Whether your gas fireplace should have a small flame depends on its ignition type. If you see a tiny, constant flame when the fireplace is turned off, it is a standing pilot light designed to burn continuously so it can ignite the main burner when you switch the unit on.
The pilot light on many gas-powered appliances, i.e., gas fireplace, water heater, gas stove or oven, burns with a constant small flame. That flame is ready at a moment's notice to fire up your appliance making it instantly ready for use.
During periods when you aren't using your fireplace or stove, you have no actual need to run the pilot light. Doing so will waste a small amount of energy, and many homeowners wish to keep energy waste to a minimum. As little as pilot lights are, they're still real flames and create a small amount of real heat.
To make the flame on your gas fireplace bigger, adjust the main gas control knob (located behind the lower access panel) to its highest setting. For fireplaces with a wall key or remote, turn the key counterclockwise or use the remote's flame-height button to maximize the gas flow.
14 Common Gas Fireplace Problems & What to Do
Gas fireplaces typically last between 10 to 20 years, though high-quality models that receive annual professional maintenance can last up to 30 years. The exact lifespan often depends on the specific components, as parts will degrade at different rates.
Here are the five key signs that your gas fireplace needs expert attention to keep your home safe and warm.
Myth #1 - Gas Fireplaces Are Always More Expensive Than Central Heating. The Truth: Gas fireplaces can be more economical than conventional forced air heating systems, mainly because they can be used for zone heating. You can heat only those areas of the house you need, not the whole house.
Cleaning a gas fireplace thermocouple is a simple maintenance task that fixes pilot lights that won't stay lit. Turn off the gas and let the unit fully cool. Remove the glass and logs to access the pilot assembly. Gently scrub the thermocouple rod with high-grit sandpaper or emery cloth, wipe away debris, and reassemble.
A weak or yellow flame might indicate a problem and should be addressed by a professional. If you get a whiff of gas near your fireplace, turn off the fireplace immediately, open windows to ventilate the area and contact a professional to get a full inspection.
It costs an average of $0.30 to $0.70 per hour to run a natural gas fireplace, and $1.00 to $2.30 per hour for propane. The exact price depends on your local utility rates, the size of your fireplace, and the type of gas it uses.
A healthy gas fireplace flame should have a steady blue base with natural-looking yellow or orange tips. The blue portion indicates efficient, complete combustion, while the glowing yellow tips create a realistic, cozy fire effect.
No, gas fireplaces do not always have to have a flame. Whether or not you see a flame depends entirely on the type of ignition system your fireplace uses.
If you see an orange flame in the burner, it means there is dust, dirt, or rust stuck in the burner. Clean it now or gas consumption will increase. If the flame is burning yellow, understand that the gas is getting less air, which can create gas like carbon monoxide.
Gas Valve: Check if the gas valve is fully open. If it's partially closed, it can restrict the flow of gas to the fireplace, resulting in a low flame. b. Gas Pressure: Low gas pressure can also lead to a weak flame.
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.
To maximize the heat from your gas fireplace, ensure the flame height is set to maximum and check that your gas logs are properly arranged to allow air to flow. For a significant boost, install a blower fan, use the central HVAC fan to circulate the heat, or consider upgrading to a modern, enclosed gas insert.
A well-maintained furnace will have an efficiency rating of approaching 95%, while a gas fireplace is likely to be below that (though some are in the 90% class) and will therefore cost more per therm.
So, if you use your gas appliance for 2 hours a day. The total running cost of it would be: 30.36p (cost per hour) x 2 hours (number of hours in use) = 60.72p for 2 hours.
Sleeping in the same room as an open flued gas appliance (back boiler or gas fire) contravenes the gas safety regulations and puts your life in danger. If you are found to be sleeping in the same room as an open flued appliance during one of our visits, your gas heating appliance will be capped off for safety reasons.
It is highly recommended that you contact a licensed gas service provider to conduct maintenance on your fireplace at least once per year. Maintenance on gas components should not be completed by the homeowner as damage to any of the gas components could be potentially dangerous.
On average, the furnace gas valve replacement cost you can expect to pay will be between $200 and $800. This range accounts for the cost of the part itself as well as the labor needed for installation. The cost of the part varies based on the valve's brand, size, and type.
Hissing or Whistling Sounds: Gas escaping a pipe under pressure often creates a hissing or whistling sound. The intensity depends on the size of the leak. Larger leaks might even produce a roaring sound. If you hear this, get out and don't hesitate!