The little flame you see in your gas fireplace after you have turned it off is called a pilot light.
You could be dealing with a bad thermo couple/ thermo pile. The thermo couple is a sensor that senses heat and allows the pilot light to remain lit, the thermo pile allows gas to pass through the burner system and provide light and heat. You could be dealing with a bad one or it could be shorting out some where.
If it will not turn off, you have to turn off the gas valve. If the gas valve next to the fireplace is not working, you have to shut down the gas valve at the main. That will shut off the system. Sometimes, you have to change the batteries in the remote, and the receiver inside the unit.
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.
A clogged or faulty burner can cause performance issues resulting in a low gas flame. In addition, carbon build-up, gas residue, and debris can inhibit the burner's ability to function correctly, leading to premature failure. If cleaning the burner doesn't solve the problem, it may need to be replaced.
Common Signs of a Failing Thermocouple
Here are some common indicators: Difficulty Lighting the Fireplace: If you struggle to light your fireplace, or if it takes several tries to keep the pilot lit, it could suggest that the thermocouple is not sensing the flame correctly and is failing to keep the gas supply open.
Turning off your pilot light is a simple process that will save you both energy and money. All you have to do is open the front of your fireplace, turn the Pilot knob to “off,” and then turn your gas shutoff valve to the “off” position as well.
By turning off your gas fireplace in summer, you are saving on your heating. If you were to leave it on, it would continue to burn gas and warm your home to a certain extent. These types of fireplaces continue to give off some heat even if you are not actively using them.
The answer to “is it safe to leave a gas fireplace on all night” is no. There is no gas-burning fireplace that would be guaranteed safe to run all night while you and your family are sleeping. escape is often impossible.
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.
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.
If your gas fireplace keeps shutting off, the first thing you should do is check the batteries in your remote control. If they're dead, that could be the problem. Once you've replaced the batteries, try turning on the fireplace again. If it still doesn't work, there could be an issue with the gas line or pilot light.
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.
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.
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.
Faulty thermostat, thermopile, or thermocouple.
Depending on the age of your unit, you'll have a thermostat or thermopile between your gas valve and pilot light that contributes to ignition. If it's loose or faulty, or if your thermostat is malfunctioning, it may prevent your fireplace from turning on.
If the pilot light is extinguished, allow at least 5 minutes for accumulated gas to disperse after turning off the gas valve before attempting to relight the pilot. Follow manufacturer's specific instructions for relighting the pilot after the gas has dispersed.
Pilot Light: Start by checking the pilot light. If it is out, resetting it could be all you need to fix the problem. Thermocouple/Thermopile/Oxygen sensor: Next, check each of these sensors to make sure they are functioning properly. Start with the thermopile to see if the valve is letting gas in.
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 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.”
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.
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.