Igniting with a Fireplace Key

You might want to use a flashlight so you can see well. Most modern gas logs have an igniter button which will be a little red button. It’s the same kind you would see on a gas grill. If it doesn’t, you’ll need a long lighter or fireplace matches to light the flame.

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.

1. Look over the user manual included with your fireplace.
2. Remove your fireplace’s outer cover.
3. Put a fireplace key into the device’s gas valve knob.
4. Hold a long lighter up to the burner and ignite it.
5. Turn the gas key.
6. Replace the fireplace’s outer cover immediately.

A good way to test this is to turn on your gas logs with the damper slightly closed. Hold a lighter or candle in front of the fireplace opening near the top. If the flame from the lighter (candle) is being drawn in toward the fireplace, then you are OK.

You need to leave your chimney’s damper partially open to vent the carbon monoxide that the gas fire produces, so much of the heat generated by a vented gas log set goes up the chimney.

The damper in a gas fireplace should remain open all the time. The glass between the firebox and your home prevents cold or heat from coming down the chimney and by leaving the damper open at all times, you eliminate the risk of having gas build up or backdraft into your home.

5 Tips to Getting More Warmth Out of Your Fireplace

1. Do a damper check. If you think about it logically, the chimney allows airflow so that smoke can escape when you light a fire, but when not in use, you’re letting the warm air from your home out.
2. Caulk it.
3. Keep heat in.
4. Install a heat exchanger.
5. Seal it.