Leave the pilot light on during the season you use the fireplace, and turn it off when you won't need heat for several months
The answer depends on how often you use your fireplace and what time of year it is. If you use your gas fireplace regularly from fall through spring, keep the pilot light on — it's designed to stay lit continuously during that period. The flame is small and uses very little gas. Turn the pilot off only when you're certain you won't need the fireplace for an extended stretch, typically late spring through early fall in most climates.
Leaving the pilot on when you're actively using the fireplace season is simpler than relighting it each time. It also means the fireplace is ready to ignite when ready when you want heat or ambiance. The trade-off is a small, steady gas cost and minimal wear on the ignition system from repeated lighting cycles.
Key Takeaways
- Keep the pilot light on during months when you use the fireplace regularly, and turn it off only during long periods when you won't need it.
- A lit pilot light uses roughly 5 to 15 dollars worth of gas per month, depending on your local rates and fireplace model.
- Turning the pilot off and on repeatedly throughout a season causes more wear on the ignition system than leaving it on continuously.
- Modern fireplaces with electronic ignition can be turned off and on without damage, but older models with standing pilots are designed to stay lit.
- Check your fireplace manual or the label inside the unit to see whether the manufacturer recommends leaving the pilot on year-round or turning it off seasonally.
The cost of running a pilot light continuously
A pilot light flame is small — roughly the size of a birthday candle — and burns a tiny amount of gas. The exact cost varies by your local gas rates, the efficiency of your fireplace, and how well the burner is adjusted. Most homeowners report a monthly cost between 5 and 15 dollars during the months the pilot is lit.
Over a full heating season of six months, that adds up to 30 to 90 dollars. For many people, that cost is worth the convenience of not having to relight the pilot manually or wait for electronic ignition to kick in. If your fireplace has a standing pilot — the older style that must be lit with a match or lighter — the cost is unavoidable if you want the fireplace to work at all.
When to turn the pilot light off
Turn off the pilot light when you're confident you won't use the fireplace for at least two to three months. In most of the United States, that means shutting it down in late May or early June and leaving it off until September or October. If you live in a mild climate where you rarely need heat, you might turn it off for longer stretches or even year-round.
Before you turn the pilot off, locate the control knob on the fireplace — usually a dial or lever marked "Pilot," "Off," and "On." Turn it to the "Off" position. The pilot flame will extinguish. Do not force the knob; if it resists, stop and consult your manual or a technician. When you're ready to use the fireplace again, follow the relighting instructions in your manual or on the label inside the unit.
Standing pilot versus electronic ignition
Older gas fireplaces use a standing pilot — a small flame that burns continuously and ignites the main burner when you turn on the fireplace. These are designed to stay lit all season and are difficult to turn off and on repeatedly without professional help. If your fireplace has a standing pilot, the best practice is to leave it on from fall through spring and turn it off only during the warm months.
Newer fireplaces often have electronic ignition, which lights the burner with a spark or hot surface element rather than a standing flame. These can be turned off and on without wear or risk. If your fireplace has electronic ignition, you have more flexibility — you can turn the pilot off between uses without concern, though most people still leave it on during the season for convenience.
Check the label inside your fireplace or your owner's manual to determine which type you have. The manual will also specify the manufacturer's recommendation for your model.
How to relight the pilot if it goes out
If the pilot light goes out accidentally — from a draft, a power outage, or a problem with the gas line — you'll need to relight it. First, turn the control knob to "Off" and wait five minutes to let any gas clear. Then turn the knob to "Pilot" and hold it down while you light the pilot with a long lighter or match held near the burner opening. Keep the knob pressed for 30 to 60 seconds after the flame catches; this allows the thermocouple (a safety device) to heat up and sense the flame.
If the pilot won't stay lit after you release the knob, wait a few minutes and try again. If it still won't hold, the thermocouple may be dirty or faulty, or the gas supply may be interrupted. At that point, contact a technician — do not attempt further repairs yourself.
Safety considerations for pilot lights
A properly functioning pilot light is safe. The flame is small, enclosed, and designed to burn continuously. However, a pilot light that won't stay lit, flickers excessively, or burns an unusual color (anything other than blue with a small yellow tip) signals a problem. A yellow or orange flame suggests incomplete combustion, which can produce carbon monoxide.
If you notice any of these issues, turn off the fireplace and have it inspected by a technician before using it again. Do not attempt to adjust the pilot yourself — the gas flow and air mixture require professional calibration. A yearly inspection before the heating season is a good practice for any gas fireplace, whether you leave the pilot on or turn it off seasonally.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does leaving the pilot light on all year waste a lot of gas?
No. A pilot light uses a small, steady amount of gas — typically 5 to 15 dollars per month. Over a full year, that's 60 to 180 dollars, which is modest compared to the cost of heating with the main burner. Most people turn it off only during the months they're certain they won't use the fireplace.
What if I forget to turn the pilot off in the spring?
It won't damage the fireplace. The pilot is designed to burn continuously, so leaving it on through the summer is safe, though you'll pay for gas you're not using. straightforward turn it off when you remember, following the instructions on your control knob.
Can I turn the pilot on and off every day?
With electronic ignition, yes — it won't cause wear. With a standing pilot, repeated daily cycling can stress the thermocouple and ignition system. If you use the fireplace daily, leave the pilot on. If you use it only occasionally, electronic ignition gives you the option to turn it off between uses.
Why does my pilot light keep going out?
A pilot that won't stay lit usually points to a dirty or misaligned thermocouple, a weak gas supply, or a draft blowing the flame out. Have a technician inspect it — the thermocouple may need cleaning or replacement, or the gas pressure may need adjustment.