How To Start Your Gas Fireplace

Today’s modern gas fireplaces are typically controlled with a remote control meaning starting your gas fireplace is as easy as pressing the ‘on’ button on your remote. Without a remote there will typically be an ignition switch on the control panel of the fireplace. See your owner’s manual for specifics about lighting your gas fireplace without a remote control.

How to Re-Light a Pilot Light

Re-lighting pilot lights is straightforward on today’s modern gas fireplaces. If you have an electronic ignition unit, using your remote control simply press the ‘on’ button and the pilot will re-ignite within a few seconds, followed by the fireplace a few seconds after that. If your pilot light does not ignite, wait a few seconds and try again.

If your remote looks like this, you have a Proflame 1 or Proflame 2 ignition system. Unsure? View your owner’s manual.

Non-Electronic Ignition (Millivolt System with Piezo Ignitor)

If you have a non-electronic ignition fireplace you will need to manually re-ignite the pilot light.

Pilot Light Quick Troubleshooting

If your unit is not hard-wired the batteries that operate the electronic ignition switch (inside the fireplace) may need to be replaced. You will also want to check the batteries in the remote itself. If  your batteries have been replaced you should refer to your owner’s manual for further instructions and/or contact us.

Pilot Light Operation

Pilot lights on electronic ignition units can operate in both Continuous Pilot Ignition (CPI) or Intermittent Pilot Ignition (IPI). Both have benefits and choosing the right one for your fireplace will depend on where you live, how much you use your fireplace, and your personal preference.

If you have non-electronic ignition fireplace it will have a standing pilot light and use a different ignition system.

To see whether your unit operates with an electronic ignition system or not please refer to your owner’s manual.

Continuous Pilot Ignition (CPI)

Continuous Pilot Ignition (CPI) means the pilot light remains lit between uses.  This is particularly helpful in very cold climates as it helps keep the air around the pilot light warm and minimize any potential cold-start difficulties with the fireplace.

Intermittent Pilot Ignition (IPI)

Intermittent Pilot Ignition (IPI) mode means that the pilot light will light and extinguish each time the unit is used, the ignition system will first ignite the pilot light before opening the gas valve to the main burner and igniting the fireplace. A benefit of IPI mode is that it is more cost effective, efficient and environmentally friendly.

You can switch between Continuous Pilot Ignition (CPI) and Intermittent Pilot Ignition (IPI) using either a toggle switch located in the bottom of the fireplace, or using your Proflame 1 or Proflame 2 Remote.

With the system in “OFF” position press the Mode Key to index to the CPI mode icon. Pressing the Up Arrow Key will activate the Continuous Pilot Ignition mode (CPI). Pressing the Down Arrow Key will return to IPI. A single “beep” will confirm the reception of the command.

7-Day Timer

In several markets throughout North America, including all of Canada, we are seeing environmental regulation changes that require Gas Fireplaces running with a standing pilot to a have a 7-day timer for energy conservation and environmental benefits. If a fireplace is used within the 7-day period, the pilot light will remain on and the timer restarted from the point of last use; however, should the fireplace not be used within the 7-day period, the pilot light will turn off. In most cases, during the heating season, the pilot light will remain lit; however, should it extinguish due to inactivity, simply turn the fireplace on and the electronic ignition will relight the pilot automatically. This helps reduce costs for fireplaces that are not being used and is more environmentally friendly. In addition, the new upgraded system performs better during pilot light re-ignition in cold climates.