how to light the fireplace

[david]

hi I just bought a house with a gas fireplace. A hex type key is required to turn the gas knob on which is to the left of the fireplace( i don't think there is a pilot flame). The previous owner did not leave the key which i thing i can get at a hardware store. What is the correct and safe procedure to light the fireplace once i get the key.

Thanks

[Beachcomber]

1. Determine if you have a gas log starter or a true gas fireplace. The log starter that I had in my condo had no safety equipment (automatic shut off) other then the manual key valve. If you have a log starter, you must observe the safety precautions.

Gas log fireplaces ( with the fake logs) may or may not have an automatic or manual ignition, a pilot light, and automatic shut-off equipment in case the flame goes out. Look for a controller with buttons on it inside the fireplace. It should have instructions printed on it. Some of these are even electric.

A log starter is just a gas pipe with burner holes in it.

1. Open the flue vent. There should be a lever or a chain or a handle inside the fireplace for this. Make sure there are no obstructions in the flue such as blockages, bird nests, etc. You should feel a slight draft of cold are above the flue vent if it is venting properly.

1. Open the combustion air inlet (if you have one). This allows fresh air from the outside to feed the fire. This can be a little sliding door or a lever on the side, back, or bottom for the fireplace.

2. Turn the gas on about halfway with the key. You sure hear and small gas. Don't wait too long before lighting it. If for ANY reason it doesn't light, shut off the gas.

1. When the fire is going good. Always close the screen or the glass doors.

In my opinion, those butane wand charcoal lighters work best, but you can also use a rolled up newspaper with matches if you are careful. Get a good fire going with your logs and then turn-off the gas starter. Make sure it is solidly off - remove the key - keep out of reach of children

Beachcomber

[Patrick Cleburne]

NO NO NO!!!

Light the flame BEFORE you turn the gas on or you'll blow yourself up!!!

[Art]

See if you can find a model number and brand for the logs. Some have safety pilots that are great but hard to light the first time.

[david]

hi The previous owners has fake logs in the fire place. I think it is a Hearth fireplace but will double check when i get home. So with fake logs i don't need to have a gas starter log? Also the screen is a metal net attached and drawn across the fireplace horizontally thanks

[Colbyt]

Many of the older, even just a few years older logs do not have a pilot light or ignition system. This is especially true of the ones that utilize a sand base to create a real fire look.

Pick up some fireplace matches. They have a bout a 12" stick.Make sure the damper is open. Light the match hold it close to the logs or sand and slowly open the gas valve. Second safe approach is to light a match or small scrap of paper lay it on the sand and slowly open the gas valve.

BTW consider this recreation. As a general rule they produce very little heat for the gas consumed.

Colbyt

[david]

yes mine also has a sand base. Is the metal net something that is normally installed or do i need to add a glass fire door to the fireplace.

thanks

[Colbyt]

The metal net serves as a firescreen if you are burning real wood. With gas logs you can leave them open. Though there is always a very small chance a bit of soot may float off the logs. In theory the firescreen would catch it.

As long as you have a damper there is no real reason to add glass doors. Burning the fireplace with the doors closed will result in no heat gain at all. Closing them when not burning is no more effective than closing the damper.

Colbyt

[david]

hi The instruction call for the sand/pebbles to be placed over the 10 inch burner pipe to create the effect. However my concern is the sand/small stones getting into the burner holes. Won't that be a problem.

thanks