The longer the pilot burns with the fireplace being lit the more build up will occur.
Gas fireplace pilot light always on safe.
Depending on where you live you might not want any extra heat being generated inside your home during the blazing summer months.
But it is up to you as to whether or not you feel safe.
If the film isn t cleaned off correctly or on a regular basis it can etch itself onto the glass.
Reasons to turn off your gas fireplace pilot light.
Look for it there and turn it on.
If a pilot light on a gas fireplace is left on for long periods of time without also turning on the fireplace s main burner a white sulfur based film tends to develop on the inside of the glass.
Homes with smaller children may want to consider the potential for injury before opting to keep the pilot light burning.
Although the flame from a pilot light is small it s still heat.
It is important to remember that not all gas fireplaces have standing pilot light or a pilot light that is always on.
If you don t see the valve it is probably behind the fireplace.
Pull the fixed glass assembly off of the fireplace.
A pilot light means heat and it also means fuel usage.
While leaving the pilot light on may be convenient the continuous flow of gas may pose a safety hazard.
The best way to determine if you have this type of gas fireplace is to look at the control knob of the fireplace.
Turning off your gas fireplace s pilot light can save a substantial amount of energy and money.
By leaving the pilot light on when the fireplace isn t being used for an extended period of time a white sulfur type film can build up on the glass doors.
Turn the handle parallel to the direction of the gas pipes to turn on the gas.
This is an important safety precaution that prevents the buildup of gas should the pilot be hard to light.
If it is not cleaned properly it could become etched into the glass.
Most gas fireplaces that are designed to have a standing pilot should be safe enough to leave the pilot going.