Never had a gas fireplace before? Considering purchasing one, but don’t know how they work? Or maybe you’re the proud owner of a new gas fireplace, but you’re stumped on how to switch it on. We’ve got you covered with our step-by-step guide answering how to use a gas fireplace, including how to ignite it and how to use it safely.
Wildfire Thermes Balanced Flue Gas Fire
Be Clued Up on Safety
If you’re new to gas fireplaces, familiarise yourself with the safety features and precautions before using your fireplace. A professional installer, like Aspect Fires, should provide you with all the information you need, including a run-through of how to safely operate your new fireplace.
Safety features include:
Pilot light:
The pilot light is a continuous, blue ignition flame that runs in the background to prevent the fire burning out and eliminate the risk of gas build up. Even if the pilot flame were to extinguish, there are back-up safety features…
Fail-safe shut-off valve and safety pilot:
These features ensure that your gas supply automatically switches off if your fireplace overheats, if a carbon monoxide leak is detected or if the pilot light goes out.
Step-by-Step Guide: How a Gas Fireplace Works
As with any new appliance purchase, your user manual is your ultimate instruction guide. Not all gas fireplaces have the same operation, so understanding how to use your specific model is important. Avoid consulting generic, one-size-fits-all guides to work your fireplace.
Don’t have a user manual? Contact the manufacturer (or the team at Aspect Fires if you purchased through us) to get one sent out. You should be given one at the point of sale, but if for whatever reason you haven’t got it, don’t be shy in asking for one!
How Do You Turn on a Gas Fireplace?
Most modern models feature user-friendly controls, allowing you to switch them on instantly using a remote control, wall switch, or even a smart home system.
Here’s how most systems work:
- Press the power or ignition button on your control device – this automatically ignites the burner.
- Adjust the flame height or temperature to your preference using the remote or control panel.
- Some models allow you to set timers or thermostatic controls, letting your fireplace maintain a steady room temperature.
If your fireplace doesn’t ignite or respond as expected:
- Check that the gas supply is turned on.
- Ensure the remote batteries or power connection are working.
- If the problem continues, do not attempt to relight it manually, instead, contact your installer or a Gas Safe registered engineer.
Gazco Logic HE Inset Gas Fire
How Do You Use a Gas Fireplace? Your Frequently Asked Questions Answered
Below, we’ve included some of the frequently asked questions that first-time gas fireplace buyers ask.
Should you always have the pilot light switched on?
Something that often baffles new gas fireplace owners is the small, blue flame that seems to never go out. The truth is that the pilot light is meant to be constantly switched on, especially during the winter. This ensures a reliable ignition source and can help reduce the risk of gas build-up. If you’re not using the fireplace during the summer, you can switch off the pilot light to conserve your energy bills.
How do you relight the pilot light once it goes out?
If you’re planning to switch off the pilot light for the summer, you’ll want to know how to switch it back on again. You should be able to switch the main gas valve to the ‘Pilot’ position, and use the igniter to relight the flame.
Why is my gas fireplace not igniting?
If you’ve followed all the steps outlined in your instruction manual, it can be frustrating when the fireplace simply won’t ignite. We recommend calling the manufacturer or the store that you bought the fireplace from to see if they can shine light on your ignition troubles.
Buy Your Gas Fireplace from the Experts at Aspect Fires
Aspect Fires stocks over 100 fireplaces, and encourages you to visit our showroom in Whittlesey. There, you can browse the various designs and speak to fireplace enthusiasts and experts to narrow down your options and pick the perfect heating option for your home. In the meantime, why not take a look at our fireplace brochures?
We are Gas Safe registered installers, meaning that we have the right accreditations to safely and professionally install a gas fireplace in your home. Already know what gas fireplace you want? Use our quote form for a free estimate or give our team a call to find out more about our gas fireplaces.