Gas Fireplace Pilot Light Always On Safe

If a pilot light on a gas fireplace is left on for long periods of time without also turning on the fireplace s main burner a white sulfur based film tends to develop on the inside of the glass.

Gas fireplace pilot light always on safe. If you don t see the valve it is probably behind the fireplace. If the film isn t cleaned off correctly or on a regular basis it can etch itself onto the glass. One reason for turning off the pilot light is heat. By leaving the pilot light on when the fireplace isn t being used for an extended period of time a white sulfur type film can build up on the glass doors.

You may be able to get a set of glass doors for the fireplace as well if that would make you feel better about leaving it on but you would have to remember to open the glass doors when your used the fireplace or you could damage the unit. Added to the potential hazard is the constant consumption of fuel to maintain the pilot light. While leaving the pilot light on may be convenient the continuous flow of gas may pose a safety hazard. The longer the pilot burns with the fireplace being lit the more build up will occur.

Reasons to turn off your gas fireplace pilot light. Depending on where you live you might not want any extra heat being generated inside your home during the blazing summer months. Turning off your gas fireplace s pilot light can save a substantial amount of energy and money. Pull the fixed glass assembly off of the fireplace.

Homes with smaller children may want to consider the potential for injury before opting to keep the pilot light burning. This is an important safety precaution that prevents the buildup of gas should the pilot be hard to light. The best way to determine if you have this type of gas fireplace is to look at the control knob of the fireplace. Although the flame from a pilot light is small it s still heat.

But it is up to you as to whether or not you feel safe. It is important to remember that not all gas fireplaces have standing pilot light or a pilot light that is always on. Most gas fireplaces that are designed to have a standing pilot should be safe enough to leave the pilot going. If it is not cleaned properly it could become etched into the glass.