Once that’s complete, you can install your gas logs yourself by following the included step-by-step instructions. While outdoor fireplaces are pretty weatherproof by design, that doesn't mean they're completely impervious to everything mother nature can throw at it. If that's not cutting it, there are fireplace-specific cleaners. This will make sure the pilot light stays on indefinitely, allowing you to activate the fireplace whenever you wish using the device’s wall switch or remote control. Routinely cleaning your gas fireplace is an important bit of maintenance that can keep need for more significant repairs at a minimum. Just because your fireplace doesn't work doesn't mean it's totally useless. In the former case, some of the materials may dry out and become more brittle or porous, which can cause them to chip easily; in the latter case, materials can become saturated in water, causing breakage when it freezes or allowing plant or fungal growth in perpetually soggy nooks and crannies. Gas fireplaces are available in both natural-gas styles and provide the comfort and warmth of a traditional fireplace without the hassle of chopping wood. Clean the glass with undiluted vinegar, as that can eat through cloudiness and won't leave behind any residue you wouldn't want around flames. You can even use your gas to help the fire get started for a few minutes, then turn it off and let the wood burn on … Open your fireplace’s damper as wide as possible when you first start. Even though most outdoor gas fireplaces will be installed on a porch or patio, settling can still occur over time, especially in places that have repeated thaws and freezes throughout the winter months. This may take several attempts before the pilot properly lights. If neither are available, contact 911 or your local fire department. If your system uses a key, make sure to turn the key until the valve fully closes. Recommendations are independently chosen by Reviewed’s editors. Turn the gas key. Once you begin the operation of the gas fireplace, you can run the pilot light in one of two modes. In a traditional vented gas fireplace, there are two vents that run to the outside of the home. Before turning the gas valve knob, grab a lighter with a long enough head that you can insert it into the fireplace while keeping your hands away from the fire pit completely. In addition to keeping it covered when it's not in use, it's a good idea to routinely check for signs of settling, cracking, or crumbling. My wife wanted me to remove the vermiculite since she didn't like how it looked, and wanted to use the fireplace without it. Also, if you're venting out a chimney, chances are there's not enough heat getting vented to prevent the water from condensing, which can lead to water dripping back down and into the fireplace. If the knob is not in the off position, turn it so that it is. If you do not have a user manual, check online or contact the fireplace’s manufacturer to get a copy. This one is typically the most manual operation of the bunch. READ : Ridgid Sink Tool If you need to manually start the fire, like most systems that use fireplace keys, you'll need long matches or a lighter with enough of a barrel to keep your hand at a safe distance. First, you'll want to locate the pilot knob. Lighting a gas fireplace via control panel Every control panel is different, but most typically have a pilot knob, igniter button, and a dial to adjust the flame's strength. Here's all you need to know about the proper technique and safety precautions. If it continues to fail, check for any common ignition problems or call a professional for help. The cycle of thawing and melting can get water deep underground and potentially making the area less stable over time. No matter the location of your gas fireplace—porch, patio, or living room—it's likely that it will go unused for months or a full season at a time. Be prepared to move back quickly in case the fire ignites stray gas particles and flares out into the immediate surrounding area. Turn the gas fireplace key counterclockwise approximately 1/2 turn to release the flow of gas stoves. Burning wood in such a gas fireplace can sometimes be possible since the original ventilation (i.e. Through which the gas fireplace easily emits waste gases without the help of a chimney. You'll also want to get in the general habit of sniffing around for gas smells, particularly near the ground as natural gas is heavier than air. Before cleaning a gas fireplace, make sure to turn the gas to the “off” position to avoid a dangerous leak in your house. While the fireplace is cool, open the damper (seal at the top of the fireplace) and inspect the flue (opening connecting the fireplace to the chimney). Be prepared to move your hands back quickly if the pilot light ignites unexpectedly. Purchases you make through our links may earn us a commission. This preps your fireplace for the next step—pushing the igniter button—which you'll want to do once per second until it lights. However, they do have great benefits. Put a fireplace key into the device’s gas valve knob. If you smell a lot of gas, remove the lighter and exit the house immediately. ©2020 Reviewed, a division of Gannett Satellite Information Network LLC. Compared to a gas fireplace, furnaces produce more heat. Whether you're the new owner of such a gas fireplace, or if you're just planning to install one inside your home before the upcoming winter unleashes polar vortexes and heavy snowfall, it's important you do your research on how to use, maintain and clean a gas fireplace. With the pilot light ignited, turn your fireplace’s control knob from the pilot position to the on position. These ventless fireplaces, while much easier to install and capable of harnessing all of the heat produced, also aren't the safest—there's a good chance they might be outright illegal in your area. Applying pipe thread sealant around the gas line connection on the burner. Though the exact burn rate will vary from fireplace to fireplace, most use about one gallon of propane per hour for every 91,500 BTU. When it comes to venting, there's three major types: direct, natural, or power. The pipe that is used in the gas fireplace connects all the ventilation passages of the fireplace in one place. Then, remove the gas logs and use a soft paintbrush to get rid of any dirt or debris. When time comes to replace the glass, make sure it's completely dry. To ignite the pilot light, you’ll need to open or completely remove this cover. If you smell a faint amount of gas, open your windows and doors to ventilate the area. This helps maximize the airflow your fire will receive, making it easier for the fire to burn fast and cleanly when it first ignites. Direct vents draw in outside air to aid combustion and funnels all emissions through an exhaust hose. Inside the main cavity, you'll want to remove the faux logs and any mineral wool insulation, making sure to take a picture first so you remember how they were arranged. If you want to convert your gas fireplace to a wall switch, this is what you’d use. Look for a knob on your control panel with the words On, Off, and Pilot on it. As with any home fixture that harnesses fire, there's a lot that can go wrong if you haven't done the required reading first. Absolutely. Carbon monoxide is an odorless, tasteless and colorless gas, and it … A gas log fireplace offers a safe and energy-effective way to replicate a traditional wood fireplace. Check the instruction manual and call a professional if you can't figure what's wrong. You don't want to start lighting fires if there's lingering gas present. If you have a very old gas fireplace, getting a fuel-efficient model, or even getting a smaller fireplace can be a smart move. These modules are typically meant to be installed into an existing, wood-burning fireplace. For both safety and aesthetic reasons, gas fireplaces come with a front cover separating the fire chamber from the rest of the room. You may need a friend to help you out with this step. Insert the end of long butane lighter near the center of the gas logs where the gas pipe is. The other vent safely removes any exhaust gases created by burning the natural gas or LP to the outdoors. Normally, new homeowners are furnished with a manual of how to use their fireplace especially gas (considering the likelihood of catastrophe if wrongly used).A quick glance at your manual will give you an idea of the type of fireplace. It could mean the pilot light is out or that there is a leak somewhere in the system. Press the shutter button on the lighter to produce a flame and ignite the gas logs. How to Use Silica Sand in a Natural Gas Fireplace - YouTube Before lighting or adjusting your fireplace, read the included user manual thoroughly. Be prepared to move back quickly in case the fire ignites stray gas particles and flares out into the immediate surrounding area Depending on how far away the gas valve knob is, you may need to have a friend hold the lighter or operate the key. To start, you'll need your key, be it a hex key or something more old-time to match the rest of the aesthetic. You can operate this fireplace for 17 cents per hour, but if natural gas prices increase, your cost will also go up accordingly. Laws vary from city to city, but you're definitely out of luck if you live anywhere in Canada, California, or Massachusetts. When you are done using the gas fireplace, insert the key into the keyhole and turn it clockwise until it no longer turns to turn off the gas and extinguishe the flame. As you may have guessed, this is generally the most straightforward procedure, often just requiring the flick of a switch to get the fire started. Natural vents (or B-vents) draw in air from the room to aid combustion, then exhaust through a pipe. At this point you can turn the knob from the "pilot" setting to "on." A modern gas fireplace emits no smoke and vents its waste gases to the outside through a tube in the wall rather than up a chimney. They also tend to be more efficient in converting energy to usable heat. If you do not have a key, you can purchase a replacement at most home improvement stores. If you can’t get a hold of either, call 911 or your local fire department. If gas costs $0.0042 per cubic foot, then 40 times $0.0042 equals $0.17 per hour. These flames light the wood; once the wood is well-lit, you can turn off the gas starter. Since natural gas burns relatively cleanly, some gas fireplaces don't bother with the vents at all, simply expelling the carbon dioxide and water vapor into the room around them. Millivolts and 24 volt circuits are rated as a safe voltage to work with but turn off all sources of power to the fireplace before working with the wires. This will release gas into the fireplace, causing the pilot light to ignite. These inserts typically use the original chimney to vent the gas and are used for their energy-efficiency and cleanliness compared to the original wood-burning fireplace. Credit: Getty Images / Bob Steiner, Credit: Getty Images / sturti, Credit: Getty Images / Bill Oxford, Got allergies? Then, let your fireplace sit for at least 5 minutes, allowing any excess or lingering gas to clear out. How To: Use a Fireplace Add ambience and save on heating costs by utilizing your fireplace this winter. Credit: Getty Images / Bob Steiner Gas fireplaces are often a clean, inexpensive way to heat your home. 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. Cracking and crumbling can occur when your outdoor fireplace is exposed to extreme heat and sun or particularly wet and cold conditions. Make sure to check your user manual to see what kind of key the fireplace takes. Fortunately, there are fixes for each of these problems, which you can use separately or together. No. Or, if you want the Spark Notes version, you can just read through this summary to cover your bases. Once you insert the key, do not turn it until after preparing your lighter, otherwise you may release a dangerous amount of gas into the room. © 2017 Grey Forest Utilities. Both a gas fireplace and a gas furnace have certain things to consider. For starters, the water vapor is slightly acidic, which can gradually eat away at the brick and mortar inside your chimney. Beneath the grate holding up the logs there were vermiculite granules in a pan which covered the gas vents. Sounds simple, right? These can have multiple settings, but to start, turn it from the "off" position to "pilot." This starts the flow of natural gas, which should ignite on the pilot light, bringing your fireplace roaring to life. As we mentioned, gas mostly burns into carbon dioxide and water vapor—but that water vapor can pose several problems. Gas starters make it easy to start a fire in a wood-burning fireplace. If it's not, there's a chance you could run into issues with breakage or cloudiness once you apply heat again. To install gas logs, a gas fireplace system must be set up by a qualified gas equipment professional. This vent system allows you to be a bit more flexible on where you can install the fireplace, as the fan allows the ventilation tube to have multiple bends or even vent underneath the fireplace. Remove your fireplace’s outer cover. Turn off the gas and ensure that the fireplace's interior is cool to the touch. You'll also want to review the manufacturer's guidelines for any special instructions (or to ensure you aren't voiding your warranty). Shut off the gas to that fireplace and call a professional. Though most fireplaces use similar ignition methods, yours may have a specific element or feature that, when handled improperly, could be dangerous. Fixing this might require buying some sealant of your own and giving the affected areas a fresh coat. Most systems are installed so they vent to the outside. These are by far the most common and probably what you think of when you picture a fireplace. If the switch doesn't ignite the fire, this can mean something is wrong, either with the fireplace or with your electrical system. As you remove the mineral wool, be sure to shake off any debris that may be stuck to it. Adjust the flame as you'd like with whatever other settings the control panel offers. The flue should be open and clear of … Hold a long lighter up to the burner and ignite it. Assuming that a gas hearth uses 40,000 BTUs per hour, divide 40,000 by 1,000 to arrive at 40 cubic feet per hour. If the pilot knob wasn't set to the "off" position to start, then you'll want to turn it off and wait a few minutes for any lingering gas to clear out. Turn the gas key. If you smell a small amount of gas, remove the lighter and open your windows and doors to air the room out. Every fireplace is different, so check your model’s user manual before lighting or adjusting it. Connect the gas line.Once your firebox is fully clean, and the chimney has been professionally cleaned (for wood burning fireplaces), it's time to connect the gas line to your new burner. When you’re finished, remember to replace the fireplace’s front screen if you had to remove it. Again, avoid general-purpose cleaners, as they weren't designed with fire in mind. Before you start applying fire to flammable gasses willy-nilly, you'll need to make sure you're familiar with the particular unit you have. Your gas fireplace might come with a control panel, a key valve, or a wall switch, all of which have different steps to actually light the fire (we'll go over these in a bit). Once everything is lit up, there may be a dial or knob you can use to adjust the size and strength of the flames. If your fireplace is well-designed, it will have a damper you can easily adjust to control the flow of air up the chimney. Should the chimney vent be open when the logs are turned on? This will release gas into the fireplace, causing the pilot light to ignite. Gas fireplaces, whether designed for beauty or heating, are factory built boxes enclosed by glass doors so you can see the fire. We help you find the best stuff and make the most of the stuff you already own. Gas fireplaces are often a clean, inexpensive way to heat your home. Contact the fireplace’s manufacturer if you do not have a copy of the user manual. Be aware that, while a power outage should not affect your fireplace’s pilot light, it may deactivate any switches regulating the gas output. You'll probably see a bunch of dust and cobwebs, nothing a vacuum with a narrow attachment can't handle. Replace the grates, and gently slot the glass back into place. 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