In this article we will review how to light a vented gas fireplace without an electronic starter.

Step #1 - Gather Your Tools

You will need:

1. A gas valve key (left most item). Note that these come in different sizes.

2. A flashlight.

3. A lighter with a long extension. If you have an electronic starter (push button or switch), you will not need the lighter.

Step #2 - Open Your Flue Damper

Note: If you have a ventless gas fireplace, you will skip the steps related to opening and closing the damper.

This is where the flashlight comes in handy.

Steps:

1. Shine the flashlight up towards the top of the firebox.

2. Open the damper by grabbing the damper lever, pulling the lever towards you and lifting upwards to open the damper.

3. After the damper is open, check for any debris or blockages in the flue. If you find anything, you may need to install a flue cap/screen.

Step #3 - Place and Light Your Lighter

Place your lighter as close as possible to the gas rails below your fake logs.

Light the lighter.

Hold the lighter lit in this position and complete the next step. You may need to have someone help you here if your arms aren’t long enough to do Steps 3 and 4 at the same time.

Step #4 - Turn On the Gas Valve

Turn the handle on your gas valve key counter-clockwise about one turn.

If your fireplace does not light up within about 3 seconds, turn the gas valve off. Check that your lighter is lit still and that the lighter is close to the gas rails below the logs. Wait one minute then try again. This one minute is to let any gas which has come into the firebox dissipate before you try to light the fire again. This is how you loose eyebrows!

Step #5 - Enjoy Your Fire

When you are done using your fireplace, the steps are the reverse to shut down the fire.

We recommend that you wait at least one hour after turning off the gas to shut your flue damper. The metal handle will be hot for a while.