Turning off the pilot lights on gas fireplaces and furnaces when not in regular use can save energy and money . First, your pilot light burns gas, costing you money and potentially eating up the surrounding area.
Should pilot light always be lit 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 pilot lights stay lit on gas fireplace when turned off?
When you turn off your pilot light, the light’s tubes will maintain a trace level of mercaptan, and that will attract spiders, who will spin webs that can clog the pilot light system. Leaving the gas on keeps this compound moving out of the tubes.
Are pilot lights always on?
The pilot light can be a “steady-on” pilot , or an ‘intermittent” or an electronic ignition system. The later type of pilot light is only on when the valve is open and the fireplace is operating. A millivolt valve utilizes a pilot light that is always lit.
Can I turn off pilot light on gas fireplace?
Turning off your pilot light is a simple process that will save you both energy and money. All you have to do is open the front of your fireplace, turn the Pilot knob to “off, ” and then turn your gas shutoff valve to the “off” position as well .
Is it OK to turn off pilot light?
We recommend that you turn off your gas fireplace pilot light seasonally . Turning off your gas fireplace’s pilot light can save a substantial amount of energy and money. It is important to remember that not all gas fireplaces have “standing” pilot light, or, a pilot light that is “always on”.
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.
Do pilot lights give off carbon monoxide?
A pilot light should be a crisp blue colour. ... A yellow or orange pilot light will produce carbon monoxide – an odourless, colourless gas that can fill your home and cause carbon monoxide poisoning. Symptoms of this condition include dizziness, headache, fatigue, nausea, unconsciousness, brain damage and death.
When did stoves stop using pilot lights?
ALBANY, June 8—Governor Carey signed into law today a ban on pilot lights in gas appliances sold after June 1, 1980 , an action intended to avoid wasteful use of energy.
How much does it cost to run a 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.
What happens if the pilot light goes out on a gas fireplace?
If your pilot light repeatedly goes out, this is a likely culprit. If this flame sensor should fail, gas will continue to flow even after the pilot light has been extinguished , causing a safety hazard, and requiring immediate repair.
Can you leave gas fireplace on overnight?
DON’T leave the unit on overnight . DO leave the flue open so that excess carbon monoxide is vented. The main concern with a gas-burning appliance is the exhaust of carbon monoxide and leaving the unit on overnight is simply risky.
Should you turn off gas fireplace in summer?
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.
Does pilot light stay on all the time water heater?
Gas and propane fueled water heaters use a small flame to ignite the burner. This small flame is called a pilot light and it stays lit at all times . ... The same is true with a pilot light. If the pilot light goes out, your water heater won’t be able to ignite the gas burner and therefore, won’t be able to heat the water.
When should you turn off your furnace?
You should turn your furnace off during the summer if you use it for no other purpose than generating heat. This is because it will continue to use energy even while you’re not actively using it. Not only does this increase your monthly utility bills, but it also wears your equipment down when it’s constantly in use.
Should you turn off furnace pilot light in summer?
Most modern mid to high efficiency gas furnaces no longer have a pilot light. It’s been replaced by an electronic ignition. As a result, the furnace will not need to continuously burn gas in order to keep a pilot light going, making it unnecessary to turn off your furnace for the summer .
