Older Gas fireplace insert stupid question

Hi,

I just purchased a home (1950's) with a gas fireplace insert that has a valve in the front. There seems to be no pilot light on this model, it must be an older one. I turn the valve on and the gas swooshes out of the 6 holes int he U shaped curved pipe.

There are about 6 ceramic (i think) logs that sit on top, and some fine sand in the unit with some heavier sand/embers mixed in.

Now for the stupid quesiton, do I just turn on the gas and light it? It seems easy enough but I have some concern that I am doing it correctly.

Any advice would help? Should I go to home depot and get a new gas insert? would that be safer than this one?

Reply to
jludwig
Loading thread data ...

Make damn sure the damper is open. Where I live the dampers must be open an inch all of the time if you have NG fire place. I installed one of these about 8 years ago. Sure beats the hell out of cleaning up and dealing with wood. I live in the desert so it did provide me some warmth in the "cooler months" with a corresponding increase in the gas bill. I liked it a lot. I could come home turn it on watch some TV and then retire. When retiring I would shut off the valve and I knew it was off, no embers lingering or to worry about.

Like others have said only crack the valve and use a long match or lighter. I had a valve outside as well for shutting it off during the summer. Mine worked best full tilt. Valving it down created some sooting problems.

Reply to
SQLit

I don't think I would light it! Doesn't sound safe to me. Either have someone from the gas company look at it OR buy a new one.

Reply to
Dr. Hardcrab

Only a stupid question if you don't ask and cause harm.

Yes, there were some older models that worked just like that. Turn the gas on slightly, use a long match and light it at the first hole nearest the valve. Once lit, you can open the valve the rest of the way. I doubt you could sell something that simple today.

Reply to
Edwin Pawlowski

HomeOwnersHub website is not affiliated with any of the manufacturers or service providers discussed here. All logos and trade names are the property of their respective owners.