How to Turn Off Gas Fireplace (Pilot Light) After Winter?

To get heat in a hassle-free way, gas fireplaces are becoming the ideal choice for homeowners day by day. Anyone can enjoy the heat of the fire without throwing wood and cleaning up annoying ashes. You can enjoy the admirable fire in this fireplace without any problem with dirty firewood shaking or smoking and by-products. Modern gas fireplaces have given more comfort. Take the remote like, press it, and enjoy any hassle-free warmth. It also costs less than other fireplaces. Therefore, gas fireplaces are now at the top of the list of amateurs’ preferences when it comes to home comfort.

If you have a gas fireplace, it’s important to know how to turn it off properly. Gas fireplaces are convenient and easy to use, but they can also be dangerous if not used correctly.

Should I Turn Off the Pilot Light on My Gas Fireplace in the Summer?

A common question homeowners have is whether they should turn off pilot lights in their gas fireplaces when not in use. While this question is primarily about homeowners being concerned about their safety, there are other concerns involved.

Fireplace protection, maintenance, and extra bills are among them. However, the answer cannot be given as ‘yes’ or ‘no’. It is better to get the answer out of the relevant discussion on your own.

Why Should Your Pilot Light Keep Off?

First, if your pilot lights up in hot weather, a small amount of heat is generated which will remain warm to the touch of the glass door of your gas fireplace. On the one hand, the weather outside is hot, on the other hand, any extra heat inside the house can be a source of extra pain for you, which you would not normally want. Because then you are looking for air conditioning inside the house.

Second, when the pilot lights in your fireplace are off, it helps you save money and save energy. If you are using natural gas for uninterrupted use of gas to continue the pilot, it may cost an extra per month, and if you are using propane, this cost will increase manifold per month. This may seem unexpected and unnecessary to you.

Third, when the pilot lights are off for a long time, large amounts of gas molecules will accumulate in your fireplace burner and pilot tube. If only one pilot light is left for a long time without turning on the main burner of the fireplace, a white sulfur-based film will develop inside the glass which is harmful to the glass of the stove or fireplace. If it is not cleaned properly, it can freeze in the glass, and a white smoky layer can become permanent in it.

Related: How To Turn off A Gas Fireplace With Or Without A Key?

Why Should Your Pilot Light Keep on?

First, if the pilot light in your fireplace is off, you cannot be sure that your fireplace is still functional. If you keep its lights on, sometimes if you feel cold at night (although summer does not usually require extra heat), and feel the need to light the fireplace, you can get the job done without re-lighting the pilot.

Second, when you turn off your pilot light for a long time, the light tubes contain trace amounts of gas molecules. Mercaptan is a chemical gas company that adds to the gas which gives it an extra pleasant odor that will attract spiders. Spiders will weave nets and pilots can block, or disable, the lighting system. This can create permanent problems in the fireplace later on.

Third, it will help keep your fireplace active at all times. If the fireplace is left unused for a long time, it may take time to start the first fire, when it may not work. Then you have to call a professional at extra cost.

How to Turn Off Gas Fireplace?

Pilot lights are a small gas-burning flame in the back corner of your fireplace, which is constantly burning. When you flick the switch, the rest of your fire ignites and warms your home. Since this flame is a gas-burning flame and constantly pulls gas through the pipes, therefore, your bill will increase little by little. You’re not using the fireplace, but the bill is rising, the matter should be unexpected.

Closing your fireplace regardless means the gas will always be off. When you turn off the pilot light, you can’t make a mistake. You can use mechanical valves if you want as part of the fireplace, but a more reliable and safer method is to turn off the quarter-turn valves on the gas supply line.

Before you “Turn off” the switch, you need to find out where the fireplace’s pilot light is. Knowing where the flame is should help to check if it is off. The flame may be behind any of your logs or it may be outside.

Once you find the flame, you’ll move from the “Pilot” position to the knob “Off” position. Depending on the model of your fireplace, hold the lever slightly before turning the dial. Alternatively, you need to press the knob and confirm its “Off” position. 

Open the front of your fireplace, “Close” the pilot knob, and also carefully turn your gas shuttle valve to the “Closed” position. Carefully check if the flame has moved after moving the dial to the “Off” position. If your flame is still on, you have a faulty valve that needs to be replaced.

Modern gas fireplaces have an electronic ignition system, the system is always off except when the fire is burning. If you want to keep the fireplace off for a long time, you need to make sure the pilot light is off and the gas is not coming on.

Why Does Pilot Light Go Out on Gas Fireplace?

A pilot light is a small flame that is kept lit in a gas appliance, most commonly a water heater or furnace. The pilot light ignites the main burner when the appliance is turned on.

Pilot lights can go out for a number of reasons, such as a draft, a dirty burner, or a gas leak. If your pilot light goes out, you should first check for any drafts or blockages around the appliance. If the draft is coming from the appliance itself, you may need to adjust the damper. If the draft is coming from elsewhere in the room, you may need to close a window or door.

If the draft is not the problem, check the burner for any dirt or debris. Clean the burner with a brush or vacuum to remove any obstructions.

If the burner is clean and there is no draft, the most likely cause of a pilot light going out is a gas leak. Gas leaks can be dangerous, so if you suspect a gas leak, you should evacuate the area and call your gas company or the fire department immediately.

The Gas Fireplace Won’t Turn Off!

If your gas fireplace won’t turn off, there are a few things you can try before calling a professional. First, make sure the gas is turned on at the source. Next, check the batteries in your remote control. If they are low, replace them and try again. If the remote still doesn’t work, you may need to reset the receiver. To do this, turn off the power to the fireplace at the circuit breaker. Wait 30 seconds and then turn the power back on. Once the power is back on, try using the remote again. If the fireplace still won’t turn off, it’s time to call a professional.

Will Gas Leak if the Pilot Light Is Off?

If the pilot light is off, there is a chance that gas will leak. If you smell gas, it is important to open a window and leave the area immediately. Do not try to turn on the lights, and do not touch any electrical switches. If you can do so safely, turn off the gas at the main valve. Once you have left the area, call the gas company and do not return until they have told you it is safe to do so.

Conclusion

Your fireplace is your asset. It is your right to use it properly, get the service, and your responsibility to maintain it properly. In summer, the weather outside is quite warm, but a little more. Usually, the fireplace is not used at this time.

Therefore, it is not necessary to keep it burning without special reality, although some people are seen to have trouble starting the pilot light and fireplace after a long winter break.