How to Work a Gas Fireplace

Gas fireplaces are not all made the same. For instance, older gas fireplaces may not have ignition switches and will require that you manually light them. New models will usually have an ignition switch. In either case, knowing how to properly work a gas fireplace is important to get the most out of it and for safety reasons.

Supplies needed

• Firewood


• Matches or a lighter


• Fire poker

1. 
   

   Make sure that the gas fireplace
   is properly maintained. This includes checking the gas lines and
   making sure all connections are secure. You will also want to check
   ventilation. Make sure that the chimney is open and that there are
   not any obstructions in the chimney. Without proper ventilation, the
   room can be overcome with smoke. Carbon dioxide can also build up in
   the room if the chimney is obstructed. Carbon dioxide is an odorless
   gas that is very dangerous if it is allowed to build up inside your
   home.

   
   


2. 
   

   Make sure that there is not anything flammable near the fireplace. Flammable items can be easily set on fire by
   flame coming from the gas fireplace.

   
   


3. 
   

   Examine the gas fireplace and see
   if it has an ignition switch or not. If you have an older model,
   then you most likely will not have an ignition switch.

   
   


4. 
   

   Get enough firewood for your fire.
   It is inconvenient to ignite your fireplace only to find out that
   you do not have enough firewood.

   
   


5. 
   

   Place the firewood inside the
   fireplace.

   
   


6. 
   

   Turn the gas on. Turn the gas to
   the highest position.

   
   


7. 
   

   Press the ignition switch if your
   fireplace has one. If the gas fireplace does not have an ignition
   switch, then use matches or a lighter to start the fire.

   
   


8. 
   

   Lower the gas levels once the fire
   is going.

   
   


9. 
   

   Use the fire poker to adjust the
   firewood as needed.