Generally speaking, a pilot light will burn around 5 to 12 therms of gas each month, depending on the appliance. This equates to about $11 to $26 per month for $2 per gallon propane .
How much gas does a pilot light use in 24 hours?
Just how much gas does a pilot light consume? Most pilot lights will consume about 600 BTU’s of gas/hour. With 24 hours in a day, that’s roughly 14,400/BTU’s each day . Figuring 30 days, a pilot light will use approximately 432,000 BTU each month.
How much does it cost to run a gas pilot light?
The pilot light burns significantly less fuel than a fire but it can cost $8 to $10 a month if your fireplace is fueled by natural gas. If your fireplace is fueled by propane, it could cost up to $20 a month. Turning off the pilot would reduce your energy costs during the summer.
Does gas leak if the pilot light goes out?
When the pilot light goes out, it does not leak carbon monoxide gas . ... Some of the possible serious reasons for pilot lights to go out include loose or broken gas valves, thermocouples or heat exchangers, faulty venting, low gas pressure, or high winds.
Should the pilot light always be on in a gas stove?
Should the pilot light always be on in a gas stove? Yes, the design of gas stoves means that the pilot light will always be on. Some people dislike the fact that there is always an open flame burning within their gas stove, however, this is very important for the gas stove to be able to automatically ignite.
Can a pilot light out cause carbon monoxide?
Carbon monoxide is only produced when fuel of any type; oil, gas, wood or coal is burned. ... And a pilot light out of adjustment can produce carbon monoxide gas . The amount produced by even a badly maladjusted pilot is small because the flame size is also small.
Can you smell gas from a pilot light?
If you think you smell gas and you have gas utilities, be safe . ... Note that it is totally normal on automatic pilots (pilots that do NOT stay lit all the time) to smell a little natural gas when the are first turned on. A little gas will escape as the pilot and burners light on your heat or appliance.
Can a pilot light relight itself?
Relighting a pilot light may be possible, depending on the type you have. By design, an automatic pilot light does not need to be lighted or relighted; it turns on and off by itself . ... If an automatic pilot or igniter is failing to light the burners on your appliance, it typically needs to be replaced.
Can a pilot light cause a fire?
When the appliance is turned on, a valve releases more gas, which is ignited by the pilot light. ... If this leak continues, its concentration may reach a point where a spark – such as that from a cigarette lighter, static electricity, or even the pilot light itself as it is re-lit – will cause a fire or even an explosion.
How can you tell if there is carbon monoxide in your house?
Sooty or brownish-yellow stains around the leaking appliance . Stale, stuffy, or smelly air , like the smell of something burning or overheating. Soot, smoke, fumes, or back-draft in the house from a chimney, fireplace, or other fuel burning equipment.
How do you know if a pilot light is out?
- Locate the front cover panel on your furnace. It should be a little door that’s easily visible. ...
- If your pilot light is on, it should be easy to see – your eyes will be drawn to the little flame.
- If you don’t see a flame, your pilot light is out.
- If there is a flame, check the color.
What color should my pilot light be?
The color of the pilot light should be blue because that means that only natural gas—without any other condensates—is reaching the pilot light through the gas main. The principal chemical compound found in natural gas is methane, and methane burns blue.
What smells like gas but is not gas?
Sulfur is often the cause of a gas smell in homes without gas leaks. It smells identical to the foul rotten odor of gas leaks, but it’s not nearly as harmful in this case. Bacteria found in sewage systems or your kitchen sink release sulfur over time, causing the smell to permeate your home.
What happens if your house smells like gas?
Here’s what you should DO if you smell gas: DO leave the home, building, or area of the suspected leak . Get to a safe area as quickly as possible. After leaving your home, DO call the 24-hour emergency number for Peoples at 1-800-400-4271, or call your local emergency response number.
What should you do if your house smells like gas?
If you suspect a natural gas leak and smell something similar to rotten eggs , open the doors and windows, turn off any pilot lights, exit your home, and contact 911 or your gas provider. For more severe leaks, leave the property immediately before contacting the appropriate authorities.
Why is the pilot light going out?
Sometimes a pilot light can go out as a result of some source of wind or air simply blowing it out . If this happens, there could be an issue with how your flue pipe is set up or how your system is venting.
