QA

Question: How Does A Gas Fireplace Work

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 do you use a gas fireplace?

How to Operate a Gas Fireplace Look over the user manual included with your fireplace. Remove your fireplace’s outer cover. Put a fireplace key into the device’s gas valve knob. Hold a long lighter up to the burner and ignite it. Turn the gas key. Replace the fireplace’s outer cover immediately.

How does a gas fireplace turn on?

Using a Wall Switch to Turn On a Gas Fireplace Many gas fireplaces come equipped with a wall switch control panel for activating the unit and adjusting the level of the flame. Simply push the “On” button and the pilot should ignite.

Is it expensive to run a gas fireplace all day?

Not at all. Using natural gas is one of the most inexpensive ways to heat your home. That’s why gas fireplaces, gas fireplace inserts, outdoor gas fireplaces, even gas furnaces are such cost-effective heating options. Realistically, most gas-powered fireplaces will burn through about $1 worth of natural gas per day.

How do gas fireplace flames work?

Gas fireplaces transfer heat to the house by two primary means: radiation and convection. Radiation is the transfer of heat from flames and hot surfaces to solid objects, such as furniture, walls and people, that are in the direct path of the heat source by means of infrared radiation.

Does a gas fireplace need a chimney?

Ventless fireplaces fueled by gas or propane rely on indoor air for combustion, and they exhaust a low level of their combustion gases into the room in which they’re located. A chimney or flue isn’t necessary. In fact, ventless fireplaces generally are just for aesthetics and supplemental space heating.

How long should you run a gas fireplace?

In general, you should not run an unvented fireplace for more than three hours at a time. If you are using natural gas, you can usually run your fireplace for up to four hours before needing to refuel. If you are using propane, the limit is typically two hours.

How do gas fireplaces work without electricity?

A gas fireplace with an intermittent pilot ignition (IPI) valve system will remain operational during a power outage. An IPI valve system is an energy-saving electronic system that utilizes an electrode to ignite your pilot gas. After being sparked by electricity, the pilot flame then lights your main burner gas.

Do you leave the gas on in a gas fireplace?

Generally speaking, gas fireplaces that are fully vented (aka direct vent) and have a sealed glass front can be left on for many hours. But models that are vent-free and have front doors that can be opened should only be left on for a maximum of 2 hours at a time.

Should the pilot light always be on gas fireplace?

Should the pilot light always be on in a gas fireplace? Most gas fireplaces rely on a “continuous pilot light,” a type of pilot that remains lit so long as gas is flowing to the unit. If you have a continuous pilot light system, you should always see a pilot flame unless you have manually turned the system off.

Do you close glass doors on gas fireplace?

The glass doors should be closed as the fire dies down to minimize the amount of room air going up the fireplace chimney. When burning gas logs in a wood-burning fireplace, the glass doors should always be fully open when the gas logs are burning.

Should I turn off the pilot light on my gas fireplace in the summer?

Your Utility Bill Perhaps the most important reason to turn off gas fireplace pilot light in summer is because of the money and energy you will be saving. If you leave the pilot light on during the summer it is simply sitting there burning gas, which is wasting gas and contributing to an exorbitant energy bill.

Do you need wood for a gas fireplace?

You can use a gas fireplace without logs because the heat source is the burner connected to your gas line. Don’t use wood in your gas fireplace, as they weren’t built for wood to be their fuel source. Instead, use a ceramic log in your fireplace for additional reflective heat.

Do gas fireplaces heat a room?

Overall, gas fireplaces are highly efficient when it comes to heating a room. Once a fire has been burning for some time, it’s likely to heat a room rather quickly. The type of gas fireplace you have is likely to affect the fireplace’s ability to heat a room efficiently.

Is it OK to sleep with a gas fireplace on?

An overall rule for safe gas fireplace usage is to not let your fireplace—no matter which style—operate throughout the night. Unmonitored gas fireplaces can lead to dangerous, often fatal, outcomes. The two most concerning outcomes of leaving a gas fireplace on for too long are a house fire or a gas leak.

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

Is it cheaper to run a gas fireplace or a furnace? A modern furnace is more efficient in turning gas into heat than a gas fireplace. This means that although a furnace costs more to run per hour than a gas fireplace, it turns more of that energy into heat and can warm a whole house rather than a single room.

Do gas fireplaces have real flames?

The natural look of real flames A gas fireplace has real flames, and this is simply not a possibility with electric units. With gas fireplaces you can also choose the type of material beneath the flames, with styles ranging from realistic driftwood to modern glass or stones.

Can I run my gas fireplace without the fan?

A fireplace without a fan will still work safely and effectively utilizing radiant heat to warm up the room & home. During a power outage all wood and direct vent gas fireplaces, Inserts and stoves will continue to work safely producing radiant heat without the need for a fan.

Do gas fireplaces turn off automatically?

Nearly every new gas fireplace comes equipped with safety features such as a 100% fail-safe shut-off valve. If the pilot flame goes out, the gas flow will automatically turn off. This device automatically shuts the gas off if the temperature in the fireplace gets too cold or if too much carbon monoxide builds up.