Fireplace Pilot light (how much, my fireplace, heat, smell)

[titaniummd]

I usually light the pilot light if I need to use the fireplace, as opposed to just leaving it on.

Do you just leave your light on? Or do you keep it off, until needed?

[K'ledgeBldr]

As infrequent as I use a fireplace I see no reason to have the standing pilot on. So, light the gas when needed- off when I don't.

[eggalegga]

I leave mine on from about mid October through April. I use my gas fireplace insert almost every day.

[z28lt1]

Pilot on in the Winter (usually Late Nov - March), and off in the summer.

While I miss the smell, crackle, and ambiance of a wood burning fireplace, there is nothing like flipping a light-switch to light a fire.

[MrWillys]

We use ours as a main source of heat until it gets below about 15 degrees, and we'll use our forced air heat too. Mornings start getting into the 30's in September, and it stays on until June. I turn it off from June to September. So the real question is if you use it or not?

[LVguy]

if I leave the pilot light on all the time, how much is the pilot light gonna cost me a month?

also my fireplace got the key valve, so it only got the key valve and on switch right? no other switches etc? can't seem to find any

[Ted Bear]

Leave it on during the winter. Keeps the fire box warm, which heats the immediate area....a little bit anyhow!

[K'ledgeBldr]

Originally Posted by LVguy

if I leave the pilot light on all the time, how much is the pilot light gonna cost me a month?

also my fireplace got the key valve, so it only got the key valve and on switch right? no other switches etc? can't seem to find any

A few bucks.
That would be correct- millivolt switch, operational valve. Usually there is another shutoff valve on the exterior of the house or the basement (if there is one).

[LVguy]

Originally Posted by K'ledgeBldr

A few bucks.
That would be correct- millivolt switch, operational valve. Usually there is another shutoff valve on the exterior of the house or the basement (if there is one).

a few bucks I guess I can just leave it on if I find it hassle to turn off/on the fireplace.

it's always been on since I got the house, so how do I turn it off? just turn the square valve key to the right to turn it off? and if I want to turn on the pilot light just turn it to left and light it?

I am afraid to touch it I don't know anything about fireplace, and it didn't come with a manual since it's a resale house

[K'ledgeBldr]

Find the ID plate on the control valve box (the one next to the gas logs/inside the firebox)-
It will have a manufacturer's name and model number- Google for an owner's/operating manual.