6 Steps for How to Use a Gas Fireplace

Having a gas fireplace in your home makes it easy to create a cozy, warm atmosphere that can make those chilly evenings pleasant and relaxing. Just picture yourself under a big velvet blanket, with hot cocoa in hand, slippers on your feet, and a warm orange fire nearby.

If you’ve lost your instruction manual, you might not know how to use a gas fireplace. After all, not all gas fireplaces are the same. While most are lit using a pilot light always on, some models ignite the fireplace using a control panel or remote, while others use a wall switch or a key. If you’re unsure how to light your gas fireplace, read below for the most common ignition methods.

Step #1: Understand How a Gas Fireplace Works

Like a natural gas stove or water heater, a gas fireplace allows gas to travel from a gas line to a main burner. The gas then comes in contact with the pilot light or electric spark ignitor, which starts the flame.

Step #2: Determine Which Type of Gas Fireplace You Have

How you use your gas fireplace will depend on your type of fireplace. Take a look inside the fireplace. Do you see a small flame? If so, your gas fireplace likely needs to be lit by a control panel. Look for a control panel on the gas fireplace’s top, side, or bottom. The control panel may be hidden, so see if any part of your fireplace opens up.

You likely have an electric ignition if you don’t see a small flame in your fireplace. In this case, you’ll want to locate a wall switch nearby or a remote for the fireplace. Not sure which you should look for? If you know your fireplace is old, you’re likely looking for a remote.

If your gas fireplace is relatively new, you could be looking for a wall switch since this is the more popular option for the newer gas fireplace models today.

Step #3: Follow Safety Precautions

Before you light your gas fireplace, ensure no flammable objects are nearby. Ideally, move these objects at least three feet away. Ensure everyone keeps their distance from the glass on the front of the fireplace, especially children and pets. This glass can become very hot. Test your carbon monoxide detectors.

If you smell gas and have trouble lighting your fireplace, turn off the gas supply, go outdoors, and call 911.

These safety precautions will help ensure your cozy ambience does not turn into a fire or carbon monoxide risk.

Step #4: Lighting Your Fireplace with a Control Panel

If your fireplace has a pilot light and you’ve found the control panel, here’s how to light your fireplace. First, open or pop off the access panel to find the controls. Search for the pilot control or valve control knob. This knob will either be in the Off, Pilot, or On position. If it’s already in the On position, turn it to Off, wait a few minutes, and then turn it back to On.

Then, find the emergency gas shut-off valve and open it. This will either be a knob or a switch. Turn it until it’s parallel to the gas line. That means it’s open.

Now, turn the control knob to Pilot, press it down, and hold it to start the gas. Finally, find the ignition switch, which will likely be a button that’s red in colour or a switch that’s labelled Ignitor. While you continue to hold down the control knob, click this ignition switch once every second until the pilot light is lit. You’ll probably have to do this a few times before you succeed.

When the pilot light comes on, hold the control knob for another several seconds to ensure it stays lit. Change the control knob from the Pilot position to the On position, and adjust your flame position.

Re-attach or close your access panel and enjoy your cozy night.

Step #5: Lighting a Gas Fireplace with a Key

If your gas fireplace comes with a metal key, keep reading. Remove the fireplace cover and search for a round decorative slot that fits your key, likely near the bottom of the fireplace. This is your gas valve. Insert the key, but don’t turn it, as that will release the gas flow.

Next, light a lighter near the pilot burner to start a flame. Now, you can turn the key counterclockwise to start the gas flow. If you want to adjust the flame height, rotate the key in the slot. Re-attach the fireplace cover and enjoy your fire.

Step #6: Lighting a Gas Fireplace with an Electric Ignitor

Newer gas fireplaces are the simplest to operate. All you need to do is find the fireplace remote or locate the wall switch. Just press the On button on the remote or switch the wall switch to the On position, and voila.