Ameer Randolph
Gas fireplaces are a popular choice for those seeking a cosy atmosphere without the hassle of traditional wood-burning fireplaces. One common question surrounding gas fireplaces is whether the pilot light should be kept on continuously, and if so, how much fuel does it burn? The pilot light in a gas fireplace serves two main purposes: generating electricity to operate the gas valve and igniting the gas when needed. While some prefer to keep the pilot light on for convenience, it does come at a cost. The fuel consumption of a pilot light can vary, with estimates ranging from 600 to 1500 BTUs per hour, translating to approximately 1 gallon of propane burned every 4 to 6 days. This results in a monthly fuel cost of around $24 for propane users, while natural gas customers may pay around $7 per month. Aside from the financial implications, other factors to consider include the potential for spider infestations when the pilot light is off, the convenience of instant fireplace operation, and the impact on AC usage during warmer months. Ultimately, the decision to keep the pilot light on or off depends on individual preferences and circumstances.
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What You'll Learn
- Pilot lights burn between 600 and 1500 BTUs of fuel per hour
- Pilot lights cost around $7 to $24 per month
- Pilot lights can be left on year-round, but some opt to turn them off in the summer
- Pilot lights are useful for quickly starting gas appliances
- Turning off pilot lights can lead to spiders building webs in burner tubes
Pilot lights burn between 600 and 1500 BTUs of fuel per hour
Pilot lights are a simple way to ignite the burner. They are often left on to allow for quick starts of the appliance, such as a gas fireplace, and to generate electricity. However, they do burn fuel, and the amount varies depending on the type of pilot light. A typical single-flame pilot light burns between 600 and 800 BTUs of fuel per hour, while a two- or three-way flame pilot light can burn between 1,000 and 1,200 BTUs per hour. An ODS vent-free pilot light burns 1,600 BTUs per hour, and an IPI pilot light burns between 1,400 and 1,600 BTUs per hour when the main burner is on.
The cost of running a pilot light depends on the fuel source. For example, propane is typically sold by the gallon, with approximately 90,000 to 91,000 BTUs in a gallon. This equates to about one gallon of fuel burned every 90 hours, or roughly one gallon every four to six days. In a month, a pilot light may burn between five and eight gallons of propane, costing around $24. On the other hand, natural gas is often paid for by the "therm," with one therm equalling 100,000 BTUs. A fireplace pilot light might consume about 24,000 BTUs per day, resulting in a cost of around $7 per month or $84 per year.
It is worth noting that turning off a pilot light may lead to issues with spiders building webs in the pilot light tubes, as mercaptan, a chemical added to gas supplies, attracts spiders. Additionally, re-lighting the pilot light in the fall may be necessary if it is turned off during the warmer months.
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Pilot lights cost around $7 to $24 per month
The cost of a pilot light depends on the type of gas used. For natural gas, a pilot light costs around $7 to $10 per month. For propane, it can cost around $24 per month.
Pilot lights on gas appliances, such as stoves, furnaces, and water heaters, are a common feature in many homes. They provide a constant flame that allows for quick and easy ignition of the appliance. While they offer convenience, they also come with a cost.
The exact cost of running a pilot light can vary depending on several factors, including the type of gas used, the size of the pilot light flame, and the amount of time it is left burning. For example, a larger flame will consume more gas and result in a higher cost. Additionally, the cost of gas can vary depending on the region and the time of year, affecting the overall cost of the pilot light.
In terms of fuel type, natural gas is typically measured in therms, with one therm equal to 100,000 BTU. A pilot light on a gas fireplace might consume about 24,000 BTU per day, resulting in a monthly consumption of 7.2 therms. At a cost of around $1 per therm, this translates to approximately $7 to $10 per month for a natural gas pilot light.
On the other hand, propane is measured by the gallon, with each gallon containing about 91,000 BTU. With a higher cost per gallon compared to natural gas, typically around $3.05, a propane pilot light can use about 8 gallons per month, resulting in a fuel cost of about $24.
It is worth noting that some people choose to turn off their pilot lights during certain months, such as the summer, to save on costs. However, this can lead to issues such as spider webs building up in the pilot light tubes, requiring service calls for cleaning or relighting. Additionally, turning off the pilot light may not always result in significant cost savings, especially if the gas appliances are used frequently.
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Pilot lights can be left on year-round, but some opt to turn them off in the summer
Pilot lights are small flames that allow for the quick ignition of gas appliances, such as fireplaces, without having to manually light the gas each time. They are usually left on continuously, even when the appliance is not in use, to enable instant operation.
However, because pilot lights burn fuel, they come with a cost. For propane users, the cost of keeping the pilot light on may outweigh the benefits, as it can burn about one gallon of fuel every 4 to 6 days, which can amount to a monthly fuel cost of around $24. For natural gas customers, the decision is less clear-cut, with a monthly cost of around $7 to $20, depending on fuel prices.
Some people choose to turn off their pilot lights during the warmer months to save money, as the pilot light can generate a lot of heat and increase air conditioning usage. Additionally, in climates with high humidity levels, turning off the pilot light is not recommended, as it can lead to issues with spiders building webs in the burner tube and potentially blocking the gas pipe.
On the other hand, shutting off the pilot light for the summer means having to relight it in the fall, which can be a hassle for some. Moreover, without a pilot light, the convenience of quickly switching on the fireplace on cool evenings is lost.
Ultimately, the decision to leave the pilot light on year-round or turn it off in the summer comes down to personal preference, weighing the costs and benefits of each option.
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Pilot lights are useful for quickly starting gas appliances
Pilot lights are a common feature of gas appliances, such as fireplaces, stoves, and inserts. They maintain a small flame, allowing for the quick ignition of the appliance. Natural gas fuel requires burning, and without a pilot light, manual ignition is necessary each time the appliance is used. Pilot lights, therefore, offer a simple and convenient solution for operating gas appliances.
The cost of keeping a pilot light on continuously can vary. For propane users, it may be more economical to turn off the pilot light when not in use. A pilot light can burn about one gallon of propane fuel every 90 hours, which translates to around $24 in fuel costs per month. For natural gas customers, the decision may be less clear-cut, as the cost per therm of natural gas is typically lower. Leaving a natural gas pilot light on can cost approximately $7 per month.
There are additional considerations beyond the fuel costs. Pilot lights can generate heat, which may be beneficial during cooler months but can increase air conditioning usage during the summer. In high humidity climates, turning off the pilot light is not recommended. Additionally, with the pilot light off, spiders may be attracted to the fireplace due to the smell of chemicals, and they can build webs in the burner tube, potentially causing issues when reigniting the pilot light.
Overall, pilot lights offer the convenience of quick appliance ignition, but they also come with certain trade-offs. The decision to keep a pilot light on or off may depend on factors such as fuel costs, climate, and the desire for convenience. Some people choose to turn off the pilot light during warmer months to save on fuel costs and reduce AC usage, while others prefer the convenience of instant operation and avoid issues with spiders and webs.
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Turning off pilot lights can lead to spiders building webs in burner tubes
A pilot light on a gas fireplace, insert, or stove maintains a tiny flame, allowing for quick starts of the appliance. While it does burn fuel, the amount is relatively small, and the convenience of having instant access to your fireplace or stove is often worth the cost for many homeowners.
However, one potential issue that can arise from turning off pilot lights is the attraction of spiders, which may build webs in the burner tubes. Spiders are attracted to the chemical mercaptan, which is added to gas supplies by gas companies. With no pilot light flame, spiders may enter the fireplace and build webs in the pilot light tubes, causing problems when you try to engage the pilot light.
This issue is supported by several online accounts of people experiencing spider webs or nests in their gas burners, which prevented their fireplaces from starting. While turning off the pilot light may save a small amount of fuel, the inconvenience of dealing with spider webs and the potential for additional servicing needs may outweigh the benefits.
Additionally, the cost of keeping the pilot light on continuously is relatively low. For natural gas customers, the cost of leaving the pilot light on all the time might amount to around $7 per month and $84 per year. For propane users, the cost is higher, at about $24 per month. Thus, from a monetary perspective, it may be more advisable for propane users to turn off their pilot lights, while natural gas customers could go either way.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, a pilot light burns between 600 and 1500 BTUs of fuel per hour. This can cost upwards of $20 per month, depending on fuel prices.
A pilot light allows for quick starts of the appliance. Without it, you would have to manually light the gas every time.
First, locate the flame. Then, switch the knob from its original pilot position to the "off" position. You may have to push a small lever out of the way or push the valve in before turning it off.
Turning off a pilot light can lead to spiders building webs in the burner tubes, which can cause problems when you try to engage the pilot light. It can also be a hassle to relight the pilot light.
Turning off a pilot light during the warmer months can help save money on fuel costs and reduce AC usage.
