot light to ignite. Assuming that a gas hearth uses 40,000 BTUs per hour, divide 40,000 by 1,000 to arrive at 40 cubic feet per hour. Gas fireplaces provide warmth and a cozy atmosphere in almost any home. If you smell a large amount of gas, leave the house immediately and call your natural gas provider. This one is typically the most manual operation of the bunch. Many fireplaces come with decorative screens or covers that should be removed before use. Check that the lines are clear and call a professional if necessary. First, you'll want to locate the pilot knob. For safety, put on heat resistant gloves before operating the lighter. Hold a long lighter up to the burner and ignite it. Make sure to check your user manual to see what kind of key the fireplace takes. These fireplaces do not burn anything but gas, even though they contain logs. Open your fireplace’s damper as wide as possible when you first start. Insert the end of long butane lighter near the center of the gas logs where the gas pipe is. With the pilot light ignited, turn your fireplace’s control knob from the pilot position to the on position. You'll also need to decide whether you want a full installation, a ventless model, or an insert. It incorporates air-movement channels that maximize the warmth supplied to the house. Though most fireplaces use similar ignition methods, yours may have a specific element or feature that, when handled improperly, could be dangerous. If it continues to fail, check for any common ignition problems or call a professional for help. Look over the user manual included with your fireplace. These can have multiple settings, but to start, turn it from the "off" position to "pilot." In this case, turn off your pilot light to help reduce your gas bill and generally make your home a bit safer. Once you insert the key, do not turn it until after preparing your lighter, otherwise you may release a dangerous amount of gas into the room. Credit: Getty Images / Bob Steiner Gas fireplaces are often a clean, inexpensive way to heat your home. All rights reserved. If the pilot knob wasn't set to the "off" position to start, then you'll want to turn it off and wait a few minutes for any lingering gas to clear out. If the knob is not in the off position, turn it so that it is. When you’re finished, remember to replace the fireplace’s front screen if you had to remove it. How to Use Silica Sand in a Natural Gas Fireplace - YouTube Although studies show that a gas fireplace will not increase the carbon monoxide levels in your home, a carbon monoxide detector is essential if you have any appliances in your home that use gas. Direct vents draw in outside air to aid combustion and funnels all emissions through an exhaust hose. Burning logs produces carbon dioxide as well as carbon monoxide, so the open vent is needed to get these harmful gases out of the house. You may need a friend to help you out with this step. My wife wanted me to remove the vermiculite since she didn't like how it looked, and wanted to use the fireplace without it. Every control panel is different, but most typically have a pilot knob, igniter button, and a dial to adjust the flame's strength. If you need to manually start the fire, like most systems that use fireplace keys, you'll need long matches or a lighter with enough of a barrel to keep your hand at a safe distance. 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Finger into the immediate surrounding area grates, and delicate you remove the lighter and your... And a cozy atmosphere in almost any home may need a friend to help you find the best stuff make! Existing masonry, they 're typically a cheaper option—on their face at.. 'S heavy, awkward to move your hands back quickly if the pilot.... Hassle of chopping wood how to use gas fireplace light immediately, at which point you can a...