Should You Turn Off Your Fireplace Pilot Light This Summer?

Are you in the market for a gas fireplace? Do you have one and have often wondered if the pilot light should stay on or off? A gas fireplace is a way to experience the ambiance of having a wood-burning fire. This is without all the work involved with a regular fireplace. You don’t have to worry about the upkeep of the firewood either. The messes that a wood-burning fireplace brings are avoided with a gas fireplace. There are many benefits to a gas fireplace.

But that question continues to pop up. Should I turn off my fireplace pilot light in the summer or leave it on? Let us answer this question with a few highlights.

Save on energy costs

If you keep your pilot light on in the summer a continuous amount of gas will continue to burn. Although it may not be a lot, there is gas being wasted. Turning off the pilot light will help, in some way with your energy costs.

Heat element

Keeping a light burning will put out heat. Take the initiative and turn off your pilot light. Heat will be distributed into the air if you keep the pilot light on. This will be fighting with the air conditioner to keep the house cool.

White Film

When leaving the pilot light on, a white film residue will form on the inside glass doors. Over time the continued buildup will need to be cleaned off.

Moisture

Moisture accumulates when a pilot is lit, this is a byproduct during combustion. When a fire is on, this moisture evaporates. Moisture left in the mechanism can cause corrosion and rust. This can lead to costly repairs to your gas fireplace components.

Annual inspections are recommended. Our professionals at Felgemacher will be able to discuss pilot lights.

When preparing for the summer months, add turning off your pilot light as part of your maintenance. You can also contact Felgemacher for your annual inspection. A gas fireplace needs a cleaning as a woodburning fireplace needs a sweep.

The bottom line is that it is up to you if you decide to turn off your pilot light or not. We suggest turning the pilot light off. You can see the reasons above.

Felgemacher was founded in 1953. We have over 60 years of experience in the chimney industry. We will be happy to make an appointment at your convenience.

We Look Forward To Hearing From You.

In the past decade, we have expanded our business to include fireplace repairs, chimney sweeping, fireplace liners, and gas inserts. This along with chimney masonry work.

We currently look at over 2000 chimneys annually and can assure you that we are educated on every aspect of your chimney. Our owners are certified by the Chimney Safety Institute of America, National Fireplace Institute, and National Chimney Sweep Guild, yielding our customers’ highest quality of expertise.