How to Manually Light Your Gas Fireplace Regardless of Remote or Switch Type
Gas fireplaces are the perfect encompassment of a warm, cozy fire with an effortless process to get the flames going! This is your guide showing how to light your model of gas fireplace in a few simple steps.
All gas fireplaces are fueled gas through a gas line that then travels to the main burner. Once the gas comes in contact with a spark ignitor or pilot light, it ignites and allows your glowing flames to grow! There are three main types of gas fireplaces, and each one is started differently by either a control panel, metal key or remote switch.
For gas fireplaces that use a pilot light, you will most likely need to use a control panel to light it. This is the most traditional way of starting your fire. For electric ignition, it will probably need a remote or switch, which is a growing popular feature in updated models.
PRE-LIGHT PREPARATIONS:
In order to start your specific fireplace in the proper way, you will need to determine what type of fireplace you have and if your fireplace requires a control panel, key, or remote to control the gas. The owner’s manual can confirm which of the three applies to your fireplace if you are not sure.
Keep in mind that following proper safety protocols is imperative. Gas fireplaces can rapidly become a fire or carbon monoxide hazard. Before getting started, be sure to review your manual, keep any flammable objects at a 3 feet distance, avoid touching the fireplace gas until you’re certain it’s cool, and regularly test all carbon monoxide detectors.If you smell gas and your fireplace will not ignite, turn off the gas supply, leave your home and call 911.
CONTROL PANEL:
Fireplaces that use control panels can often be more intricate, but are usually not as difficult as they seem.
First, access the control panel, which is located under an access panel. This can look like a decorative panel or screen that blends into the surround or frame of your fireplace, and in most cases will pop off with ease. Remove this to uncover the controls.
Next you will locate the control knob (can be labeled as “valve control” or “pilot control”). You will see the knob marked with three positions: off, pilot, or on (sometimes a series of numbers in the “on” position’s place). If the knob is in the on position, turn it off and wait a few minutes before turning on your fireplace again . You want to allow any old gas to dissipate in order to avoid any hazards.
Some fireplaces come with an emergency gas shut off valve, so you will need to open this before you can light your fireplace. Pinpoint the knob or switch and turn it parallel to the gas line.
Now you can turn the control knob to the pilot position when you’re ready to ignite your fireplace. Press the knob down and hold it in place to start the flow of gas.
Locate the red ignition switch near the control knob, this button could be labeled as the “ignitor”. Continue to hold down the control knob and click the ignition switch once every second until you see the pilot light start up. It is normal for this to take multiple attempts before working.
After the pilot light is on, hold the control knob for 15-30 seconds to ensure it stays lit. Each fireplace has its own suggested length of time for this step, which can be found in your manual as well. You can now release the knob, and if the flame goes out repeat these steps again or reach out to a professional gas servicer to evaluate the issue.
Finally, turn the control knob to the “on” position so you can then regulate the flame size. Some model’s flame heights are labeled different numbers while others only consist of an “on” position that allows for a high or low option.
That’s it! Replace the access panel to cover all the controls and delight in your fire.
METAL GAS KEY:
Some fireplaces use a metal key to control the flow of gas. They have a round slot nearby the fireplace where you insert the key.
First, you will need to remove the glass that covers the opening of the fire chamber from the rest of the surrounding area. This can come as one or multiple glass panels. If the fireplace was recently used, be sure to avoid touching the glass until it’s given the proper amount of time to cool down.
Next, locate that round, decorative slot mentioned earlier. This is your gas valve and also where you will insert your key. You can usually find this on the bottom of your fireplace, surround, or on the floor.
You can now insert the key into the valve, but do not turn it until you are ready for your fireplace light immediately. Turning the valve quickly releases gas and too much of gas released can be very dangerous.
Use a long lighter (used for barbecues or up to about 6”) to light the pilot burner. Hold the lighter next to the burner, ignite the lighter flame, and turn the key in gas valve counter-clockwise. This immediate flow of gas will light the burner right away. Don’t be afraid to ask for a helping hand if you can’t reach the gas valve and light the burner at the same time!
Your fireplace is now ablaze! Replace the protective cover, and rotate the key to adjust the flame size.
REMOTE OR SWITCH:
If your fireplace comes with a remote or switch stationed on the surrounds, chances are you have an electric ignition. In newer gas fireplaces this is more customary and are known to be the simplest to operate. Flip the switch to the “on” position or press the “on” button on the remote. Super quick and easy!
