It’s not necessary to burn firewood the way you may have done in the past with an old traditional fireplace. Modern gas fireplaces don’t leave you with a lot of dirty cleanup work due to the dispersion of ash and soot either. These modern gas fireplaces are often other powered by natural gas or propane. They allow you to experience warmth in the living spaces of your home anytime you desire in a pleasant atmosphere that often accompanies a fireplace.
For the homeowner with one of these units or with the intention to have one installed, it is important to know how to light a fireplace fueled by gas. It generally involves a simple series of steps.
The general procedure for lighting a gas fireplace by turning on the gas inside is reviewed below:
Locate the Controls
First, locate the controls. They are often positioned on the fireplace floor. You might find them behind a metal grate or plate. If this is where they are, lower or raise the cover that covers the controls in order to gain easy access.
Locate the Ignition Button or Switch
The next step in the process of how to light a fireplace fueled by gas is to identify the ignition button. Modern gas fireplace units will have this type of button. If your unit happens to not have an ignition button, you may need to have the pilot light lit first and then light the log with a match before turning on the key valve (explained in the last step).
Find the Control Knob
On the control knob, you will likely see the words “On”, “Off”, and “Pilot.” If the knob is turned to the “Pilot” or “On” position, turn it to the off position. Wait a few minutes before you light the pilot light.
Light the Pilot Light
Next you need to light the pilot light. This can be accomplished by turning the knob to the “Pilot” position. Keep pressing down the control knob of the same time pressing the ignition switch at a rate of one time a second. After you successfully light the pilot light, cease from pressing the ignition switch, but keep pressing the control knob for approximately 30 seconds. After this time period has ended, release the control knob.
If you do not successfully like the pilot light after this process, repeat the process after waiting a few minutes. If after trying again, you are unsuccessful lighting the pilot light, call the gas company for help.
Turn “On” the Control Knob
The final step in how to light a fireplace fueled by gas involves first removing yourself away from the unit to avoid suffering a burn. Turn the ignition button to the on position if your unit has this button. If you don’t have an ignition button, you’ll need to light a long match and place it over the log. Then turn on the key valve which will allow gas to flow into the unit.
Of course, these steps are for only general guidance. Any specific instructions applicable to or provided with your fireplace unit or the manufacturer or seller of your fireplace unit should replace the guidance provided above in all cases.
