The basic steps to shut down your pilot light safely

To turn off your fireplace pilot light, locate the control knob on your gas valve—usually found on the front or side of the firebox—and turn it to the "Off" position. The knob typically has three settings: "On," "Pilot," and "Off." Rotate it clockwise until it stops at "Off." Wait a few minutes, then check that the pilot flame has extinguished by looking into the firebox. The small blue flame should be completely gone.

Before you turn anything off, make sure the fireplace has cooled for at least 30 minutes if it has been running. The metal parts around the control knob and valve can stay hot for a while after the fire goes out. If you have recently used the fireplace, give it time to cool so you do not burn yourself.

If your fireplace has an electronic ignition system rather than a standing pilot light, you may also need to turn off the wall switch or remote control. Some fireplaces have both a gas valve control and an electrical switch. Turning off the gas valve alone will extinguish the flame, but switching off the electrical component ensures the system is fully powered down.

Key Takeaways

  • Turn the gas control knob to "Off" and wait a few minutes to confirm the pilot flame has gone out completely.
  • Let the fireplace cool for at least 30 minutes before touching the control knob to avoid burns.
  • If your fireplace has an electronic ignition, also turn off the wall switch or remote control for a complete shutdown.
  • If the pilot light will not turn off or reignites on its own, stop trying and contact a gas technician to check for a faulty valve.
  • Turning off the pilot light saves a small amount of gas over time, but the savings are modest unless the fireplace sits unused for months.

Why you might want to turn off the pilot light

A standing pilot light burns continuously, even when you are not using the fireplace. Over the course of a heating season or year, this uses a measurable amount of natural gas. If your fireplace sits unused for several months—say, from late spring through early fall—turning off the pilot light during that time reduces your gas bill slightly.

Some homeowners also turn off the pilot light for safety reasons. If you have young children or pets in the house, a cold fireplace with no active flame is one less hazard to worry about. Turning off the pilot also means no risk of accidental ignition if something falls into the firebox.

In older homes or rental properties, turning off the pilot light can be a straightforward way to reduce energy use without any special equipment or professional help. It takes less than a minute and costs nothing.

How to turn the pilot light back on

To relight the pilot, turn the control knob from "Off" to "Pilot." You will usually need to hold the knob in the "Pilot" position while you ignite the flame. If your fireplace has an electronic ignition, press and hold the ignition button (often a red or black button near the knob) while the knob is set to "Pilot." If it has a manual ignition, use a long lighter or match to reach the pilot opening and light the small burner.

Hold the knob or button in place for 30 to 60 seconds after the flame appears. This allows the thermocouple—a safety device that senses heat from the pilot—to warm up and signal the valve to stay open. If you release too quickly, the flame will go out again. Once the thermocouple is hot enough, you can release the knob and it should stay in the "Pilot" position on its own.

If the pilot light will not stay lit after you release the knob, the thermocouple may be dirty or faulty. Try again, but if it fails a second time, do not keep attempting to light it. A persistent problem usually means the thermocouple needs cleaning or replacement, which is a job for a gas technician.

When to call a professional instead

If you turn the knob to "Off" but the pilot flame continues to burn, or if it reignites on its own after you have shut it down, the gas valve is not closing properly. This is a safety issue and requires a technician to inspect and repair or replace the valve. Do not try to force the knob or use tools to turn it further—you risk damaging the valve or creating a gas leak.

Similarly, if you smell gas while trying to turn off the pilot light, or if you smell gas after you have turned it off, leave the house when ready and call your gas company's emergency line. Do not use electrical switches, lighters, or anything that could create a spark. Gas leaks are serious and need professional attention right away.

If your fireplace is still under warranty, check the manual or warranty paperwork before attempting to turn off the pilot light yourself. Some manufacturers require a technician to perform this task, and doing it yourself could void the warranty.

The difference between turning off the pilot and turning off the whole fireplace

Turning off the pilot light leaves the fireplace in a "standby" state. The gas supply to the pilot burner is shut off, but the fireplace system itself is still powered and ready to ignite if you turn the knob back to "Pilot" or "On." This is useful if you plan to use the fireplace again soon—within a few weeks or months.

Turning off the whole fireplace means shutting off both the gas valve and the electrical power. To do this, turn the control knob to "Off," then flip the wall switch or circuit breaker that powers the fireplace to the "Off" position. Some fireplaces also have a separate gas shut-off valve behind the unit or in the wall. This full shutdown is the right choice if the fireplace will not be used for an extended period, such as during summer months, or if you are doing maintenance work.

For most homeowners, turning off just the pilot light is the simpler and more common choice. It takes seconds and does not require you to locate electrical switches or circuit breakers.

How much gas does a pilot light actually use

A standing pilot light typically uses between 400 and 600 BTU per hour, depending on the fireplace model. Over a full year, that adds up to roughly 3,500 to 5,000 kilowatt-hours of gas energy. The actual cost varies by your local gas rates and how long the pilot runs, but most homeowners see a savings of $5 to $15 per month if they turn off the pilot during months when the fireplace is not in use.

If you use your fireplace regularly throughout the winter, turning off the pilot light makes little difference to your bill because you are relighting it frequently. The real savings come from turning it off during the off-season—spring, summer, and early fall—when you have no reason to use the fireplace at all.

Some newer fireplace models have intermittent pilot ignition systems, which light the pilot only when you want to use the fireplace, rather than keeping it burning all the time. If you have one of these systems, the pilot light is already off most of the time, and you do not need to manually shut it down.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it safe to turn off the pilot light?

Yes, turning off the pilot light is safe. It is designed to be turned on and off. The only risk is burning yourself on hot metal if you touch the control knob when ready after the fireplace has been running, so wait at least 30 minutes for it to cool.

Will turning off the pilot light damage the fireplace?

No. Turning the pilot light off and on repeatedly does not damage the fireplace or shorten its lifespan. The system is built to handle this. However, if you turn the knob and the pilot will not go out, or if it reignites on its own, stop and call a technician—that indicates a valve problem.

How long does it take to turn the pilot light back on?

Relighting the pilot takes about two to three minutes. You turn the knob to "Pilot," press the ignition button or use a lighter to light the flame, and hold the knob in place for 30 to 60 seconds while the thermocouple heats up. Once you release it, the pilot should stay lit.

What if I smell gas when I turn off the pilot light?

Leave your home when ready and call your gas company's emergency line from outside or from a neighbor's phone. Do not use any electrical devices, lighters, or matches inside the house. A gas smell means there may be a leak, which is a serious safety hazard.

Can I turn off the pilot light to save money in summer?

Yes, that is one of the main reasons people turn off the pilot light. If you do not plan to use the fireplace for several months, turning off the pilot saves a small amount on your gas bill. Just remember to turn it back on before you need the fireplace again in fall or winter.