Should You Turn Off Your Fireplace’s Pilot Light in Summer?

Turning off the gas can affect how your fireplace functions. A well-maintained gas fireplace can ensure that your household stays safe and extend the equipment’s lifespan.

Find out the advantages of turning off your fireplace pilot in the summer here.

Perks of Turning Off Your Gas Fireplace

A little heat is produced when your pilot light is on so turning it off in summer can help reduce the heat inside your home. The less heat there is, the less you have to use your air conditioner needs to cool down the house.

You can get savings and conserve energy if you turn off your pilot light. A white sulfur-based film can develop on the inner glass if the pilot light is kept on for a while without turning on the main burner. This byproduct can build up over time. Always follow the manufacturer’s recommendation for cleaning the film. Leaving the white byproduct on the glass for a long time may cause it to remain there permanently.

Reasons You Should Keep Your Gas Fireplace On

Keeping your gas fireplace on in summer can help you stay comfortable on chilly nights. Even if the pilot light is turned off, the pilot tubes may still have trace amounts of gas molecules. Gas companies add mercaptan in the gas to give it a pleasant odor. Spiders like this smell so there’s a chance they will build webs on the tubes when the gas is off. Removing spiderwebs may require professional help so your fireplace can continue to work properly. You may have trouble with your heating system once spider webs have clogged it.

Whether you decide you keep your gas fireplace pilot on or off, regular maintenance is essential to keep your system running smoothly and safely. For your chimney needs, you can count on Chimney Doctors. You can rely on us for your chimney relining, firebox rebuilds, gutter and dryer vent cleaning, and more. Call us at (518) 633-5900, or fill out our online form to schedule an appointment. We serve homeowners in Clifton Park, NY.