Save Energy and Money – Don't Leave Your Pilot Light Always On. As the weather gets warmer, you will be using your gas fireplace less and less. Turning off your gas fireplace seasonally can save you a substantial amount of energy and money.
A: Yes, turning off the pilot light when the fireplace isn't in use, such as during the warmer months, can help save energy and reduce your gas bill.
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.
Yes turn it off. It does not burn a lot of gas true. It is just a waste when you do not need it. Also as a pilot light it is a source of ignition in the event the system creates a leak. Make sure you check for leaks when you light the pilot.
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.
Running a gas fireplace costs between $400 and $640 per year. The average cost to run a gas fireplace annually is $520. This comes out to $0.35 to $0.62 per hour, but your costs will depend on several factors, including your fireplace's fuel type and heat output. Your location and usage habits also play a role.
Although gas log fireplace inserts and direct-vent gas log fireplaces can run continuously, please note this safety guideline: DO NOT leave a gas fireplace on overnight. Among the potential dangers is the release of carbon monoxide fumes during combustion.
In some ways they're like the oven in your kitchen: you would never (or should never) leave this appliance on around the clock. The reason is that the carbon monoxide produced during combustion will remain in the home and could harm those who live there.
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.
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.
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.
Poor ventilation can affect the flame as the vents become dirty or blocked, preventing sufficient airflow. It can disrupt the balance of oxygen and pressure needed for stable combustion, activate safety mechanisms, and lead to incomplete combustion and overheating, all of which can cause a gas fire to go out.
The best reason to turn the pilot light off during summer is to conserve energy, especially now that prices are rising. Leaving the pilot light on consumes more gas, and it doesn't make sense to pay for it when you're not using it.
The pilot light isn't just a regular flame; it's a small, continuous flame that stays lit even when the primary gas burner isn't in use. Its enduring nature is crucial to its role in gas appliances. It operates by maintaining a controlled gas flow from the main gas valve.
The most common issue with gas fireplaces is they shut off by themselves. You may want to know how to fix a gas fireplace that keeps turning off, but you need a qualified chimney inspector to inspect your gas fireplace. Here are some of the problems the inspector will look for while inspecting your gas fireplace.
It can feel tempting running your gas fireplace all day long when it's chilly outside, but this can come with some safety risks. In general, you shouldn't leave your gas fireplace on for more than three hours. However, there are a few different types of gas fireplaces on the market, each with their own safety concerns.
LP gas is measured in terms of gallons. There are 92,000 BTU's per gallon. The price of one gallon of LP is $1.10, which means that you will have to pay roughly $5.20 every month to keep your pilot light on.
The decision boils down to residual heat, gas usage, and the possibility of nesting spiders. Generally, we recommend turning off the gas pilot light during the summer months. But, remember to schedule fall fireplace maintenance so that a professional technician can inspect your fireplace and keep it in mint condition.
Here's a breakdown:
A fireplace pilot light might consume about 24,000 BTU per day, adding up to about 720,000 BTU a month, or 7.2 therms. If you're paying $1 per therm, then leaving the pilot light on all the time throughout a month might cost you around $7 per month and $84 per year.
Because these fireplaces do not have a vent, they can become dangerous if they run for more than three hours. While they can be a great source of heat, they need to be monitored very closely to prevent fire safety issues.
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. Some newer fireplaces feature a standing pilot system with an 'intermittent pilot,' where the pilot isn't actually on all the time.
Many units have a built-in oxygen sensor that will automatically shut off the fireplace when low indoor oxygen levels are detected. Most gas fireplace safety experts recommend not running a vent-free gas log fireplace for more than three hours.
Answer: It is not safe to leave a gas fireplace on overnight or while sleeping.
But in general, an efficiently running modern gas fire kept clear of dust and debris should hit or exceed that 10 to 15-year mark before showing signs of wear. Older or cheaper models may start to struggle after 7–8 years. Regular servicing and maintenance will be essential to maximising lifespan potential.
The average cost to run a gas fireplace is $1.20 to $6.30 per day, or $40 to $190 per month when running the fireplace 3 to 6 hours a day. The cost of running a gas fireplace depends on the fuel type, home location, and the fireplace size, type, and efficiency.