It’s the time of year you want to ensure that the pilot light on your fireplace, log set, or free-standing stove is on and your unit is ready to go.
For many, a fireplace or free-standing stove is the “heat of choice” for those chilly mornings when you don’t want to fire up your main heating source but rather just take the chill off. Most hearth products also run when the power is out, so it’s very important to ensure it’s operational for when you need it most. Or it could be that your “fur babies” want to keep warm up by the fire.
The process of getting the pilot lit may seem more complicated that it is, especially when using older non-electronic ignition models, but by following the steps below, and/or watching our video, you will have your unit up and running in no time.
Please follow these steps:
- 1. Read the owner’s manual for your unit. It will help identify where your controls are, and how they can be reached and operated.
- 2. Check to ensure that the gas valve (shut-off) is open usually located under or behind your unit.
- 3. If needed, remove the fireplace screen or front of the fireplace to access the controls. The controls are typically located at the base of the unit. There may be a “pull down” to access the controls. On free-standing stoves, the controls are under the unit.
- 4. Ensure that the controls are set to the “Off” position, if not already.
- 5. Turn the control dial from the “Off” position to the “Pilot” position. On some fireplaces this alone may start the pilot light. Other gas fireplaces may have a separate spark ignitor button that needs to be pressed along with the control dial (which should be in the “Pilot” position). Please note, you may need to depress the dial in to turn it to the pilot position.
- 6. While depressing the Pilot control knob in, and holding it in, rapidly press the ignitor button located beside the control knob. This will light your pilot light. Please note that you should continue to hold the control knob in for approximately 1 minute to ensure the pilot light stays lit.
- 7. Check that the pilot has lit, which can be found as part of the ignition system often within the burner assembly at the base of a gas fireplace.
- 8. Once the pilot is lit you can turn the control knob to the “On” position. You are now ready to use your unit.
- 9. If the Pilot doesn’t light, return the control dial to the off position, and try again. You may need to wait a minute or two in between tries.
- 10. Reattach or return the cover to the controls.
You may also watch our YouTube video on “How to light your Pilot” by clicking this link.
If you are unable to light your pilot and need further assistance, we would be happy to try to walk you through the process over the phone 207-929-8898. We also offer fireplace service if you are still unable to get your unit operational.