Why is there a switch next to my gas fireplace?

Author: Mr. Ron Price  |  Last update: Tuesday, December 2, 2025

The wall switch is a convenient feature that allows you to control the fireplace from anywhere in the room. It is connected to the fireplace's ignition system.

What is the switch next to my fireplace gas?

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.

Why is there a light switch next to my gas fireplace?

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.

Why does my fireplace have a fan switch?

To combat the inefficiencies of radiant heat and to lessen heat loss through venting, adding a blower or fan kit can significantly improve the overall efficiency of your fireplace. In fact, some blowers can improve gas fireplace efficiency by as much as 80%!

What is the RS switch on a gas fireplace?

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.

EASY: Fix Gas Fireplace Not Starting

Where is the off switch on gas fireplace?

First, locate the fireplace controls, they are located usually behind a louver or panel at the bottom of the fireplace. Next, locate the control knob on the gas valve, it usually has 3 labels Off, On, and Pilot.

What is the gas burner emergency switch?

Gas Furnace - The emergency switch is typically a red switch located on or near the furnace unit. It may be mounted on the side of the furnace or on a nearby wall. Heat Pump - The emergency switch for a heat pump is typically a red switch located near the outdoor unit. It may be on the unit itself or on a nearby wall.

How does a fireplace switch work?

The wall switch sends an electrical signal to your fireplace to open a valve and release the gas for the pilot light to light it. Without power most fireplace valves will not open.

What is the purpose of the fan on a gas fireplace?

A fireplace blower is a fan mounted on the exterior of the fireplace or inside the unit but outside the firebox itself. It is used to circulate air around the unit's hot exterior before pushing it back into the room. Fireplace fans help to circulate warm air and increase heat penetration into the room.

What is the switch at the bottom of my fireplace?

There is some kind of electrical blower on the bottom which, when you plug it in, forces air out the vents on the bottom.

Why wont my gas fireplace start with a switch?

If you flick the switch and nothing happens, you need to do an inspection. Bypass your switch and see if a current flows through your wires. Odds are, you need to replace the switch and install a millivolt switch. You may need to clean or repair a broken wire.

Is it okay to leave the pilot light on a gas fireplace all the time?

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.

What is the extra light switch for?

Why Does My Room Have an Extra Light Switch? Multi-Function Switches: In modern homes, light switches serve multiple functions, such as controlling ceiling fans and lights. The extra switch may be for a feature you haven't discovered, like a fan or an outlet.

Why is there a switch next to my fireplace?

The wall switch is a convenient feature that allows you to control the fireplace from anywhere in the room. It is connected to the fireplace's ignition system.

What is the knob next to the fireplace?

Do you see a knob near the fireplace or a metal rod inside the firebox? If you see one of these, you have a traditional throat damper. If the knob is turned counterclockwise all the way or the rod hangs down low, it means the damper is closed.

Is it bad to run gas fireplace without fan?

Fireplace Fans

Kozy Heat offers several fireplaces that have been tested both with and without the fan operating. Therefore, if you end up losing power, you can operate your fireplace as long as you would like to with no concerns.

How do I get more heat out of my gas fireplace?

There are several ways to increase heat output from your gas fireplace. Some methods include using a fireplace blower to circulate the air, installing a heat exchanger, placing a fireback behind the fireplace to reflect heat, and converting a gas fireplace to a gas insert.

Is it cheaper to run a furnace or gas fireplace?

A modern furnace is more efficient in turning gas into heat than a gas fireplace. This means that although a furnace costs more to run per hour than a gas fireplace, it turns more of that energy into heat and can warm a whole house rather than a single room.

What is the switch next to my gas fireplace?

A gas fireplace switch is typically an electrical component that controls the ignition system of the fireplace. When you flip the switch, it sends a signal to the fireplace to ignite the gas burner, lighting up the fire. Gas fireplaces either use a manual toggle switch or a remote control system to operate.

Do all gas fireplaces have a wall switch?

While some gas fireplaces ignite with the flip of a wall switch, or even by remote, other fireplaces are lit by turning a wall key, or a hex key, while applying flame from a lighter or long match. Operation is fast, easy, and safe—as long as you follow the lighting procedure correctly.

Will a gas fireplace with a switch work without power?

If you have a gas fireplace with a vertical pilot, it will light during a power outage because it does not require electricity to start the pilot flame. Most gas fireplaces incorporate a self-generating millivolt system using a thermopile.

What does a gas switch do?

This protects your home from dangerous backdrafting, which is when exhaust fumes are reintroduced into the system. The pressure switch also guards against gas leaks and prevents the furnace from cycling if there's a mechanical failure.

What is a spill switch on a gas fireplace?

A spill switch is a device designed to sense and correct unsafe venting of combustion gases from a gas-fired appliance into a building.

What is the purpose of an emergency switch?

An emergency stop switch, also known as an E-Stop, is a safety mechanism used to quickly shut down machinery or equipment in emergency situations when standard shutdown procedures are not feasible.

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