To keep any excess gas from escaping into the room, cover your fireplace with the front panel you removed earlier. Once the cover is secure, you can safely control the fireplace using the gas valve key, turning it counter-clockwise to increase the flames and clockwise to decrease them.
To adjust the flame height on your appliance open the control panel and locate your main gas valve. If the valve has a dial marked “High-Low”, rotating the dial will adjust your flame height.
The little flame you see in your gas fireplace after you have turned it off is called a pilot light. A Standing Pilot Light runs constantly, whether your fireplace is on or off.
Turn on the lighter and then turn the key in the gas valve counterclockwise to the on position. This should immediately light the burner. Once the fire is lit, replace the fireplace cover. Rotate the key in the valve to adjust the height of the flame as desired.
Is your gas pressure fluctuating or set too high? Typically, if the pressure is correct the gas will burn steady from the burner rack. If the pressure is too high then the flame can actually be pushed higher because the gas is coming out at too high a pressure.
This occurs when the temperature inside the fireplace rises too high, leading to accelerated combustion and potentially igniting surrounding materials. Improper combustion, where the fuel does not burn efficiently, can also contribute to fires getting too big.
When too little air enters the combustion chamber, all of the gas present will not combust. This scenario goes by the name of rich fuel. Many gas fireplaces – especially those that contain fake logs – deliberately create rich-fuel environments.
A healthy, properly burning flame on gas appliances should be blue in color, sometimes with a tiny tip of yellow, with a little light blue triangle at the center. This blue color flame indicates that there is safe, efficient and more complete fuel combustion.
A damper is a device that regulates airflow in the flue. When open, oxygen enters the chimney to fuel the fire as the poisonous gases vent out of the home. Shutting the damper prevents outside air from mixing with the indoor air, increasing energy efficiency.
One of the most common problems faced by homeowners with gas fireplaces is the pilot light going out or not staying lit. The pilot light is a small flame that ignites the gas burner, which produces the heat for your fireplace — if the pilot light goes out, your fireplace won't work.
There are gas fireplaces that can be left burning for long periods. If the glass is properly sealed and the fireplace is fully vented this fireplace should run continuously without incident.
The thermocouple and thermopile are key components of the gas fireplace. The thermocouple is a sensor that detects heat and keeps the pilot light on. The thermopile is a larger version of a thermocouple, which allows gas to flow to the main burner of the appliance.
Your gas fireplace is never actually 'off' in the usual sense of that word. For most fireplaces, there is a very tiny flame that is always burning, and that's called your pilot light.
If you see a small, continuously burning flame, that's the pilot light. Operating sound: Electronic ignition systems often make a distinct clicking sound when the fire is turned on, as it's sparking to ignite the gas.
Poor Draft: Things like blockages, creosote, and debris buildup – or possibly even small critters – can create a weak draft within the chimney. These things trap smoke and suffocate the fire, so your fire is likely dying before it really starts to heat your home.
Finally, the B-Vent fireplace has the most realistic-looking flames of all the gas fireplace options. This is currently the least popular style of fireplaces, but that doesn't mean it may not be right for your home!
To adjust the height of the pilot flame, turn the flame adjustment screw until the flame is from 1 1/2 to 2 inches (3.8 to 5.1 centimeters) high. The adjustment screw is located near the gas valve on the pilot assembly, if the control has this adjustment feature.
Turn the key valve counterclockwise as far as it will turn to open the gas line. Start the fire by following your gas fireplace lighting instructions. Turn the gas control knob to high to increase the flames in your fireplace if applicable.
Gas Fireplace
While they preserve more heat than a wood-burning fireplace, they still lose around 75% of the heat they generate. The cost of the natural gas you burn can increase your heating bill.
Position the fake logs in your gas fireplace to allow proper gas flow and prevent carbon monoxide buildup. Arrange the logs close enough to appear natural, but not so tightly packed as to impede the natural gas circulation. A well-designed layout enhances both the aesthetics and safety of your gas fireplace.
There are several ways to increase heat output from your gas fireplace. Some methods include using a fireplace blower to circulate the air, installing a heat exchanger, placing a fireback behind the fireplace to reflect heat, and converting a gas fireplace to a gas insert.