How do you start a fireplace without electricity?

Author: Juvenal Casper  |  Last update: Saturday, February 14, 2026

For wood-burning fireplaces, you can still use it by building a fire using newspaper and kindling. Although it's not common knowledge, if your home features an electric fireplace, you can still use it without power by manually igniting the pilot light.

Can you manually light a gas fireplace with electronic ignition?

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.

Does a gas fireplace work when the power is out?

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.

Can you manually start a gas fireplace?

Turn the knob from the “Off” to the “Pilot” position. Push in the pilot knob, which manually sends gas into the system. Push the igniter button once every second until it lights. Depending on how long it's been since the gas fireplace was last used, ignition may take multiple attempts.

What to do if a gas fireplace won't turn on?

How to Troubleshoot a Gas Fireplace
  1. Make Sure the Gas Is On. The first thing you should do if your gas fireplace won't turn on is check that the gas is actually on. ...
  2. Give Your Gas Logs a Thorough Cleaning. ...
  3. Purge the Air Out of the Pilot Tubing. ...
  4. Test the Thermocouple. ...
  5. Check the Spark Igniter.

How to Start a Gas Fireplace without Electricity

How do you start a fire in a fireplace without gas?

Start by placing two pieces of firewood on the grate in your fireplace. Now crumple newspaper, which is your tinder, and place it between the firewood. Place the kindling on top. Add one or two more pieces of firewood on top of the other logs, and be sure to leave enough room for air to circulate around the logs.

Will a gas stove work if there is no electricity?

Depending on the model, you may be able to manually light your cooktop burner during a power outage, however, you won't be able to use your gas oven. Check your owner's manual to be sure and for more detailed instructions.

How long do batteries last in a gas fireplace?

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.

How do you power a gas fireplace?

How to Operate a Gas Fireplace
  1. Look over the user manual included with your fireplace. ...
  2. Remove your fireplace's outer cover. ...
  3. Put a fireplace key into the device's gas valve knob. ...
  4. Hold a long lighter up to the burner and ignite it. ...
  5. Turn the gas key. ...
  6. Replace the fireplace's outer cover immediately.

How do you manually light an electric gas fireplace?

These steps can help you get started (but always read your owner's manual to be sure).
  1. Open the Access Panel. ...
  2. Locate the Control Knob. ...
  3. Open the Emergency Gas Shut-Off Valve. ...
  4. Get in Pilot Position. ...
  5. Hit the Ignition. ...
  6. Hold and Release the Control Knob. ...
  7. Turn the Control Knob On. ...
  8. Reattach the Access Panel.

How do you turn on a gas fireplace with a wall switch and key?

How to Turn on a Gas Fireplace With a Wall Key
  1. Locate Gas Valve Knob. Find the gas valve knob's decorative slot on the wall or floor. ...
  2. Open Front of Fireplace. ...
  3. Locate Ignition Area. ...
  4. Prepare Ignition Source. ...
  5. Place Key in Gas Valve. ...
  6. Light Ignition Source. ...
  7. Slightly Turn on Gas Valve. ...
  8. Turn Gas Valve on Full.

Can you manually light a gas stove with electric ignition?

In the case of a power outage, you can light the surface burners on an Electric Ignition Gas Cooktop or Gas/Dual Fuel Range using a match. While the surface burners may be lit using a match, the oven cannot be manually lit when there is a power outage.

Can a gas fireplace work without electricity?

Gas & wood fireplaces will continue to work safely during a power outage. These fireplaces do not require electricity for venting and can be used safely during a power outage.

What is the most common problem with a gas fireplace?

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.

How long will hot water last without power?

A water heater with a tank keeps a large reserve of heated water, but the water will only stay hot for so long. You may have an hour or two until that reserved hot water cools down. So yes, if you have a tank water heater and the power went out recently, you can probably still take a shower.

Can you use a gas heater when the power is out?

If you use a gas heater or gas furnace heat your home, it won't work without electricity. Although they use gas as a primary source of fuel, the internal components require electricity to function.

Where is the damper on a fireplace?

Your chimney damper is located in the flue. Dampers are placed inside of the flue to help control ventilation. It keeps cold air out when a fire is not going.

Can you use paper towels as kindling?

Once all the oil is soaked into the paper towel, and the towel is uniformly saturated with oil, fold the paper towel in half 4 times. This creates a nice small densely packed starter.

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