When purchasing a gas burner system for your fireplace, you'll come across a variety of ignition and control options. These options mainly differ in how you ignite the burner and how much control you have over the flame and heat output. Below are the main ignition choices:
1. Match Lit (Only for Natural Gas):
- How it Works: A match lit burner does not have a standing pilot light. To light the fireplace, you manually turn up the gas, usually with a key valve or handle, and ignite the burner with a match or long lighter.
- Control: You control the flame by adjusting the gas flow manually. The amount of gas determines the flame size, and turning the gas completely off extinguishes the flame.
- Key Points:
- No standing pilot light (you must light the fireplace manually each time).
- Flame control is limited to adjusting the gas manually.
- Only available for natural gas fireplaces.
2. Safety Pilot System (Standing Pilot, Available for Natural Gas or Liquid Propane):
- How it Works: A safety pilot kit includes a standing pilot light, meaning a small flame remains lit while the fireplace is not in use. If the pilot light goes out due to wind or drafts, the system automatically stops the gas flow, ensuring safety.
- Control: Some safety pilot systems come with a remote control, allowing you to adjust flame height, heat output, and turn the fireplace on and off wirelessly.
- Basic Settings:
- OFF: Extinguishes the pilot light.
- PILOT: Keeps the pilot light on, ready for quick ignition.
- ON: Turns on the fireplace by sending gas to the burner for ignition.
- Key Points:
- Provides a safety mechanism to prevent gas leaks.
- Can come with remote control options for more convenience.
- Available for both natural gas and propane fireplaces.
3. Electronic Pilot System (Non-Standing Pilot, Available for Natural Gas or Liquid Propane):
- How it Works: An electronic pilot system eliminates the need for a standing pilot. Instead, the pilot light is activated electronically when the fireplace is in use. With flame-sensing pilot activation, you can ignite the burner at the push of a button, often via a wireless remote.
- Control: The remote allows full control of ignition and flame height, and the pilot is only lit when the fireplace is in use.
- Key Points:
- No standing pilot light, which saves energy.
- Simple, remote-controlled ignition.
- Available for both natural gas and propane fireplaces.
Choosing the Right Ignition System:
- Match Lit: Ideal if you prefer simplicity and don't mind manually lighting your fireplace each time. It’s also suitable if you’re looking for a cost-effective option.
- Safety Pilot System: Perfect if you want added safety with automatic gas shutoff, along with easy ignition and control, especially in more exposed areas where wind drafts might be common.
- Electronic Pilot System: Best if you want full convenience, remote control, and no standing pilot light when the fireplace is off, making it a more energy-efficient option.