Operating a gas fireplace isn’t difficult if you know what to do. We will be looking at how to switch it off and on.
However, not everyone knows how to perform basic functions like turning on and off a gas fireplace. This is especially true when you’ve recently converted or remodeled your old wood fireplace to one that uses gas.
For most homeowners, learning how to go about its use just once is enough. This article is aimed at first-time users of gas fireplaces. The good thing is, once learned, such knowledge sticks with you.
Plus, using a gas fireplace isn’t rocket science as you’ll find out shortly.
How it Works
To understand its use, you’ll first need to know how it works and why it may stop working.
From its name alone, one can figure out that such a fireplace uses mainly gas as combustion fuel. Now, a fireplace is designed to heat a home.
This means combustion must occur to produce heat.
Unlike traditional gas fireplaces that need a chimney, a gas fireplace doesn’t. This is an energy-efficient way to heat a home with no creosote deposits and the likes to contend with.
A popular trend where old fireplaces are converted with gas fireplace inserts is growing.
You get to avoid any structural modifications with an insert as there are gas fireplace inserts of varying sizes. With a gas fireplace, you get efficiency as the entire heat is pushed into the room, thus ensuring energy efficiency.
More complete combustion occurs with this type of fireplace.
There are two main types of gas fireplaces; vented gas fireplaces and ventless gas fireplaces. As the names suggest, vented gas fireplaces have a vent that leads out through the wall or roof.
These let in air to support combustion while also venting out combustion gases.
Ventless gas fireplaces have no vents. In the absence of such vents, it means that the air within your home supports such combustion.
Steps To Putting On A Gas Fireplace
What type of gas fireplace do you have? Gas fireplace “type” might be confusing for some readers. However, it’s easy when you consider the control panel that comes with more recent gas fireplaces.
The gas is ignited and controlled from this panel.
It’s also important to note that gas fireplaces can be put on with a remote or wall switch as well as with a key. So what design is yours? You’ll want to stick around to find out how to turn it on.
Here some issues you may have with a gas fireplace igniter.
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Igniting A Gas Fireplace With the Control Panel (Turning On & Off)
Does your gas fireplace have a control panel from where it’s lighted? If it does, understanding such controls isn’t difficult at all. Such controls are likely hidden below a decorative screen or panel.
To begin, simply take off or lift the screen to gain access to the panel.
Next, remove the lookout for the control knob. This is usually designated or labeled with the “on” “off” or “pilot” label. With this sighted, ensure the gas shutoff valve is in the open position.
The “open” position is confirmed when the knob is parallel to the gas line.
Now, turn the control knob to the pilot position before pushing it to trigger gas flow. This is followed by pressing the fireplace ignition switch several times until it lights up.
You’ll need to press the control knob for a few seconds for the fire to stay lit.
With a stable fire, you can release the knob allowing it to stay in the “on” position before placing the covering or screen in position.
Turning off this type of gas fireplace is even easier. All you have to do is open the control panel covering and switch or turn the control knob to the “off” position.
To ensure it’s completely turned off, the gas shutoff valve should be closed.
Rather than being parallel to the gas line (which signifies the “open” position), the gas shutoff valve should be turned across the gas line. Of course, the direction of the “close” arrow should be followed when turning it off.
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Igniting A Gas Fireplace with Remote or Switch
Do you have a gas fireplace with a wall switch or remote? If you do, operating the controls isn’t as difficult as you think. These controls are mostly operated with electricity.
Due to the advancement in technology, starting the gas fireplace can be done with the simple push of a button.
The same applies to turning it off. If yours has a remote, you only need to locate and press the “on” button to turn on the fireplace.
Based on the design, the same button may also be pressed on the remote to turn off the gas fireplace. Some other designs may have a separate button for that.
For gas fireplaces operated by a switch, all you have to do is simply flip or push the switch to the “on” or “off” position to either ignite or turn it off. This is a no-brainer.
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Igniting A Gas Fireplace with A Key
Is your gas fireplace operated with a key? Variants are having such provisions. If yours belongs to this category, there should be no difficulties whatsoever in its operation.
Here, you’ll first need to gain access to the burner. This may require removing the fireplace’s outer cover.
Close to the fireplace is a metal keyhole into which the key is inserted. The metal keyhole isn’t difficult to locate. You’ll need to look at the surrounding walls or the floor in front of the fireplace for the keyhole.
Having located the keyhole, simply insert and lock the key in place and proceed to ignite a lighter. This ignited lighter should be placed close to the burner before turning the key in an anti-clockwise position.
Doing so triggers gas flow which lights the pilot.
The key also allows for control of the flame height. That’s the simple way to light a gas fireplace having a key.
Having started the fireplace, how should it be turned off? Turning off this type of gas fireplace isn’t difficult at all.
Simply turn the key in a clockwise position to shut the gas supply. Without gas, the fire dies down.
So there you go! Turning on and off a gas fireplace isn’t rocket science. It follows simple procedures that must be adhered to to ensure its smooth operation.