do you have to turn off the pilot light in a gas fireplace during summer months?

Answer 1

You may save a couple bucks on gas, but you may also "pay the price" in rust and corrosion in the flue and burner area. The little bit of heat the pilot puts out, keeps moisture (condensation) from forming in the area. It also prevents spiders from living in the area and building webs so you do not have to clean it before using the next year.I have never turned off a furnace pilot and I consider myself frugal/cheap.

Answer 2

The pilot wastes approx 4% of the appliances efficiency, so turning it off is a good idea, if the appliance has a flame failure device it will not allow gas through the gas valve, but you could also turn off the isolator if it has one at the appliance. If you have the appliance serviced through the summer, you stand a better chance of it re-lighting in the winter and you won't be stuck waiting for an engineer if it wont light in winter when they are busy.

Answer 3

You don't *have* to turn it off but it will probably save you $30 or more on your summer gas bills, if you do.

I leave my pilot on my furnace on during the summer, only to keep the vent heated enough to quickly evaporate any humidity from my evaporative ('swamp') cooler blowing down the furnace outlet duct, to cut down on corrosion, but your fireplace doesn't need that kind of treatment.

.

Answer 4

You don't have to, but you may. Just means when you want to use it again you first need to light the pilot light again. ~
The pilot light uses a minute amount of gas to stay lit.

Answer 5

You should shut the gas to the fireplace off completely...there should be a valve somewhere to turn it off.

Answer 6

Only if you also turn off the gas, other wise the house will fill up with gas.

Answer 7

no you dont, unless you are cutting off the gas supply