If you have a gas fireplace or stove with a standing pilot, it will light during a power outage since it doesn't require electricity to activate the pilot flame.
No Electricity, No Problem
Gas fireplaces are fueled by natural gas. They don't rely on electricity to function. Although many have electric ignitions that work with a pilot light, most can be operated manually. This is ideal if there is a power outage in your area.
There is a common misconception that gas appliances are better because they keep working when the lights go out. While natural gas can still flow into your home during a blackout, many appliances still require power to operate.
Sure. If your are using an extended length lighter (which you should), light it, hold it by the burner you wish to light, and then turn on the burner control. The electric ignition will start clicking but it will likely already be lit.
The batteries have a typical lifespan of about two years, but frequent use of the fireplace may deplete their charge in less time. You can replace the batteries in the remote control, but it's best to leave the gas log battery replacement to a trained professional.
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.
If your pilot is lit and the fireplace isn't igniting when you push the button or flip the switch, the igniter may be dirty or defective. Clear away any dirt or debris that may be in the way between the igniter and thermocouple or thermopile.
Energy Efficiency: IPI systems are more energy-efficient than standing pilot ignition. The pilot light only ignites when the fireplace is in use, reducing gas consumption and energy costs.
Essentially, your gas furnace won't work during an electrical outage because, like nearly every other modern appliance, it at least has some parts that require access to electricity to operate.
Gas stoves use gas to power heating elements inside the oven and burners on the stovetop, but they rely on electricity for ignition. Though you can usually bypass electric ignitions and light gas cooktops manually, other parts of the stove will not work without electricity.
For homes with standard gravity toilets, you can breathe a sigh of relief. These toilets generally work normally during a power outage, and you can flush them as usual because they don't require electricity. On the other hand, if your toilet uses an electric pump or a sewage ejector, you might face some challenges.
Answer: Yes, gas fireplaces should be cleaned regularly to maintain efficiency and safety, Which involves wiping down the glass, removing dust and debris from the burner, and inspecting the logs for damage.
Many gas fireplaces come equipped with a wall switch control panel for activating the unit and adjusting the level of the flame. Simply push the “On” button and the pilot should ignite.
There are two basic rules for leaving a fireplace operating during the night. DON'T leave the unit on overnight. DO leave the flue open so that excess carbon monoxide is vented. The main concern with a gas-burning appliance is the exhaust of carbon monoxide and leaving the unit on overnight is simply risky.
Safety. One of the main concerns about leaving the pilot light on during summer is the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that can be deadly if inhaled in high concentrations. The pilot light can produce carbon monoxide even when no fire is burning in the fireplace.
Yes, many traditional gas fireplaces can be converted to electronic ignition with a conversion kit. Consult with a professional to see if your fireplace is compatible and to perform the conversion safely.
Dirty Pilot Tube
If dust, soot, or debris is clogging the pilot tube (the small pipe that delivers gas to the pilot light), the flame either won't ignite or it will be weak and unstable. Cleaning the pilot tube is usually necessary to restore proper gas flow to the flame.
Gas fireplace igniter replacement cost
A gas fireplace igniter costs $90 to $150 to replace, including labor. This component uses electricity to ignite the gas and start the fire. Over time, the igniter may stop working from age or damage.
If it is not delivering gas with the knob open, then the gas tank may be empty. You need to contact your supplier for a refill. Similarly, if you have piped natural gas, you need to check that the gas knob is on. If there is no gas flow, you'll need to call your utility company to restore proper supply.
The burned-out wood, ash and soot can also be a lot of work to clean up—something you don't have to worry about with a gas fireplace. A gas fireplace with an intermittent pilot ignition (IPI) valve system will remain operational during a power outage.
If your gas fireplace refuses to turn on, begin to troubleshoot by checking that the gas supply valve is fully open. If it isn't, simply open it and try again. Then, ensure that the pilot light is lit – more on that soon. If the problem persists, examine the electrical components.