Not all gas fireplaces use a pilot light anymore
Modern gas fireplaces come in three ignition types: standing pilot, intermittent pilot, and electronic ignition. A standing pilot burns continuously and lights the main burner when you turn on the fireplace. An intermittent pilot lights only when you call for heat, then shuts off. Electronic ignition uses a spark or hot surface to light the gas without any pilot flame at all. Which one you have depends on when your fireplace was made and what model you own.
Standing pilot fireplaces are older and less common in new installations. They waste gas because the pilot burns 24/7, even when you are not using the fireplace. Intermittent pilot and electronic ignition systems are more efficient and are standard in fireplaces made in the last 15 to 20 years. If your fireplace is less than a decade old, it almost certainly does not have a standing pilot.
Key Takeaways
- Standing pilot fireplaces have a flame that burns all the time; intermittent pilot and electronic ignition systems do not.
- Electronic ignition fireplaces have no pilot light at all and use a spark or heating element to light the main burner.
- Fireplaces made after the early 2000s typically use intermittent pilot or electronic ignition, not standing pilot.
- You can find your fireplace's ignition type in the owner's manual or by looking at the control panel and burner area.
How to tell what ignition type your fireplace has
The simplest way is to look at your fireplace manual. Search the model number (usually on a label inside the firebox or on the back of the unit) online, and the manual will list the ignition system. If you do not have the manual, look at the control panel. A standing pilot fireplace has a knob or switch labeled "Pilot" with settings like "Off," "Pilot," and "On." You may also see a small flame burning inside the firebox even when the fireplace is off.
An intermittent pilot fireplace has a control panel with an ignition button or switch but no separate pilot control. When you turn on the fireplace, you hear a clicking sound as the ignition sparks, then the pilot lights, then the main burner ignites. An electronic ignition fireplace works the same way but may have a battery-powered remote or wall switch instead of a manual knob. If you see no flame at all when the fireplace is off, and the burner lights with a spark or click when you turn it on, you have electronic ignition.
Standing pilot fireplaces and their fuel cost
A standing pilot burns continuously, which means it uses gas around the clock. The amount varies by fireplace design, but a typical standing pilot uses between 400 and 600 BTU per hour. Over a year, that adds up. If your fireplace runs a standing pilot for 12 months and your gas costs $1.50 per therm (a standard unit of gas measurement), the pilot alone costs roughly $50 to $100 per year, depending on your local rates and the exact BTU output.
This is why standing pilot fireplaces fell out of favor. Intermittent pilot and electronic ignition systems use almost no gas when the fireplace is off, so they cost far less to operate. If you have an older standing pilot fireplace and use it regularly, you may save money by upgrading to a newer model, though the upfront cost of a new fireplace is significant. For occasional use, the savings may not justify replacement.
Intermittent pilot versus electronic ignition
Both intermittent pilot and electronic ignition are more efficient than standing pilot, but they work differently. An intermittent pilot system uses a spark to light a small pilot flame when you turn on the fireplace. Once the pilot is lit, it ignites the main burner. When you turn off the fireplace, the pilot goes out. This system is reliable and does not require electricity to operate the pilot itself, though some models use a battery for the spark igniter.
Electronic ignition systems skip the pilot step entirely. A spark or hot surface element ignites the main burner directly. These systems are slightly more efficient because there is no pilot flame to maintain, but they require electricity to operate. If your home loses power, an electronic ignition fireplace will not light unless it has a battery backup. Intermittent pilot systems are more forgiving in a power outage because the spark igniter may still work on battery power, and some models can be lit manually with a match if needed.
What to do if your pilot light will not stay lit
If you have a standing pilot or intermittent pilot fireplace and the pilot will not light or keeps going out, the problem is usually a dirty thermocouple, a blocked pilot tube, or low gas pressure. A thermocouple is a safety device that shuts off the gas if the pilot flame goes out. If it is dirty or misaligned, the fireplace will not stay on. A blocked pilot tube prevents gas from reaching the pilot burner. Low gas pressure at the meter can affect all burners in your home, not just the fireplace.
Before calling a technician, check that the gas valve is fully open and that nothing is blocking the pilot opening. If the pilot lights but goes out within seconds, the thermocouple may need cleaning or replacement. This is a job for a licensed technician because it involves the gas system. Do not attempt to adjust the thermocouple yourself unless you have experience with gas appliances. If you have an electronic ignition fireplace and it will not light, the problem is usually a dead battery in the igniter, a tripped safety switch, or a faulty ignition element.
Upgrading from standing pilot to a newer system
If you own a standing pilot fireplace and want to reduce gas consumption, you have two options: replace the fireplace or convert the ignition system. A full replacement is the most straightforward route. New fireplaces come with intermittent pilot or electronic ignition, and installation typically costs between $1,500 and $3,500 depending on whether you need venting work. The new fireplace will be more efficient and may include features like a remote control or adjustable flame height.
Some technicians offer conversion kits that replace the standing pilot with an intermittent pilot or electronic ignition system. This is less expensive than a full replacement, usually $300 to $800, but it is not available for all fireplace models. Check with a local gas technician or the fireplace manufacturer to see if a conversion kit exists for your unit. Conversion kits are most common for mid-range fireplaces made in the 1990s and 2000s. Very old fireplaces may not have compatible kits, and very new ones already have efficient ignition systems.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I manually light a fireplace that has no pilot light?
It depends on the ignition type. Intermittent pilot fireplaces can sometimes be lit with a match if the spark igniter fails, though you will need to hold the gas valve open while you light it. Electronic ignition fireplaces cannot be lit manually because there is no pilot to ignite the main burner. Check your owner's manual for manual lighting instructions specific to your model.
Does a fireplace with electronic ignition need electricity to run?
Yes, electronic ignition fireplaces need power for the spark igniter or hot surface element. Most models use a standard wall outlet or hardwired connection. If the power goes out, the fireplace will not light unless it has a battery backup system. Some models include a battery-powered remote control but still require wall power for the ignition itself.
How often do I need to replace the thermocouple on a standing pilot fireplace?
A thermocouple typically lasts 5 to 10 years, but it can fail sooner if it is dirty or damaged. If your pilot keeps going out, the thermocouple is often the culprit. Replacement costs $100 to $300 including labor. Regular cleaning of the pilot area can extend the thermocouple's life.
Is a standing pilot fireplace dangerous?
Standing pilot fireplaces are safe when properly maintained. The thermocouple is a safety device that cuts off gas if the pilot goes out, preventing gas from building up in your home. However, a faulty thermocouple can fail, so have your fireplace inspected annually by a technician if you use it regularly.
What is the difference in heating output between ignition types?
The ignition type does not affect heating output. A standing pilot, intermittent pilot, and electronic ignition fireplace with the same burner size will produce the same amount of heat. The difference is in efficiency and operating cost, not in how warm the fireplace gets.