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.
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.
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.
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.
As the weather gets warmer, many homeowners wonder if they should turn off their gas fireplace pilot light in the summer. Typically, extinguishing the pilot light in the summer is safe and often sound practice.
Energy Conservation
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.
It is better to turn it off when it is not in use rather than let it continue to run for no purpose. It is also safer to turn things like gas fireplaces off if they are not needed right then.
Key Takeaways: Gas fireplaces consume between 20,000 to 60,000 BTUs per hour, depending on size and efficiency. Smaller, high-efficiency units with intermittent usage can minimize gas consumption and costs. Proper sizing, venting, and maintenance are crucial for optimal efficiency.
Then look at your gas bill and find out what you pay per Therm. Usually, it is $1 and change. So your pilot can be costing you $7 to $10 per month.
In the end, keeping the gas fireplace pilot light on or off is a personal preference. 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.
This valve operates automatically and shuts off gas flow as soon as the pilot goes out, preventing any risks of excessive gas buildup. That said, even the failsafe system can malfunction, so any time your pilot is out, be sure to carefully check for any strong gas odors, like the scent of sulfur or rotten eggs.
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.
Signs of a carbon monoxide leak in your house or home
Sooty or brownish-yellow stains around the leaking appliance. Stale, stuffy, or smelly air, like the smell of something burning or overheating. Soot, smoke, fumes, or back-draft in the house from a chimney, fireplace, or other fuel burning equipment.
How Fireplaces Affect Your Sinuses. The heat from a fireplace can dry out the air in your home, leading to reduced humidity levels. This dryness can irritate your nasal passages, making them more susceptible to inflammation and discomfort.
You start smelling strange odors
This smell should go away after three to four hours of use. A dirty fireplace with excessive pet hair or dust can also produce an odor. If you smell rotten eggs, call for help immediately, as you likely have a gas leak.
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.
Gas Fireplace
While they preserve more heat than a wood-burning fireplace, they still lose around 75% of the heat they generate. The cost of the natural gas you burn can increase your heating bill.
A: Yes, it's generally safe to leave the pilot light on in your gas fireplace. This small flame is designed to stay lit all the time. Q: What are the benefits of leaving the pilot light on? A: Keeping the pilot light on can prevent the build-up of moisture in the fireplace, which can lead to corrosion over time.
For your safety, DO NOT turn off your natural gas at the meter unless your house piping is known or suspected to be leaking and believe yourself to be in danger, and ONLY if it's safe to do so. If possible, shut off any accessible isolation valve at the appliance(s) if a leak is known or suspected at an appliance.
Energy Inefficiency and Higher Utility Bills
Leaving a pilot light on in your gas fireplace may seem inconsequential, but it's important to consider the continuous gas consumption. Even when you're not enjoying the warmth of your fireplace, that small flame is constantly at work, burning fuel.
Traditional fireplaces can overheat
A gas fireplace allows you to get in there quickly and shut off the gas so things can cool immediately instead of fuming. They can be incredibly unpredictable and can damage the chimney.
In California, most of the regulations about gas fireplaces revolve around the installation of these systems. For example, ventless natural gas fireplaces usually aren't allowed in California. A permit is needed to remove a gas fireplace to ensure that your home is still up to code after the project is done.
A stable pilot light is essential for your gas fireplace to operate correctly. If the pilot light keeps going out, it can cause the fireplace to shut off automatically. Common reasons for pilot light failure include drafts, debris in the assembly, or low gas pressure.
Disconnect the Gas Line
Next, you need to remove the line that feeds the natural gas into the fireplace. The insert should have a gas line that connects to the main gas line–a fitting should connect the two lines. Use two adjustable wrenches or pipe wrenches–in opposite directions–to loosen the fitting.