Gas fireplaces are an excellent option for adding ambiance and warmth to your home. But, it's getting cold out, and your fireplace is acting more like decor than a source of heat. The bitter weather may have you considering how to light a gas fireplace . Well, we have your back! Here is an all-inclusive guide to help make the process easy!

*****The consequences of natural gas cannot be overstated. Natural gas is a powerful and dangerous substance. It is critical for your safety to take every precaution possible when dealing with gas. You wouldn't want to be anywhere near a natural gas explosion, would you?

If you begin to smell traces of gas, ventilate your home by opening the doors and windows. But, if instead, you smell a strong odor of gas, immediately evacuate your home and call your local fire department.

Step 4: Wait 5 Minutes

After waiting at least 5 minutes, turn on the gas supply to your fireplace. This is typically done by turning a handle or pulling out a lever located on the gas line, near where you see your standing pilot light. It is perpendicular to the gas line if it is in the Off position. Turn the lever to be parallel so that the gas is on.

Step 5: Set Gas Valve Control Knob To The Pilot position

The next step is to set the control knob on Pilot position. Wait until you are ready to ignite the gas fireplace pilot light before turning the gas valve control knob.

Step 6: Hold Gas Valve Control Knob and Click Ignition Switch

Now, to start your fireplace, press on the center of a control knob to ignite it and hold the control knob in place. 

Next, press the ignition switch nearby. While continuing to press in the pilot control knob, simultaneously begin continue to click the ignition switch until the pilot light ignites.

Step 7: Release Ignition, But Continue To Hold In Gas Valve Control Knob

Once the gas fireplace pilot light ignites, continue to hold the pilot  control  knob   for approximately 15 to 30 seconds. This ensures the standing pilot light stays lit.

Step 8: Release Control Knob and Turn To ON Position

After 15-30 seconds, you can release the Pilot control knob and turn the knob to the On position.

Step 9: Reattach Front Panel 

Finally, securely place the access panel back on the front of your gas fireplace. With the fireplace wall switch or remote control, you can now adjust the flame to your desired comfort level.

If your pilot light goes out for any reason, repeat steps three through eight for how to light a gas fireplace.

Light A Gas Fireplace With A Gas Valve Fireplace Key

Some gas fireplaces use a metal key to control the gas flow . Use these instructions to light a gas fireplace with a key.

Step 1: Review Owner's Manual

Read through the included manual thoroughly before starting up the gas fireplace . Even though most fireplaces use similar starting methods, there are differences between models. Unintended mistakes could have devastating consequences.

Step 2: Remove Front Panel

Typically, gas fireplaces have a glass panel separating the fire chamber from the rest of the room. To start, remove the glass divider to turn on your fireplace.

Step 3: Insert Key into Gas Valve

Next, look for the gas valve next to your fireplace. Insert the key into the gas valve. Do not turn the key until you are ready to light the burner. If you turn the key before you are prepared to ignite the burner, you could release too much gas and risk a gas explosion.

Step 4: Light The Burner And Turn Key Counterclockwise

You will need a long lighter to ignite the burner. A BBQ skewer is a great tool to light your fireplace burners safely. First, ignite the fireplace burner with your long lighter. Then, turn the gas valve key counterclockwise while holding the flame up to the burner.

Step 4: Replace Front Cover

Your fireplace should be up and running now! Put the glass panel back on the front of your fireplace. You will be able to control the fire through the gas valve key. Turning the gas key left will increase the flames, while moving the key right will subdue the fire.

Light A Gas Fireplace With A Electronic Ignition

Some gas fireplaces come with electronic ignition wall switches, which are easy to use. Just turn the On button, and the pilot should startup; if not, you will have to light the pilot manually.