What Happens To A Gas Fireplace When The Power Goes Out?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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A gas fireplace with an intermittent pilot ignition (IPI) valve system will remain operational during a power outage . An IPI valve system is an energy-saving electronic system that utilizes an electrode to ignite your pilot gas. After being sparked by electricity, the pilot flame then lights your main burner gas.

How do you use a gas fireplace when the power is out?

It requires an electric source to create a spark that ignites the pilot light. If the power is out, the fireplace will not ignite . However, most gas fireplaces use a battery back-up for an IPI ignition system.

Does a propane fireplace work without electricity?

If you have a gas fireplace or stove with a standing pilot, it will light during a power outage since it doesn’t require electricity to activate the pilot flame.

Will a ventless gas fireplace work without electricity?

Electrical components within modern day gas furnaces are important for safe operation, though they also hinder use of your unit in the event of a power outage. However, ventless gas fireplaces can operate without the use of electricity during an outage by simply lighting their pilot light .

Can you leave a propane fireplace on all night?

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.

How long can you leave a gas fireplace on?

If you own a fireplace that is fully-vented and equipped with a sealed glass front, this type of unit can operate continuously. On the flip side, if your fireplace unit is vent-free and equipped with front doors that can open – this unit should only operate for a maximum of three hours at a time .

Do gas fireplaces cause carbon monoxide?

Yes , gas fireplaces are one potential cause of carbon monoxide poisoning. ... An improperly maintained or ventilated gas fireplace can create incomplete combustion, creating carbon monoxide, and causing this toxic gas to linger—putting those inside at risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.

Will a gas fireplace stay on if the power goes out?

A gas fireplace with an intermittent pilot ignition (IPI) valve system will remain operational during a power outage . An IPI valve system is an energy-saving electronic system that utilizes an electrode to ignite your pilot gas. After being sparked by electricity, the pilot flame then lights your main burner gas.

Do ventless gas fireplaces give off carbon monoxide?

Ventless fireplaces produce small amounts of nitrous dioxide and carbon monoxide which can be deadly in large doses. ... In order to be used safely ventless fireplaces require carbon monoxide detectors and automatic shutoff valves that measure the oxygen levels in a room.

How do I start a heat and Glo fireplace without electricity?

If you have a wireless remote control, or a wall switch with a display, find the control box in the lower controls of the fireplace or behind the stove. You will find a switch that slides between ON, OFF and REMOTE ; slide this to ON for the appliance to operate with the power off.

Are propane fireplaces expensive to run?

In Propane, there is about 91,500 BTU in a gallon. ... For the equivalent in a gas insert or gas fireplace, a large could use about 40,000 BTU/hour and in this case would cost about $0.40/hour to operate for natural gas and about $1.31/hour for propane .

Can you sleep in a room with a gas fire?

There is a risk of carbon monoxide poisoning when you sleep in a room where a conventional coal or gas fire, a log burner, a cooker, or a back burner is left on overnight. You cannot feel the early symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning, so it is important that you protect yourself.

Can a pilot light cause 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.

Should I leave the pilot light on in my gas fireplace?

Leaving the gas on keeps this compound moving out of the tubes. Keeping the pilot light on will also keep moisture out of the unit and in turn, help prevent corrosion. ... As you can see, it’s probably best in most cases to extinguish the pilot light in your gas fireplace during the months when you don’t need heat.

Is it cheaper to run furnace or gas fireplace?

Operating a furnace for one hour at 75,000 -100,000 Btu cost a homeowner $1.12 – $1.49 based on last month’s national average natural gas rate. By comparison, a natural gas fireplace running at 30,000 Btu per hour cost only 45 cents.

Should pilot light always be on 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.

David Martineau
Author
David Martineau
David is an interior designer and home improvement expert. With a degree in architecture, David has worked on various renovation projects and has written for several home and garden publications. David's expertise in decorating, renovation, and repair will help you create your dream home.