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It’s easy to know how to turn on a gas fireplace with an electronic ignition wall switch. 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.
How does a gas fireplace with a switch work?
HOW DOES YOUR GAS FIREPLACE START? When you flip a wall switch, click on your remote control or the thermostat calls for heat, the gas valve on your fireplace will open. Gas valves generate their own electricity and operate on millivolts, a very small amount of electricity.
Why is there a light switch next to my gas fireplace?
Question: There are two wall switches on the wall beside the gas fireplace. The top switch ignites the flame.
What does the on and off switch do on a gas fireplace?
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. Without power most fireplace valves will not open. I have a new home with gas fireplaces. I do not know how to use them yet, but I smell gas near one of them.
What is the switch on the side of my fireplace?
What is this? The second handle you may find in your fireplace (usually located on the left inside panel) is a control lever for the outside air kit. When burning your fireplace, the outside air kit lever should always be in the open (or up) position.
Why won’t my gas fireplace turn on when I flip the switch?
What can happen over the years, is that the connections inside the switch can get dirty, corroded, or broken, causing a loss of this voltage at the switch. So by the time the small amount of voltage gets sent back to the fireplace, it is not enough to signal the fireplace to turn on.
Do you need a special switch for a gas fireplace?
Does a gas fireplace switch work without electricity? Yes, gas fireplace wall switches don’t need any electricity to run. It runs in a millivolt circuit where the electricity is provided by the thermocouple of thermopile on the gas valve.
Where is the gas fireplace switch?
First, locate the fireplace controls, they are located usually behind a louver or panel at the bottom of the fireplace. Next, locate the control knob on the gas valve, it usually has 3 labels Off, On, and Pilot. You will also want to locate the ignitor button; it looks very similar to a starter on a barbecue grill.
How much does it cost to add a switch to a gas fireplace?
The heat emitted from a vented fireplace can be controlled directly with an electrical switch, which means that you might want to have electricity connected to the fireplace. Doing so can cost $200-$500. Installation costs for gas logs can range from $250-$300.
How do I control the airflow in my fireplace?
Close the front damper slowly and observe the smoke escaping from the chimney. When the smoke becomes darker or more noticeable, open the damper slightly until it clears again. On modern stoves with two front dampers, make the initial adjustments to the lower damper only to control airflow to the fuel supply.
Do you open the flue all the way?
The damper should always be fully open before lighting a fire and when the fireplace is in use. Close it when it’s not it use. Operating the fireplace with the damper partially closed will not generate more heat. Instead, blocking the passage through the flue will result in smoke entering the home.
Why does my fireplace have a switch?
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.
Will gas fireplace stay lit if power goes out?
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.
Do all gas fireplaces have a pilot light?
It is important to remember that not all gas fireplaces have “standing” pilot light, or, a pilot light that is “always on”. The best way to determine if you have this type of gas fireplace is to look at the control knob of the fireplace. On a fireplace you will normally find the control knob behind the grate or door.
Can you add a wall switch to a gas fireplace?
Most gas fireplaces have a switch mounted in the front, under the fireplace. For a more convenient control option, you can install a remote switch in a location that is more accessible.
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.
How do you start a gas fireplace with a lighter?
Flame-Lit Pilot Light Light a match or butane candle lighter and hold it near the burner in the fireplace. Turn the gas key to release gas to the burner. Pull the match or light away when the burner lights. You can adjust the flame height by turning the gas key.
Why won’t my pilot light stay lit on my gas fireplace?
If the pilot light on your gas fireplace won’t stay lit, a very likely culprit is a component called a thermocouple. A thermocouple is a safety device and is a component of the ignition system. The thermocouple is a metal rod that sticks out right in front of the pilot itself. It senses if flame is present or not.
