The main reason for the popularity of gas fireplaces is that they have the look of a traditional fireplace without the constant addition of wood to keep them burning.
This means that people can enjoy a traditional fireplace with a modern twist, making it easier to operate.
To use your gas fireplace, there are several steps you need to take to make sure you light it safely.
Depending on the model of your gas fireplace, some of these steps may not apply to you, so you'll want to see what features your fireplace has to make sure you can light it properly.
Use the fireplace key
If your fireplace has a key, this will allow you to light the fireplace and turn it on properly.
To do this, you first need to make sure you have your fireplace manual handy to make sure you don't do anything dangerous when lighting your fireplace.
Remove the case
When your fireplace is brand new, there will be a cover over the fireplace to protect the interior. Before lighting the fireplace, you need to remove the lid.
Since they are usually made of glass, not removing the cover could cause the glass to explode and cause injury.
Find the valve knob
The valve knob will be on the left or right side of the fireplace. When you find it, you'll need to insert the key into this valve, as this will release gas allowing you to light the fireplace.
Only turn the key to release the gas when you are ready to light the fireplace, otherwise there will be dangerous amounts of gas in the room.
Some fireplaces have this key already installed in the valve, so it's important not to turn it until you want to light the fireplace.
Place a long lighter above the fireplace
Protect your hands with a long lighter, place the lighter in the fireplace, and pull the trigger so that the lighter's flame is visible. Do this before turning on the gas so you don't release too much gas into the room.
Turn the gas key
Once the lighter is properly positioned, turn the gas key and the fireplace should light up immediately. Make sure you're not too close to the fire, as you don't want to get burned by the fire when it ignites.
If you smell a lot of gas, you need to get out of the house immediately and call 911 as it can be dangerous to live there.
If you smell a small amount of gas, you can open the windows, but if the smell doesn't go away, you need to call 911 for help because it's dangerous.
Use the control panel
If your fireplace needs to be lit with the control panel, this will be similar to lighting the fireplace with an igniter.
Before lighting a fireplace, you need to read the fireplace manual thoroughly to check that you are using it correctly and not endangering anyone.
Open the control panel
The control panel is usually located at the bottom of the control panel or behind the front screen, so you can access it simply by removing the cover.
Close the control knob
There will be a knob on the control panel to indicate that the fireplace is off. Turn the fireplace off for a few minutes to ensure excess gas is vented out of the fireplace.
If you smell a strong gas smell, you need to call 911. If you smell a little bit, open the window and the smell will go away. If there is a strong gas smell, call 911.
Open the shut-off valve
Some fireplaces have a shut-off valve attached to the gas line so you can control the amount of gas that goes out.
You will need to twist the valve until it is parallel to the gas line to ensure the fireplace will work properly.
Turn the control knob and press the ignition switch
When you're ready to light the fireplace, turn the control knob and hold it where you want the light to activate.
Next, press the ignition button until the fireplace lights up. If this doesn't work the first time, repeat the process again.
Press and hold the control knob
After the flame is lit, press and hold the control knob for a few seconds to ensure the flame remains alive.
Turn on the control knob
After the fireplace is lit, you can turn the control knob to turn it "on".
All in all, using a gas fireplace can be difficult because safe operation is important. If you start to smell a strong gas smell, be sure to leave the house and call 911.
