Knowledge Builders

do you need electricity to run a gas fireplace

by Garth Ruecker Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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In addition, all direct vent gas fireplaces are sealed, keeping emissions out, and are vented to the exterior of your home using the natural buoyancy of warm air (warm air rises), meaning no electricity is needed to operate your gas fireplace or gas fireplace insert safely.

Will a gas fireplace work without electricity?

Most gas fireplaces can run without electricity. Gas fireplaces that have a standing or vertical pilot light can light with or without electricity. If your gas fireplace has a different type of ignition system, you will not be able to run it without electricity unless it has a backup battery.

Which gas fires are the most efficient?

Which Gas Fires Are The Most Efficient?

  • Open Front Gas fires. Open front gas fires look fantastic with their traditional open fire period aesthetic. ...
  • Outset Living Flame Gas Fires. Outset fires are those that sit on the hearth rather than being set into the chimney. ...
  • Outset Radiant Gas Fires. ...
  • Glass Fronted High Efficiency Gas Fires. ...
  • Balanced Flue High Efficiency Gas Fires. ...
  • Flueless Gas Fires. ...

Will my gas fireplace operate if I lose power?

When the power is out and heat is an issue, a gas fireplace is a lucky thing to have. The fire can still catch if there is no electricity coming in to your gas fireplace. Be prepared to light up your space and be on the receiving end of warmth if you know how the unit works and how to get the spark ignited.

How to light a gas fireplace when power is out?

  • If the system involves opening a gas valve with a fireplace key, use a long match or lighter. ...
  • If you’re using a fireplace key and your fireplace has a front cover, remove it completely and set it aside to access the burner.
  • If the control panel’s pilot knob is not already in “Off” position, turn it off. ...

Do Gas Fireplaces Need Electricity?

What is a gas fireplace?

What is a thermopile?

Where is the pilot flame located on a gas fireplace?

Can a gas fireplace be used during a power outage?

Do natural gas fireplaces have electricity?

Can a natural gas fireplace be started when the power is out?

See 2 more

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How do you start a gas fireplace without electricity?

0:060:50How to Use Your Gas Fireplace During a Power Outage - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou'll see a control area in that control area you'll see a battery tray you pull out the batteryMoreYou'll see a control area in that control area you'll see a battery tray you pull out the battery tray put batteries in it once the batteries are in the tray you should hear a beep.

Why does a gas fireplace need electricity?

It requires an electric source to create a spark that ignites the pilot light. If the power is out, the fireplace will not ignite.

How much electricity does it take to run a gas fireplace?

Standard 20,000 BTU gas fireplace costs $0.29 per hour to run. That's $208.8 per month (absolute max. cost, gas fireplace running 24/7). Big 40,000 BTU gas fireplaces cost $0.58 per hour to run.

Will my gas fireplace work if I lose power?

Gas & wood fireplaces will continue to work safely during a power outage. These fireplaces do not require electricity for venting and can be used safely during a power outage.

Is it safe to operate gas fireplace when power is out?

It's safe to run your gas fireplace during a power outage as long as it is vented outside. The vent will help get rid of any carbon monoxide that is produced from the gas fireplace. The ventilation system will still work without power, especially if you have a fireplace insert or a direct vent fireplace.

Is it cheaper to run a gas fireplace or the furnace?

Zone Heating with Gas Fireplaces Operating a furnace for one hour at 75,000 -100,000 Btu cost a homeowner $1.12 - $1.49 based on last month's national average natural gas rate. By comparison, a natural gas fireplace running at 30,000 Btu per hour cost only 45 cents.

What is cheaper to run a gas fireplace or electric?

Electric fireplaces are cheaper in cost and installation compared to their gas-burning counterparts. While most electric fireplaces do not heat a room as fast as a gas fireplace, they are cheaper to run compared to other types of fireplaces.

Is it cheaper to run gas fireplace or central heat?

Usually it is more fuel efficient to have the fireplace on because it doesn't lose any heat traveling through ductwork, but that also means the heat is localized and won't warm the entirety of a large house. So if everyone is cozied up in one room it is often better to have the fireplace on.

What do gas fireplaces run on?

natural gasGas fireplaces are exceptional heating appliances. They run on propane or natural gas, rather than wood.

Does it cost a lot of money to run a gas fireplace?

A Gas fireplace might cost anywhere from $556 - $1,112* per year when being used for supplemental heating with natural gas. A Freestanding Gas Stove might cost anywhere from $1,016 - $2,031* per year when being used as a zone heaters with natural gas.

How does a fireplace work with gas?

A vented gas fireplace functions using a combustion and exhaust system that creates highly safe, efficient heating. The unit is a sealed chamber that brings in fresh air from the outside for use in the combustion process and then channels gaseous byproducts back out to the exterior of the building.

How to Light a Gas Fireplace Without Electricity | Hunker

Don't lose your cool if the power goes out and you need some heat and light from your gas fireplace. Get the spark back in your cold gas appliance with a little understanding of basic gas fireplace operation. After completing just a few steps, you will have heat, light and comfort.

Reasons Your Gas Fireplace Isn’t Working - Highs Chimney

Reasons Your Gas Fireplace Isn’t Working. Gas fireplaces have several benefits: they’re easy to control, efficient at heating, and clean-burning.

Gas Fireplace Insert Electrical Requirements | HVACDirect.com

If you have an older gas fireplace insert, it likely does not need electrical hook-up since the pilot light is probably lit and at the ready at all times.However, more recently built inserts, have an energy-conscious design with an intermittent ignition system which means electricity is used through a remote control system to spark the pilot flame each time you want to use your fireplace.

Do gas fireplaces need electricity?

A gas fireplace’s pilot light must be ignited first before the flames may begin to burn. There are several gas fireplaces that use a spark ignition method to aid the pilot light catch alight; but, do these fireplaces require electricity in order to operate?

Is it possible to use a gas fireplace if the power goes out?

When the power goes out, gas fireplaces that are not connected to an electrical supply can still be utilized. When the power goes off, many of the newer electric gas fireplace models feature backup battery compartments.

How to Light a Gas Fireplace Without Electricity

A gas fireplace comes in handy when the electricity goes out and you need to keep warm. Even if your gas fireplace isn’t getting any power, a fire might still start inside.

Know Your Place

To start the flames, a gas fireplace has traditionally been equipped with a standing pilot light that does not require electricity.

Pilots and Igniters

An intermittent pilot ignition mechanism is most likely to be found in modern gas fireplaces. Every time you want to use the fireplace, you’ll need to light the pilot with electricity.

Make a Spark of Flame

Make sure the gas valve is turned on before turning up the heat. Make sure you find the pilot light, which may be hidden behind a panel or buried under the unit’s frame. With a flashlight, it is easy to locate this small but crucial dial.

Do Gas Fireplaces Require Electricity?

Gas fireplaces are a type of fireplace that you can light without electricity. Gas fireplaces need a spark to start the pilot light and flames.

Do Ventless Gas Fireplaces Need Electricity?

Vents are required for most ventless gas fireplaces, which typically require a standard electricity outlet supply.

Can You Run a Gas Fireplace when the Power Is Out?

Traditional gas fireplaces that aren’t linked to an electrical source can still be used when the power is out .

What can produce a small amount of electricity that will start the pilot light?

A thermopile or thermocouple can produce a small amount of electricity that will start the pilot light.

What is a gas fireplace?

A gas fireplace is an appliance that converts natural gas or propane into heat. It can be used in any house room, but it’s most commonly found in living rooms – some even come with a mantle for added style and decoration.

What is the purpose of a battery compartment in a pilot light?

This is mainly in the form of a battery compartment where a few batteries of standard size can be inserted to help provide the spark for the pilot light while the power is out.

Why replace a wood burning fireplace?

Many homeowners are deciding to replace their wood-burning fireplaces because they’re more efficient and can be customized to look better than traditional fireplaces.

What is an IPI valve?

The intermittent pilot ignition (IPI) valve system uses electricity to ignite the flame. When you turn on an IPI valve gas fireplace, an electrode turns on the pilot gas. The pilot flame then ignites the main burner gas, which provides the main flame.

What is an electric fireplace?

Electric fireplaces. These systems use LEDs and electric heaters to ignite the flames. Without electricity, they are impossible to operate.

What is the main piece of equipment in a standing pilot light system?

The main piece of equipment in standing pilot light systems is the thermocouple. This piece connects the gas line to the burner and will play a big role in running the fireplace without electricity.

What position should the dial be in when not in use?

Make sure the dial is in the ignite position. It should be in the ‘off’ position when not in use.

Do IPI valves need electricity?

Since IPI valve system fireplaces require electricity to ignite the flame, you will need another way to ignite the flame in the event of a power outage.

Can a gas fireplace be turned on without electricity?

Some gas fireplaces will operate without electricity. Many intermittent pilot ignition valve systems come with a backup battery-powered ignition system and you can turn these fireplaces on during a power outage. If you have a standing pilot light system, you may have to start the pilot light manually.

Do IPI valves have a backup battery?

IPI valve systems will normally have a backup battery system in place to ignite the flames. On the other hand, standing pilot ignition valve systems will usually start without intervention. However, you may need to manually start the pilot light once in a while to get it going.

How does an electric fireplace work?

The electric fireplace also works by dissipating the warmth right into the room without any heat getting lost through the vent or chimney. They also provide you greater control over the heat output and are easier to work with. They are also considered much safer as the door does not get white-hot, and the LCD does not cause any physical harm when touched. Even with the gas fireplace producing real flames, these flames are considered a safety hazard as they produce a lot of heat, which has to be gotten rid of using the chimney and the vent.

How much energy does a gas fireplace use?

In terms of energy efficiency, the gas fireplaces spend between 7000 and 16000 BTUs and are known to be 70% to 90% efficient in energy to heat conversion.

Why convert a gas fireplace to an electric fireplace?

Even if gas fireplaces are easy to control, they will cost you a lot more than gas units. They are also a significant fire hazard and cause blood-freezing moments when you walk in and smell a gas leak.

How does a fireplace save energy?

They save you energy by automatically turning the fireplace on and off as you wish.

What happens if you upgrade your gas bill?

The upgrade will reduce the costs that you will be incurring for heating your home, and you will reduce the risk of fire hazards in your home. You also get to pay lower insurance premiums with such an upgrade, which means your bills are lowered.

How much does it cost to run an electric fireplace?

Annually, the cost can average $60 to run. For the electric fireplaces, the output is usually based on the electric current with an average of 120-volt outlets giving out a little over 5000 BTUs, which are enough to warm an area of 500 sq. ft. It also features a thermostat for energy regulation. All their energy gets converted to heat and might cost you an average of $25 annually to run.

Is a gas fireplace better than an electric fireplace?

The gas fireplace has more complicated controls not only for a photo idea gallery or video gallery but needs a flue and is not as efficient as the electric fireplace, which you can operate using a remote control. The electric fireplace also comes with better safety features than what the gas fireplace is capable of providing. You are better off with the former option for heating your home and staying safe at the same time. Automatic safety features make the electric fireplace less stressful to work with, great for a video gallery or a photo idea gallery, and you will no longer have to worry about substantial heating bills.

How Does A Millivolt Generator Make Electricity?

Discovered by Thomas Johann Seebeck in 1821. Seebeck found that by combining two different types of metal and applying heat that it produce an electric current.

Is It Dangerous If The Pilot Light Goes Out?

Most older furnaces and even currently produced water heaters that have thermocouples or pilot generators have gas valves that feed both the burner and the pilot light.

How many millivolts does a gas fireplace need?

The millivolt generator in your gas fireplace has a gas valve that requires a minimum of 250 millivolts to keep the valve open. If the pilot goes out then the gas valve will close, stopping the flow of gas to the burner.

How many millivolts does a thermocouple produce?

Thermocouples produce a low 30 millivolts while pilot generators generate around 350 millivolts. This thermocouple also comes with some fittings that aid in it’s installation. Thermocouples like this one are generally used in water heaters and older standing pilot furnaces.

Why is it important to have a proper flame on a generator?

It’s critical to have the proper flame on the power generator. The flame must be near enough to the burner as not to cause the flame to delay when the valve opens. You could loose your hair if you get your face too close when starting the fireplace and things are not lined up correctly.

What happens if the power goes out in a fireplace?

If the power goes out the fan will not operate but the flame in the fireplace will continue to burn and produce heat because it’s powered by a pilot generator or what’s called a powerpile. This power generator is a safety device. When the pilot goes out the gas valve will not open. Most everyone has heard the term thermocouple.

What is an anticipator thermostat?

These thermostats come with an anticipator, a dial that sets the cycle rate for the heating equipment.

How to reset a fireplace remote?

This simple process involves removing the front of the fireplace insert and using a paper clip or other small object to push a button which synchronizes the system with the remote.

Do you need an electric hook up for a gas fireplace?

Gas Fireplace Insert Electrical Requirements. If you have an older gas fireplace insert, it likely does not need electrical hook-up since the pilot light is probably lit and at the ready at all times. However, more recently built inserts, have an energy-conscious design with an intermittent ignition system which means electricity is used ...

Can you control the fan speed with a remote?

Remote controlled fan speed: Just as you can control the pilot light with a remote, you can also control the speed of the fan with your remote. Child Lock: The remote comes with a child lock for safety purposes, ensuring that children cannot light the fireplace without adult supervision.

Do Gas Fireplaces Need Electricity?

Gas fireplaces are a form of fireplace that traditionally didn’t typically need a source of electricity in order to work.

What is a gas fireplace?

Our gas fireplace is a natural vent gas fireplace meaning that fresh air is vented from the room and waste air is exhausted from the house through the chimney above the masonry fireplace in which this gas fireplace sits.

What is a thermopile?

A thermopile/thermocouple can generate its own small amounts of electricity in order to provide the spark for the pilot light to start. As an example, our gas fireplace insert isn’t connected up to the home electrics but uses a thermocouple spark ignition system to start the pilot light. The pilot light on our particular gas fireplace doesn’t need ...

Where is the pilot flame located on a gas fireplace?

The spark can be generated, and the pilot flame started, by using the controls located at the underside front of this gas fireplace.

Can a gas fireplace be used during a power outage?

However, gas fireplaces radiate heat as well as through convection with a blower and so a gas fireplace will still be able to provide heat in case of a power outage. Whether a gas fireplace can be used or not during a power cut will differ between each model. Although many gas fireplaces provide backup solutions for when power is out, ...

Do natural gas fireplaces have electricity?

Our natural vent gas fireplace doesn’t have an electricity supply and so can be used when the power is out. Many more modern types of gas fireplaces (compared to ours) will require plugging into the house electrics when the fireplace is installed. This means that these newer types of gas fireplace use an electrical supply to provide ...

Can a natural gas fireplace be started when the power is out?

A natural vent gas fireplace (that sits within an existing masonry fireplace and utilises the chimney for exhausting waste fumes) can therefore also be started and used when the power is out because mains electricity isn’t required to provide the spark. Our natural vent gas fireplace doesn’t have an electricity supply and so can be used when ...

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1.Do Gas Fireplaces Need Electricity? - Fireplace Universe

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