Many of our customers have shut down their fire systems for the off-season, but fireplaces are still the focal point of every home. If you’re like most of our customers, you spend the off-season cleaning up, maintaining, and checking your fire systems to improve efficiency and ensure safety. If you have a gas fireplace or appliance, one of the first things you may try is lighting the pilot light. It is good to check it periodically to make sure it is ready for use in the fall. In our line of work, we meet homeowners that are unsure about their gas appliance, and even afraid of the pilot light. We want our customers to be so acquainted with their system that no fear exists, only comfort, enjoyment, and safety.
How the Pilot Works
Your gas fireplace is powered by gas, which is piped into your home through piping set up by your local gas company. Once the gas at your house is turned on, it moves through the piping and into your appliance or gas log set. The pilot light is designed to use a small amount of gas at a consistent stream to fire a small flame. This little blue flame often is at the bottom of the appliance or beneath the gas logs. It stays lit while the fireplace is turned off. When the fireplace is turned on, a larger amount of gas is pushed through the appliance and lit by the pilot light flame.
This method is more convenient than the alternative—lighting the pilot each time you use the system. Despite the inconvenience, many homeowners prefer to not use the pilot light because they are afraid or misunderstand how to light and use it. We urge our customers, friends, and neighbors to use their appliances according to manufacturer recommendations and guidelines for the best experience. If you’re not sure how to find the information for your furnace model, we are here to help.
Lighting the Pilot
- Read the information provided by your manufacturer. Your owner’s manual is likely available online, or if you’re not sure how to find it, we may be able to help.
- Locate the pilot and controls which are usually near the floor of the fireplace.
- Turn the control knob to “pilot” and use the ignition switch to light the pilot. You can press the ignition switch once per second until it lights. If your model doesn’t have an ignition switch, use a long-stem lighter to light it by holding the flame to the pilot burner with the control knob while pressing the control knob in.
- Once the pilot is burning steadily, turn the control knob to “on”.
Checking your pilot light periodically during the offseason can help you determine if your system needs service before winter. If you have followed all directions for lighting your pilot with no success, contact your gas company to check your home’s connection. You can also call The Cozy Flame to have your gas appliance or fireplace serviced for good measure.
We are here to help you with your gas fireplace maintenance and repairs. Call us today at 203-283-4459.