No, gas fireplaces do not have to be on all the time. Whether the fire is burning constantly depends on the fireplace's ignition system and how you choose to operate the pilot light.
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.
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.
14 Common Gas Fireplace Problems & What to Do
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.
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.
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.
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.
Explained, the chimney pipe must be a minimum of three feet above the roof but also two feet taller than anything within ten feet. The portion of the rule stating the pipe needs to be 2 feet above anything within 10 feet is where most people get confused.
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.
If the pilot flame ignites but goes out after you release the gas control knob, the cause may be a dirty or defective thermocouple. If the gas is on but the flame will not ignite at all, a pilot tube obstruction is the most likely issue.
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. “It's the middle of summer, why do I feel heat from the front of my fireplace?” “Oh well…it's only a little flame, it's no biggy.”
To keep your gas fireplace operating safely and in tip-top shape, it's recommended to perform annual maintenance.
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.
A bad thermocouple primarily interrupts the gas supply, failing to signal the gas valve that a flame is present. The most common symptoms are a pilot light that will not stay lit when you release the control knob, frequent burner shutdowns, or a furnace/water heater that refuses to ignite.
Thermocouple Lifespan
A thermocouple usually lasts 3-5 years on a regularly used standing-pilot system. Some last longer, but once they begin to weaken you'll see the classic symptom: the pilot won't stay lit unless you hold the knob.
A healthy pilot flame should be a crisp, steady blue, engulfing the top third of the thermocouple. A weak, yellow, or wavering flame often indicates a dirty pilot orifice or a gas supply issue, preventing the thermocouple from getting hot enough to function.
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!
Common problems that signal the need for a fireplace replacement include:
DIY installers often make mistakes such as purchasing unsuitable fireplaces, improper installation, and using combustible materials in non-combustible areas. To avoid these issues, it's essential to obtain the necessary permits and inspections.
This initial gas fireplace service fee is often under $350 plus any parts required for the repair. Basic maintenance or minor repairs, such as pilot light adjustments, can be as low as $100, while more complex issues, like control valve replacements or blower motor repairs, may reach $1,000.
HOWEVER, if you want to err on the side of caution, it is much better to only leave your fireplace burning, no matter what type it is, for two to three hours at a time. If you are older, if you have small children, or if you simply don't want to leave anything to chance, following this rule can give you peace of mind.
Here's an example to help illustrate this, with a fireplace with a Btu rating of 30,000: (30,000 x 1.59) / 100,000 = 0.47. That means it will cost about $0.47 per hour to run your fireplace. If you run your fireplace for 8 hours a night, it will cost $3.76 a day.