Why You Should Turn Off Your Gas Fireplace Pilot Light & Not Leave it Always On (2024)

Save Energy and Money

As the weather gets warmer, you will be using your gas fireplace less and less. We recommend that you turn off your gas fireplace pilot light seasonally. Turning off your gas fireplace’s pilot light can save a substantial amount of energy and money.

It is important to remember that not all gas fireplaces have “standing” pilot light, or, a pilot light that is “always on”. The best way to determine if you have this type of gas fireplace is to look at the control knob of the fireplace. On a fireplace you will normally find the control knob behind the grate or door.

Once you find this knob, you can determine what type of pilot light you have if there is a “pilot” position written on the knob (usually written between on and off). So, if you see the word “pilot” written on the knob, you know that you have a “standing” or “always on” pilot light.

How to Turn Off Pilot Light on a Gas Fireplace

Before you turn the switch to “off”, you should find where the pilot light is located. Knowing where the flame is located will be helpful in double-checking that it has actually been turned off.

The flame may be located in the back or behind some of your logs. If you cannot find the flame, it may already be out.

Once you have located the flame, you can move the knob from the “pilot” position to the “off” position. Depending on your model of fireplace, you may be required to push a little lever out of the way before you can turn the dial. Alternatively, you may be required to push the knob in, and the turn it to the “off” position – double-check your owner’s manual just to be sure.

Once you have turned the dial to the “off” position, check to see if the flame has gone out. If your flame is still on, you may have a faulty valve that will need to be replaced.

If at any time you are unsure of what to do, or you would feel more confident with the help of a professional, give Butler Plumbing a call. We are Gasfitting experts and can help you to troubleshoot or answer any questions you may have regarding your fireplace repairs.