How To Light a Gas Fireplace

Ready for a cozy evening by the fire, but not sure how to light your gas fireplace? This project shows you how.

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Time

Less than 10 minutes

Complexity

Cost

Introduction

Roaring wood fires certainly deliver in ambiance. But for some, gathering kindling, wadding up newspapers, carefully arranging logs and everything else required to start a wood fire aren't worth the trouble, because there's an easier option — a gas-powered fireplace.

"We love gas fireplaces because the aesthetic and warmth are immediate," Keith Richardson, president of Arizona Fireplaces says. "(Gas) lends itself well to today's modern lifestyle."

If you're thinking about investing in a gas fireplace, or you have one but aren't sure how to light it, this project will give you more confidence. We address key valve and pilot ignition systems.

Safety should be top of mind when lighting natural gas or propane-fueled fireplaces. If you smell gas before lighting your fireplace, contact a plumber or the gas company right away. "The average consumer will not have the proper tools to check for a gas leak," Richardson says. "A gas company or certified technician will."

And if these steps don't match your particular setup, ask for help. "With gas fireplaces, one size does not fit all — when in doubt, contact a professional," Richardson says.

Tools Required

• Fireplace lighter or long matches

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Project step-by-step (7)

Find the valve and key

• Look for a valve near the fireplace.
  • Mine is covered by a round plate with a square hole.
  • Keys are long metal devices with a square hole on the end, similar to a socket extension.

  

  Ally Childress for Family Handyman

  Open the damper

  • Look up into the chimney to see if the damper is open.
    • You’ll have to lean way in, so you may need your phone or a mirror.
    • If it’s open, you’ll see the sky. (Do this during the day if it’s your first time.)

    

    Ally Childress for Family Handyman