jerry : yes two wall switches are standard. One is for the fire and the other for the future optional fan.
The handle on the left-hand side is for your combustion air intake; think of this as a gas pedal in a car but is used for controlling the intensity of your fire. The handle on the right-hand side is for your flue damper; this control is used primarily to slow down the chimney draft.
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.
It's purpose is to light the big flame when you flip the switch on the wall to ``on'' to activate more gas flow and light the big fire. During Winter months, leave the pilot light (tiny flame) ON with the gas line ON. Then flip the wall switch to ignite the big flame whenever you need it.
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.
You can save gas and conserve energy by switching off the pilot light during summer. There is continuous use of gas to keep the pilot light on—turning it off will help save energy. While it may not be a significant drop in your energy or gas bill, remember, every dollar counts.
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.
One is for the fire and the other for the future optional fan.
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 thermo couple is a sensor device that detects heat and permits the pilot light to stay lit. One of these devices could have gone bad or may have shorted out, causing your fireplace to turn shut down or turn back on at random.
Common Reasons Why a Gas Fireplace Switch Stops Working
If the wiring is loose or corroded, the signal won't reach the ignition system. Check the switch and the wiring leading to the fireplace for any visible issues. If your gas fireplace uses a remote control, the issue might be as simple as dead batteries.
A gas fireplace pilot light administers heat to a thermopile, which generates the electricity needed to light your fire. When you flick a switch, the electricity travels from the thermopile to your gas valve, igniting the fire.
The Rocker Switch has three positions. The “ON” position (press the top part of the switch) turns the fire on. The “RS” position (press the bottom part of the switch) permits the remote control switch to turn the fire on and off. The neutral position (halfway between “ON” and “RS”) turns the fire off.
Those gases contain carbon monoxide. Therefore, while it's great to save energy by closing off the damper inside a fireplace, be sure to do so in a safe manner. Do not close a fireplace damper until the fire is completely out.
On a dual lever appliance, the bottom control is the Primary air and the top control is the Secondary. Read your manual for other configurations such as 2 levers on the base. Now we need to find our 'happy' spot. That is the setting where we have sufficient heat and fames to enjoy without burning too hot or cool.
There is some kind of electrical blower on the bottom which, when you plug it in, forces air out the vents on the bottom.
Leaving the pilot light on consumes more gas, and it doesn't make sense to pay for it when you're not using it. Depending on gas prices in your area, the monthly savings may seem insignificant, but they add up.
Dampers are present on most chimney/fireplace systems. They sit just above the firebox (where the logs are burned) and under the flue (see below) and have a handle of some kind that allows you to open and close them. Fireplace dampers are plates that control the flow of air into and away from the firebox.
On a gas fireplace, the blower is usually positioned against the rear wall facing upwards, although it's not uncommon to see blowers positioned on either side of the fireplace. The blower draws in cool room air and forces that air upwards along the back or side of the fireplace.
A fireplace without a fan will still work safely and effectively utilizing radiant heat to warm up the room & home. During a power outage all wood and direct vent gas fireplaces, Inserts and stoves will continue to work safely producing radiant heat without the need for a fan.
Some of the possible serious reasons for pilot lights to go out include loose or broken gas valves, thermocouples or heat exchangers, faulty venting, low gas pressure, or high winds. If you believe there is a serious problem, don't hesitate to contact a professional.
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.
Additionally, a pilot light can blow out over time. A plumber can help reignite the pilot light. They will charge you an hourly fee of $40 to $150. This is usually a fairly brief project, and may just take an hour.