Knowledge Builders

what should the pilot light look like on a gas fireplace

by Annie Little Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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You should be able to clearly see the flame of the pilot light. The first thing to check is the color of the flame. A natural gas flame should be a bright blue color with a small amount of yellow at the very tip. A propane flame will have more of a bluish-green flame with a tinge of yellow at the tip.Jan 10, 2018

Full Answer

Should I keep the pilot light burning on a gas fireplace?

Most gas fireplaces that are designed to have a standing pilot should be safe enough to leave the pilot going . But it is up to you as to whether or not you feel safe. You may be able to get a set of glass doors for the fireplace as well, if that would make you feel better about leaving it on, but you would have to remember to open the glass doors when your used the fireplace or you could damage the unit.

How do you light a pilot light in a fireplace?

Lighting Instructions:

  • Turn the gas knob clockwise to the off position.
  • Wait five (5) minutes to clear out any gas.
  • Find pilot located in front of back log.
  • Turn gas knob counter-clockwise to pilot.
  • Depress slightly and hold gas knob while lighting the pilot with the push button igniter.

How do I adjust the pilot on gas fireplace?

How do you adjust the pilot light on a gas fireplace? There is a button on some fireplaces that will let you adjust the flame upward or downward. You can adjust the screw with a screwdriver. The flame will be lowered when the screw is turned clockwise.

Where can you find gas stove with pilot lights?

While your natural gas appliance is running normally, find the pilot light. If your appliance is located in a basement or other dark area, use a flashlight, headlamp or the light from a smartphone to find the pilot light valve. Notice where it is and how it looks.

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How big should a flame be for a pilot light on a gas fireplace?

about ½ inchHow big should the pilot light be? The flame should be blue, with yellow tips and long enough, about ½ inch, to cover the end of the thermocouple tip.

Should a pilot light be orange?

The flames from traditional pilot lights should burn a bright blue color. If your pilot light's flame is orange or yellow, it is burning inefficiently due to a lack of oxygen. The thermocouple should sense when this happens because the heat from the flame will not be as hot as it should be.

What does it look like when the pilot light is lit?

If your pilot light is on, it should be easy to see – your eyes will be drawn to the little flame. If you don't see a flame, your pilot light is out. If there is a flame, check the color. Pilot lights should always be blue.

Is the pilot light always on for gas fireplace?

Do Gas Fireplaces Always Have A Flame? Gas fireplaces that use a standing pilot ignition system will have a pilot flame that's always on. Gas fireplaces that use an intermittent pilot ignition system won't have and/or require a flame that's always on as the pilot can be switched on and off as required.

What color should my fireplace pilot light be?

bright blue colorInspecting a Gas Furnace Pilot Light Flame A natural gas flame should be a bright blue color with a small amount of yellow at the very tip. A propane flame will have more of a bluish-green flame with a tinge of yellow at the tip. The flame should strong enough to cover about 1/2 inch at the end of the thermocouple tip.

How do I fix my orange pilot light?

0:293:15What to do if your Pilot flame is Orange - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo to fix this problem it's a little bit of a chore because you have to take apart. The pilotMoreSo to fix this problem it's a little bit of a chore because you have to take apart. The pilot assembly you may have to remove it from the stove some.

Will gas leak if pilot light is off?

This electric current energises an electromagnet that in turn keeps a gas valve open allowing gas to flow to the main burner. If the pilot light goes out for any reason, the current stops, the valve closes, thus preventing any gas from leaking.

Should the flame touch the thermocouple?

The pilot light flame needs to completely envelop the top of the thermocouple rod so it knows the flame is on. If the thermocouple isn't lined up correctly, it won't read the flame, and will shut the valve for the gas. I'm not touching it.

Does gas still flow when pilot light goes out?

If your pilot light repeatedly goes out, this is a likely culprit. If this flame sensor should fail, gas will continue to flow even after the pilot light has been extinguished, causing a safety hazard and requiring immediate repair.

Is my pilot light supposed to stay on?

Is it safe to leave the pilot light on all the time? Generally speaking, it is safe to leave your continuous pilot light on at all times, assuming it stays lit (more on this in a moment). While it does cost more to keep your pilot light on in between uses, it can actually have some benefits to your system.

Is it OK to leave pilot light on gas fireplace overnight?

It's not safe to leave it on. Why Isn't It Safe? The biggest reason is that gas fireplaces can release deadly carbon monoxide gas, which is odourless and can go unnoticed until a person dies from carbon monoxide poisoning. It is best to not leave your fireplace on for more than three hours at a time.

Does a pilot light produce carbon monoxide?

It could be dangerous. But if your pilot light is yellow, or even if has a slight yellow or orange tint, then wasted energy may be the least of your concerns. A yellow or orange pilot light will produce carbon monoxide – an odourless, colourless gas that can fill your home and cause carbon monoxide poisoning.

Why is my furnace flame orange?

When flames are yellow or orange it is a sign of dirt build up in the burner, or other possible issues. An unstable flickering yellow or orange flame is an indication that the furnace is not producing an appropriate mixture of gas and oxygen. Ignoring this sign can lead to a large gas leak and lead to disaster.

What Colour should the pilot light be on a boiler?

blueThe pilot light on your boiler should be blue. If you cast your mind back to science lessons at school, you may remember that a blue flame on your Bunsen burner was considered the most energy-efficient. This is because it uses the least amount of gas to produce heat.

Why is my pilot flame yellow?

If you begin to feel unwell and your pilot light is burning yellow then seek medical assistance immediately. Yellow pilot lights mean that the gas-to-air mixture in your gas boiler is incorrect and that too much air is getting into the system.

What causes yellow flame on pilot light?

The most common reason why a pilot light would start to burn yellow is that the air intake valve to the pilot light is clogged with dirt. When this happens, air will be blocked from the flame and it will suffer from incomplete combustion (causing the yellow color).

Why turn off the pilot light on a gas fireplace?

The main reason to turn the gas fireplace pilot light off when the season is over is the waste of gas. Gas is expensive and leaving the pilot light for a whole season with no need of using the fireplace will increase the number in the bill significantly. Extra heat delivered to your house during the summer.

What position should the pilot light be after lighting gas logs?

After lighting gas logs pilot light, set the handle to the “On” position.

How does the pilot light works?

Gas fireplaces have the system of ignition based on the pilot light stand that provides flame and the thermocouple that sends an electric signal for the gas valve. When the pilot is on, the flame gives the right temperature to the thermocouple sensors and in its turn, the thermocouple gives the signal. These two devices depend on each other’s work. Thermocouple provides the signal that lets the pilot light stay on. The light provides the temperature needed for the thermocouple to work. This dependence is one of the main reasons for issues in the fireplace work.

How big should pilot light be?

To examine the work of the ignition system, first of all, see what does a pilot light look like. If it is too big or too bright it may give you a hint to the problem

What happens if the pilot flame is too long?

If the pilot flame is too long it will not reach the sensors and they could not ignite the system. Also, the bright orange light does not provide the temperature needed for the thermocouple to work. It probably would not cause any damage to the system, but it may have issues with the ignition.

What to do if your pilot light is too high?

So, if your pilot light flame also tends to be too high, ensure that your fireplace doesn’t have a button to bring the flame up or downward. If there’s no such button, adjust a screw on the fireplace.

Why doesn't my pilot light work?

Venting should work properly to provide enough oxygen to the system. Problems with the gas regulator or gas availability. These may be the reasons why the pilot light doesn’t work properly. Try to check each of them by yourself or get professional help for troubleshooting gas fireplace pilot lights.

How much does it cost to run a gas fireplace pilot light?

Based on the average cost of natural gas, this comes out to about $7 to $10 per month.

How do you turn off the pilot light on a gas fireplace?

If your fireplace is malfunctioning or you just don’t plan on using it for a while, you may want to turn off the pilot light. Luckily, this is usually a fairly straightforward process.

Is it safe to leave the pilot light on all the time?

Generally speaking, it is safe to leave your continuous pilot light on at all times, assuming it stays lit (more on this in a moment).

Is it dangerous if the pilot light goes out?

Since a pilot light is a flame fed by a continuous flow of gas, then it stands to reason that the flame going out would allow gas to flow freely into your house.

What should I do when my pilot light goes out?

If you notice your pilot light has gone out, the first thing you should do is shut off the gas feed and wait a few minutes. This will assure no excess gas has built up in the system or in the room.

How to relight a gas pilot?

Often, this will involve manually depressing the pilot valve and using an electric ignitor or match to light the pilot.

Why do you need a pilot light on a propane heater?

When the fireplace or propane heater is turned on, the pilot light serves as an ignition source for the larger sweep of gas released from the burner. It also provides the energy necessary to open and close certain gas valves during startup.

What happens if the pilot light goes out on a gas fireplace?

If the pilot light has gone out, the first thing to investigate is whether or not your gas supply has been exhausted. If you have your own tank, you can check to see if it is empty. You can also check with your gas provider to find out if you have had your supply interrupted by actions taken on their part. It is also possible for a pilot light to get blown out. If the fireplace’s gas valve has been closed, this will also cause the pilot light to go out. The most important point here is that it is important to determine the cause if the pilot light on your gas fireplace does go out. In many cases, you can always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and relight your pilot light accordingly.

What is the best thing about a gas fireplace?

The great thing about a gas fireplace is that it is easy to light and works quickly to heat up your home. The steps involved in lighting your pilot on your gas fireplace include:

Will My Gas Shut Off If The Pilot Light Goes Out?

If your gas goes out you may wonder whether or not the gas will shut off. Many homeowners worry that there will be a gas leak present if the pilot goes out. The good news is that today’s modern gas fireplaces have a fail-safe device that will shut off the gas in the case that the pilot light has gone out. This fail-safe adds to the safety of today’s gas fireplace options. It is also important to note that if your pilot light continues to go out, you could have an issue that will need to be addressed by a qualified and trained fireplace repair professional.

Why do people use gas fireplaces?

Gas fireplaces are notable for producing heat that is energy efficient. These are just a few of the reasons that so many people are choosing the gas fireplace option for home heating. The safety offered by gas fireplaces is one of the leading benefits of this heating option. At the same time, it is important to understand important details related ...

Who owns Fireplace Concepts?

Brent Littleton is the owner of Fireplace Concepts in Lexington, Kentucky. Fireplace Concepts installs fireplaces for home builders in the area and offers both residential and commercial fireplace solutions.

Should the Pilot Light Always Be on in a Gas Fireplace?

People often ask whether their pilot light should always be on in their gas fireplace. The type of gas fireplace will play some role in this. Some models are designed to have the pilot lit only when the unit is in use. Other models have a standing pilot light that operates at all times. It can be a matter of personal preference as to whether or not you should leave it on year-round. If you live in a climate that is damp, leaving the pilot lit can help to keep the fireplace’s firebox dry. Many gas fireplace owners also simply choose to leave the pilot on so that they do not have to relight it again. An advantage of turning the pilot light off would be the fact that it could save you a bit of money.

Where is the Pilot Light on a Gas Fireplace?

Once you have taken off the facing of the gas fireplace, you should see the gas controls. Within the controls, as part of the ignition system, will be your pilot light.

What is a pilot light?

A pilot light is the ignition source for the fireplace. This small flame is kept alight with a steady stream of gas. Pilot lights do not require electricity, so if you lose power, you are all set. With a conventional standing pilot light, your fireplace is always ready to start.

What do you do when your Pilot Light goes Out?

Your pilot light is a flame fed by an ongoing steady stream of gas. So if your pilot light goes out, you need to make sure that gas is not be emitted into your house. Most times, pilot light goes out is because there is a problem with the gas flow. In this case, no gas will be released into your home.

What is the purpose of a pilot light?

When you turn on your fireplace, gas is released to the main burner. What the pilot light does to ignite the gas, which provides heat. Serving as the energy source, the pilot light is necessary to open and close gas valves in your fireplace.

What is a gas fireplace?

Gas fireplaces are now made with either an electric ignition or a pilot light. The term gas is typically used to mean either natural gas or propane. The two gases burn differently, so the burner in your fireplace must be specifically made for whichever option you choose.

Can you retrofit a wood fireplace?

You can retrofit an existing wood fireplace or install a stand-alone gas or propane fireplace. Whether you chose a gas or propane fireplace, both are easy to use, provide warmth, and will mesmerize you with their dancing flames. Read on for more information about gas and propane fireplaces and their pilot lights.

Do you have to turn off the gas before you relight a fireplace?

Most gas fireplaces have safety measures in place to prevent gas from flowing into your home. As a precaution, you do want to turn off the gas feed before you relight your pilot. Adding this safety step will let any gas remaining to dissipate before you reignite your pilot light.

What is a Pilot Light?

The pilot light can remain lit at all times but does not have to be. The idea behind the pilot light is that it can make your life easier by saving you time.

What Happens when the Pilot Light is not Right?

For example, if the pilot light is too long, it will be narrower, meaning that its width may not touch the sensors. This leads to the issue of the system not igniting.

Why does a pilot light go out?

Unlike these issues, which can be caused by blockages and/or a faulty system, external factors can cause your pilot light to go out.

Should I Turn my Pilot Light Off?

Although a pilot light is typically left on for an extended period, certain times are not needed and can be turned off.

What is the pilot light on a fireplace?

Right before your burner is the pilot light. This pilot light can be a “steady-on” pilot, an “intermittent,” or an electrical ignition system. The later type of pilot light is on only when the valve is open, and your fireplace is operational. A millivolt valve utilizes a particular pilot light that is always lit, ...

How much gas does a pilot light use?

Should you turn your pilot off during summers? How much gas does a pilot light require?

What happens if flame is still on?

In case your flame is still on, the chances are that you have a faulty valve that needs to be repaired or replaced. If you feel like you’re not sure what has to be done during the process, or if you would feel more comfortable with a professional doing the job for you, give Elegant Fireside a call.

What is the function of a pilot light?

The function of a pilot light. There are two crucial functions of a pilot light. One is to generate electricity; Millivolts that close and open your gas valve. And the second is to ignite the gas once the valve is opened.

What is included in a gas burner?

The burner includes a gas valve, a control module, and various other fittings. When the remote controller is pressed, the thermostat on the wall starts calling for heat, or the world switch is clicked on, the gas valve gets open and allows gas to flow through the burner. Right before your burner is the pilot light.

How to check if a flame has gone out?

Make sure that you double-check the given owner’s manual to be sure. After you’ve turned your dial to that “off” position, look to check if the flame has gone out.

How much money can you save by keeping the pilot light on?

The most significant advantage is that if you are not using your fireplace for five months, you can easily save up to $20 or $30.

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